The Month is November, the Year is 2021 and Winter Approaches
It has been a few months since the last newsletter and while the world may be going to heck in a handbasket, our gardens are still here asking for little but providing lots. I have a rather small garden, (I refer to it as compact), but it is amazing the number of plants I can stuff into it. In fact, according to many books, I don’t provide sufficient room for each plant. Hogwash, I say, they will figure it out.
Author’s garden, Nov 2021
The last newsletter appeared a couple of months ago as fall was approaching. Today, I look out the window and see fallen leaves, tired shrubs and very tired annuals. I see hellebores and hostas trying to go dormant and even the grasses aren’t quite as stately as they were a month ago.
At the same time, I am relishing in perennial ageratums (Conoclinum), lots of hardy mums, like ‘Ryan’s Daisy’, asters, naked ladies (Lycoris) and beauty berries (Callicarpa) at this time of year.
A few fall favorites:
Here are a few of my fall flowering favorites. Pick them up anytime. Check locally, but to find them, you may have to order online in the spring. I have mentioned some of my favorites, but there are many excellent choices. Six perennials and two bulbs
Anemone, any of them, my favorite is ‘Honorine Jobert’
Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum), also known as Nippon daisy
Toadlily (Tricytis), all good, but my favorite is ‘Empress’ with larger and more flowers
Asters, any of them but the small flowered ‘Ezo Murazaki’ has been a great find
Hardy mums (Dendranthema), I can’t get enough of ‘Ryan’s Pink’
Isodon effusus, long tubed trumpet spurflower. A plant with shade tolerance that actually flowers in the fall. A most unusual combination
Rain lily (Zephryanthes), any will do, the easiest is probably the white Z. candida
Naked ladies (Lycoris), the red (L. radiata) for the South, the mauve (L.squamigera) for the North
On my App, Armitage’s Great Garden Plants, there is an entire section on Fall Flowering Plants
2021 Gift Guide
As well as sharing a few plants, I send heart-felt Christmas greetings for you. Yes, it is that time of year and this is my last Newsletter for 2021. I have a ton of Christmas wishes for everyone, the most fervent being – please get vaccinated.
For all of you who have already received that gift, come visit. And for those who prefer to stay at home around a warm fire and warm friends and family, here are some simple gift ideas I have gathered from friends.
One of my favorite stops for high quality seeds is Botanical Interests, (https://www.botanicalinterests.com). Not only is their seed list diverse, they also have some beautiful gift ideas (their notecards are beautiful) and their microgreen gifts are unique. (https://www.botanicalinterests.com/category/Gift-Sets)
A gift certificate from your local garden center/plant outlet. They will love you and remember you when they do their plant shopping in the spring.
A membership to the American Horticultural Society, America’s most prestigious gardening organization. It includes their wonderful American Gardening magazine and is chock full of ideas. https://ahsgardening.org/ways-to-support/membership/
Ditto to a membership to the Herb Society of America, which includes a subscription to The Herbalist. https://www.herbsociety.org
A Hori Hori knife – from Corona Tools. Scary name, scary tool, but people love it in the garden. Shop directly from Coronoa
Japanese Hand Hoe — a suggestion from my friend Kelly Garcia of Terra Flower Farm in Tennessee. She states, “I swear by this hand hoe! For the daily chores of keeping the weeds out of the flower beds to heavier tasks of cleaning out a bed to switch to a new crop! My hands and wrists wouldn’t be the same with this tool! “ Shop Here.
Tales of Big Jon and Other Creatures
It would be rather silly not to recommend gifts from my pen, and in this month of November, I truly am excited about a new book for you. It has nothing to do with plants or gardens, but one I know you will enjoy, as will anybody you gift it to. As someone told me, “Most gardeners are parents, but not all parents are gardeners.”
“As the father of three grown sons and grandfather to two grandsons, I ended up reading the book twice because I was so entertained by the trials and tribulations of raising a family. Life is truly the most unscripted thing any of us will ever experience and Allan and Susan's journey together moved my emotions as I thought about my own family. Well done, Allan!
Steve Argo, father of three, grandfather of two.
“Raising children is frustrating, fun, worrisome and rewarding. Always a great storyteller, Armitage shares laugh-out-loud tales of raising his three kids. Veteran parents will recognize aspects of many of these stories, and newer parents will know they aren’t alone.” ~Robin Siktberg, mother of Eric and Lauren
“Allan has a wonderful knack for storytelling. This book is so relatable to everyone. The family confessions of this ordinary family will keep you laughing, reminiscing, and entertained from beginning to end. A great weekend read! Enjoy! “ ~Kitty Lay, mother of Rusty and Chip
A warning for any gifts. The Postal Service is already overwhelmed, please put your requests in early if you are hoping to arrive for Christmas.
Speaking of books
It seems that few people want to write a reference book anymore (takes a huge amount of time) and even fewer publishers want to publish them. Their excuse is “that nobody reads anymore.” Hogwash yet again.
I wrote the 4th edition of Herbaceous Perennial Plants secure in the knowledge that many people want up to date information and actually still enjoy reading. In fact, it seems that some people agree with me. Herbaceous Perennial Plants, 4th volume, walked away with 1 Gold and 2 Silver Medals from the Garden Communicators International 2021 Media Awards. I am a little biased but I agree that they selected the best reference book for perennials available. And while the book can be accurately described as a tome, I believe you will find very readable.
As for now, as days get shorter, temperatures get lower, wind speeds get higher and nights become longer, I wish everyone a wonderful fall and Christmas season.
Hope you will follow me and stay in touch.
See you in the garden!
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