July 8, 2010

Wicked plants

After a rewarding  stint of raindrop refreshment, the sunshine on July 4 prompted a celebratory backyard parade.

This Gulf fritillary was in the head car.

In early morning, the cat perch turks cap patiently waited in the wings for the wings: butterflies, moths, bees, and hummingbirds that arrived with the sun. The cats aren’t keen on parades; they slept it out in air conditioning.

Nearby, Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) attracted its share of fans.

You’ll never hear me howling about too much rain, but it can certainly take a toll on plants like Artemisia ‘Powis Castle.’

This is not unusual. In my garden, these are temporary perennials. Typically, in three years, it’s time to replace them, especially when we get the rare wet winter or summer.

For the fun of it, I replaced one with Artemisia schmidtiana. We’ll see if it’s as reliable as ‘Powis Castle’. I hope so, because I rather prefer its fernier, more silvery foliage.

Last year, I added wormwood, Artemisia absinthium.

I got it when I went to Pots & Plants to hear Amy Stewart speak about Wicked Plants, her latest New York Times Bestseller. I couldn’t leave without one of her prime suspects!

I first discovered Amy through the group blog, Garden Rant, and her book, Flower Confidential.

Writing this “tell all” behind the flower industry, she met hybridizers and plant enthusiasts from around the world. Some of them couldn’t resist hauling her “to the back” to see a “really special” plant. From that spun an idea for the intriguing stories behind botanical atrocities that make murderous history or just plain make us miserable.

This week on CTG, Amy joins Tom for tales of murder, mystery and mayhem, including some of the perps lurking in your own backyard!  And check out her book for more surprising revelations about dangerous plants you may be coddling right this minute.

This week, Daphne answers a wicked plant question: Why doesn’t viewer Helen Kott’s ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate produce fruit?

John’s got ideas for wicked color to punch up your summer to fall ornamental beds.

On tour, a San Antonio couple transformed a wicked garden problem into a splendidly wicked retreat.

Harvey’s going to watch online to make a list of wicked plants. (I also keep a reference list for plants that are poisonous or dangerous for bunnies, cats, and dogs, just in case Harv eats his notes!).

Until next week, Linda

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