Miscanthus or maiden hair grass are a group of beautiful , structural , warm season grasses that are known for their late season interest. Their plumes are feathery and light  allowing them to move gracefully with the  autumn wind, while their foliage is usually stiff and bright creating quite the mass. Most varieties grow to 6 feet on average but others will grow up to 15 feet making them perfect for a privacy screen or large specimen.

July

The Campanula or bellflower as they are commonly known is a large group of perennials and biennials which are widely used throughout this continent. They range in shape, size and form and are known for their easy care and reliable long blooming. The Campanula’s bloom ranges in colours from a purple-blue , to a white and can also be found in a nice cherry pink. They are a popular choice for perennial borders but have also been used as perennial accents in containers. Some popular forms are ‘Dickson’s Gold’ which sports lavender blooms atop chartreuse foliage , ‘Kent Belle’ which is an upright form that has large ,dark purple-blue, pendulous bells and ‘ Birch Hybrid’ which is a variety that will trail and profusely blooms all summer.

June

Hydrangeas are beautiful large flowering shrubs that can be used a specimen or in a mass along a walk. Their flowers are large and full and are commonly used in wedding bouquets and centerpieces. Easy to care for and quite rewarding the hydrangea can be found in various flower forms from a large mop head ( (Hydrangea macrophylla) to a giant cone ( Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pee-Gee’). The Hydrangea is a true garden gem .

May

An old fashion mainstay in the Canadian garden for decades, The Geranium’s popularity is ever growing due to its long bloom time and wide array of available colours. It can be used in planters , along the garden border or even in hanging baskets. This versatility is why it has kept special place in the hearts of every avid gardener.

April

Bleeding Hearts are one of  the most popular woodland perennials used in the Pacific Northwest. They emerge in early spring forming soft, upright bushy mounds of light green foliage held on pinkish almost translucent stems. Their blooms dangled from long arching leaders and resemble little hearts. Perfect for the woodland the bleeding heart can also be used in seasonal planters and to add whimsy to the small rockery

March

This bright star of the winter garden emerges when the rest of  the garden is still dormant. It’s beautiful bowing ,star petal blooms seem to be immune to our cool winter nights. Hellebores can handle part sun to shade conditions and are best placed in a location that is easily visible so that it can be admired during the cold winter months. Through heavy hybridization this wonderful evergreen perennial is now available in numerous colours and forms and has become a valuable asset to the winter and spring garden.

December

There are a number of plants that people associate with the Christmas season such as amaryllis and Christmas cactus… but the plant with the strongest Christmas associations is the cheery poinsettiaMany are under the impression that the bright reds, creams and purples seen on poinsettias are the plant’s flowers, but this isn’t the case; those bright colours are actually a modified leaf called a “bract.” The flowers of a poinsettia are tiny and almost insignificant. Due to intense breeding, the types and colours of poinsettias available to the consumer is vast and most would agree that having so much choice is a good thing. But for many, nothing beats a good old red poinsettia… for the rest of the masses you can rest assure there’s a colour for almost everybody. Poinsettias are a fun seasonal plant, and for many, make the Christmas complete!

November

The Holiday Cactus (Also known as Thanksgiving Cactus, Easter Cactus and Christmas Cactus) should be starting to think about blooming in your house at this time of year.  November is the time of year to put your cactus in a cooler room or window sill to get it to bloom by Christmas, or it’s time to pick out a nice new coloured one at Potters garden centre.  They need a change temperature in order to bloom (10 to 14 degrees Celsius).  Now that the window sill is cooler, they should be getting some buds.  They enjoy sandy soil and don’t need lots of water.  In fact they hate to have wet feet, so remember to ignore them!  Originally a forest cacti from Rio de Janeiro, this cactus can last hundreds of years if in proper conditions!

October

Winter pansies ( Or Ice Pansies) seem to have the ability to bloom even when everything else has packed it in. Through cold rains , and chilling winds pansies keep our gardens alive throughout the winter months. They are available in almost every colour and are very inexpensive. Pansies are also known for how easy they are to care for. With the occasional deadhead and pinch they will keep flowering until Spring. They are most effective when planted in masses along the garden border but can also be used as highlights in planters and throughout the rest of the garden. It is also a great idea to let a few go right to seed so that they will self seed and give you colour for the following season.

September

Echinacea, a North American genus in the Daisy family, has big, bright flowers that appear in late June and keep coming into September. Plants thrive in average soils or hot, dry conditions, shrug off cold, and are equally at home in full sun or partial shade. Blooms last well as cut or dried flowers, and the large cone at the heart of the flower head turns black as the seeds mature, adding late fall garden interest.

Echinacea Tiki Torch

July

Munstead lavender is a compact, early flowering variety of Lavandula angustifolia( English Lavender). It has strong scented grey-green  foliage that is soft to the touch. The lavender-blue flowers form on loose spikes and appear from July to August. This is the classic lavender that is used in sachets, perfumes, wands, etc. Lavender will thrive in full sun and loose, well-drained soil. To keep plants compact, prune soon after flowering.

June

The rose has been a staple in the gardens of the world for centuries. Grown mainly for its beauty and fragrance they have also been utilized in natural reclamation and commercial projects. The floristry industry has also embraced the rose as its “go to” flower, using it in everything from wedding bouquets to graduation corsages. With over 100 available species and an endless array of colours and habits the rose is and will always be in the hearts of avid gardeners.

April

Hostas
Hostas are loved for their bold beautiful foliage, low care and diversity in the landscape. They can add bright colour to the darkest  of shade gardens, and  textural impact  to the usually bland woodland plot. Hostas are best planted in masses but can also stand alone as a specimen.They emerge in Spring and continue to shine until fall. Simply said…They are an absolute joy.

BarrenWort ( Epimedium )
Barrenwort is the perfect little, full-shade perennial, deserving of more recognition. It’s mainly planted as a border plant or in masses as a ground cover. It’s blooms are quite unique, resembling a bishop’s cap, and its foliage is wing-shape held on slender stalks. When established, the barrenwort becomes drought tolerant allowing it to be planted along the foundation of a home or in the shadows of a shallow rooted tree.

There are plenty of great selections of barrenwort available today,  some of the stand-outs are Epimedium x rubrum and Epimedium x youngianum ‘ Yenomoto’.

epimedium rubrum

March

Erica carnea “Winter Heather”
Erica carnea, or winter heather, are known for being some of the hardiest heathers. They’re loved for their early colour and easy care. When plants mature they form dense, low carpets that require little or no pruning. Erica make a great team paired with early blooming bulbs and spring annuals such as primula. Hardy, cheery and teaming with colour, winter heather is Potter’s feature plant for March 2010!