Comments on: Top 10 for 2010 (part 2)

By: Kira

Kira — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:34:15 +0000

Kris, I grew the pea plant from seed and here’s the packet info: from Ferry-Morse, Alaska (wilt resistant), early maturing. More info at Lowes.com/Plants #LSP0163. It’s in our very chilly laundry room next to a sliding glass door that gets a lot of indirect light right now. 2 weeks ago I thought it was done and pruned it back quite a bit. Then last week it surprised me by being covered in new blossoms. I started it in mid-August.

Kira, Thanks for the info! -kris

By: Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Mr. McGregor's Daughter — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:31:33 +0000

I have ‘Silver Edge’ lavender in addition to ‘Hidcote’, and I’ve found that the former doesn’t bloom nearly as much as the latter. I use ‘Silver Edge’ as a foliage plant more than anything.

MMD, That would explain why I never noticed the blooms… I would guess ‘Silver Edge’ is only disappointing to the bees. -kris

By: Kira

Kira — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:50:23 +0000

Hi Kris, I enjoyed your list (now I want to do one too!) and your recent column in the East Bay Times. I’ve always hated winter, but I’m actually enjoying this quiet time that allows me to research all the seeds I want to buy, to lay out my garden plan on paper and to put together a monthly planting schedule. Such exciting things to think about on these dreary, cold days. Oh, and my favorites this year were some zinnias I grew from seed and a pea plant that is in the house and continues to produce peas that my 2-year-old eats right up!

Kira, Which pea are you growing indoors?? We have to have it. I’m glad you’re enjoying the winter down-time. By the sound of it you are using your time wisely and are much more organized than I could ever hope to be! -kris

By: Digital Flower

Digital Flower — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:21:14 +0000

I wanted to come over and wish you Happy New Year. I like most all of your choices but would at least one. The Dwarf Butterfly Bush is really nice (Buddleja davidii ‘Blue Chip’).

Happy New Year to you too! And thanks for the ‘Blue Chip’ recommendation – we’re not growing it (yet) but I had heard – and forgotten – that it’s a good one. -kris

By: Jean

Jean — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 18:01:57 +0000

I looked back into my little notebook and said,” Oh!, … right!” Kris, don’t forget those gorgeous zinnia zahara’ starlight rose’ that you put int the rose garden. What a lovely effect those plants have as edging!! And, I guess I never really zoned in on the hardy chrysanthemum family, as distinguished from the huge hot house varieties. You grow ‘Sheffield’, which so enhances the late blooming garden, (my favorite time)!!! I also love that ‘Shenandoah’ switch grass. You see that I am using Blilthwold as my resource for what to, and what not to put in my young garden!!! I will look int that ‘Grosso’ lavender, as lavender seems to love Rhode Island. I never could really grow it back in New York. Thanks for your testing work; it really helps me!!

Jean, I’m so glad you’re finding ideas and inspiration here! That’s exactly what we’re shooting for! Now we’ll have to compare what-not-to-grow lists too… -kris