PS

A. Delft Lace

Some plants just work hard and astilbies are one of them. They are low maintenance and long blooming. Their flowers range in colors from white to pinks to reds and their foliage may be dark green, red or bronze. With heights from 6 inches to 3 feet this is a plant that belongs in every garden. Planting several cultivars can provide a whole Summer's worth of blooms. They are bothered by few pests or diseases. They grow in part shade but if kept well watered they can take more sun. They are easily divided but do not require frequent division. They are deer resistant.

Well, here I am ready to leap off into the abyss of talking about plants that deer don't eat. It has been the most frequently asked question at every Friends Plant Sale. "What can I plant that the deer won't eat?" The answer is always the same: "That depends-----," followed by a whole list of what if's, maybes, not in my experience, might be different with your deer and so on.

H. Arnold Promise

It is February 16. If you look out your windows what do you see? I see the Hamamelis varieties pictured here. Glowing in the winter sun like harbingers of the coming spring, they give me hope and fill me with joy. I cannot smell their subtle but intoxicating aroma from in here so they draw me outside where I can breathe in their fragrance and marvel at their quirky flowers. I already have three witchhazels but there are so many wonderful ones to choose from that maybe I need just one more.

I hate lawns. I say, "Get grasses out of the lawn and into the garden!" Ornamental grasses are your friends. It is hard to duplicate the forms, textures, movement and color variation of ornamental grasses with any other plant. They come in all sizes, some are delicate and some are bold. Their colors change with the seasons and many continue to add interest throughout the winter. They add movement and sound to the garden.They play well with others both in the garden and in containers. Most ornamental grasses are deer resistant (bet that got your attention).

L. Baggensen's Gold

Lonicera, or more commonly called honeysuckle, is considered by many to be a noxious weed but there are many varieties of honeysuckle that are not invasive but worthy additions to the garden. The bad guy here is Japanese Honeysuckle(Lonicera japonica) Now for the good guys:

The Friends 17th Annual Plant Sale has come and gone. Lots of beautiful plants found new homes, Members enjoyed the Friday afternoon party and preview sale, many more came to the Saturday and Sunday sale hours and were served by dozens of cheerful and hard-working volunteers. Through your participation, the Friends raised many thousands of dollars that will be dedicated, as always, to horticultural education.

A. filix-femina 'Frizelliae'

I have been smitten by the charm of ferns my entire life - can't live without them. Ferns are stalwarts in my garden - grow well in the shade, are able to coexist with our huge local deer population and fall into that fantastic category known as low maintenance...... what more could a garden gal ask for.

Brunnera Kings Ransom

On a hot summer day, there are few activities more satisfying than a meander among the plantings of my shade garden. The cooler colors and play of shadows in the textured foliage of these plants is a like a soft breeze flowing through the yard. Some of my favorite plants that contribute to this effect are: