Friday, September 18, 2009

Book Review: Planthropology

Planthropology: The Myths, Mysteries and Miracles of My Garden Favorites by Ken Druse

I hit on a real winner here. I had not heard of Ken Druse but now I intend to read everything he has written. He is a passionate writer and the photography is amazing. Planthropology is the anthropology of plants; it deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, and characteristics of plants. That may sound a little dry, but the book is full of wonder and the style is very readable. The book is split into four parts. I most enjoyed 'Discovery' in which we look at plant exploration, historically and from the point of view of a child. We learn the origin of terrariums, of plant names and of herb gardens. We read about poisonous and medicinal plants. Part 2, Attractions, gives a fascinating view of the techniques plants use to attract pollinators. The pages on fragrance are particularly evocative. Elegant Design takes us from strange numerical relationships in sunflowers to planting in odd numbers, to giant water lilies and beyond. Finally in Growing Forward, the author writes about more of his favorite plants, with asides on deer resistance and growing trees from seed. This book is highly recommended, not only is it a great read, but you pick it up again anytime and browse the incredible photographs. If you don't know what to put on your Christmas list, ask for Planthropology.

Book Review: In a Southern Garden

In a Southern Garden: Twelve Months of Plants and Observations by Carol Bishop Hipps
Organized month by month, the author (who is based in Huntsville, AL) gives details of plants that you would see in that month. There are some recommendations and a lot of cultivar information. The book is easy and entertaining to read. You don't have to be a fanatical gardener, but of course it helps. There is also an occasional amusing quip. I particularly liked the story where the author asked Allen Bush of Holbrook Farm and Nursery if he knew of any named cultivars of Chrysogonum (Green and Gold), only to discover later the existence of C. virginianum "Allen Bush".

Japanese Holly - Dwarf Pagoda and Golden Gem

I bought these from Nurseries Caroliniana and decided to use them as the subject of my Horticulture tidbit for my garden club this month. Go to the presentation.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Tenth Annual Plant Swap and Sale

Saturday, September 19th 2009 9:00-12:00 at the Savannah Rapids Pavillion near Augusta GA. Parking lot (rain or shine). Admission free. Bring plants and gardening items to trade or sell. Participants provide their own tables. Organized by the Cherokee Rose Garden Club, with the cooperation of the Richmond and Columbia County extension offices and area Master Gardeners.

McCorkles Plant Sale

Friday, Sept 25th from 8-5, and Sat, Sept 26th from 8-3. They are located SE of Dearing at 4904 Luckey's Bridge Rd SE, Dearing 30808. Toll free # 1-800-533-3050.

Layman's Plant Sale

Fall plant sale for four weeks only, September 16 – October 10 (open Wed-Friday, 9 to 5 and Saturday, 9 – 2). Directions: Take exit 5 off of I-20 and turn onto US 25 North. Continue for about 8 miles right after the 4 lane changes into a 2 lane. The nursery sale will be immediately on your left just off the County Disposal Road.

Piccadilly Farms Fall Retail Season

Fridays and Saturday's Sept. 11 - Oct.31, 10 - 4
Educational programs: 11 am, free, reservations not needed, walking required.
Sept. 18 & 19 - annual Conifer Weekend (lectures both days at 11)
Oct. 10 - Neat plants for your garden
Oct. 24 - Drought tolerant plants

We have many wonderful and exciting connifers, hellebores, hardy ferns, shade perennials, unusual shrubs and drought resistant plants, Come and enjoy walking through our display gardens.

We are located at 1971 Whippoorwill Rd, Bishop, GA 30621, south of Athens near Watkinsville off GA 53. Turn off 53 at the Oconee Civic Ctr. and High School on to Union Church Rd, then right on Whippoorwill. Phone 706-769-5616.

Potting Bench


Last week we got all the wood for the potting bench I had been planning. We spent one day putting the frame together and another putting it in place and adding the slats and the backboard. It looks pretty good.