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Stars of Xeriscape on DVD
The idea of Xeriscape and waterwise gardening may be 25 years old, but many people still don’t understand the range of appropriate flowering plants that can be incorporated into the landscape. David Salman, owner of High Country Gardens in Santa Fe, stars on this 60-minute DVD ($14.95) that introduces you to perennials that bloom in spring, summer and fall. “Spectacular Seasons of Color with Waterwise Gardening” is good for beginners, but also gardeners who aren’t sure what to grow where when it comes to xeric plants. Salman, who graduated from Colorado State University, fully describes each plant, its growing properties and what you might plant with it. And the best part? You can see the plants in full bloom. Visit highcountrygardens.com or call 800-925-9387.
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Deterring the deer
Deer love to dine on tender plants, and as development encroaches on their territory, they relish visiting different garden buffets. But if you’re the homeowner whose tulips are nipped or impatiens devastated, you might not be so benevolent about the arrangement. In “Deerproofing Your Yard & Garden” (Storey Publishing, $14.95), author Rhonda Massingham Hart details the best way to “deer-o-scape” – gardening techniques designed to discourage deer – to minimize damage from these “deceptively cute creatures.” She also talks about traditional options, including fencing, repellants and homemade deterrents.
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Clematis: Off with its head
It may seem cruel, but one of the best things you can do for a new clematis plant is cut off the top half, says Maurice Horn, co-founder of Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose, Ore., whose mail-order catalog is known for its unusually broad clematis selection. Good growers do this at least two years in a row, triggering vigorous root growth and multiple branching of stems, ultimately increasing the show of flowers. For information, call 503-543-7474 or visit www.joycreek.com; Raymond Evison Clematis, visit www.evisonclematis.com; American Clematis Society, clematis.org.
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An orange and blue blanket
The Indian Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) is a jewel in our native prairies. Gaillardia has brilliant orange and gold pinwheel flowers from June through September. Plant Gaillardia in full sun in lean soil. The variety “Mandarin” is compact at 18 inches high with semi-double flowers. “Goblin” is a dwarf at only 12 inches high. Blanket Flower is beautiful combined with Grand Mesa Penstemon (Penstemon mensarum) with its cobalt blue flowers.
– Kelly Grummons, Timberline Gardens
