'perrenials
Hi Debbie,
Nice to see another Ontarian in the forum (I'm near Claremont, just
northeast of Toronto). We're are just a few miles north of the Zone 6
boundary (and the boundaries are accurate, Lake Ontario really does
moderate those close by). However, most of my perennials are probably
hardy in your area.
I am fond of perennials, and grow many. One of my big faves is Centaurea
montana, a perennial version of annual bachelor's buttons. I like it for
two or three main reasons. First, it is the very first composite (other
than dandelions) to bloom in my garden, and produces a good flush of bloom
at first, followed by sporadic flowers during the summer. Second, it is
fragrant, a fact seldom mentioned in the books I've read. To my nose it
smells just like fresh peaches, certainly fruity. I love it. The third
reason is that the flower is interesting to look at, and cuts well. It
grows about a foot or foot and a half high, so should be used at the front
of the bed.
I am also fond of lilies. My favorite source is Honeywood Nursery,
Parkside, Saskatchewan, Canada. Don't know the postal code, but it
probably doesn't matter. The nursery is in a parkland area (mixed bush and
open area), and has a very short growing season. The proprietor has been
honored by the Lily society, and has produced some excellent, very hardy
cultivars. Also sells a real good selection of Japanese and other peonies,
and I've seen him mentioned as a source in a big American gardening
magazine.
What do you like to grow? Sounds like you have an interesting collection.
Ron