April 2007: Bold foliage with an attitude
Green Scene
Gotti Kelley

Spring is the time for renewal, a chance to make your garden the best yet. An abundance of new cultivars are available on the market and one of the hottest trends is foliage.

Ideally suited for a semi-shade environment, these plants are the answer to a mature garden. Foliage holds the garden together and can spark areas to make a positive change. Build the new border you have been dreaming about all winter or rejuvenate a mature border that has lost its splendor.

An incredible plant selection can be found without leaving your armchair. Review catalogs that give you in-depth details and offer new plant varieties. If you are the "must have now" type of gardener, then your local garden center is the answer to "touch-and-feel."

Local plant sales held by garden clubs are some of my favorite haunts. You will find unusual plants, lovingly grown in local gardens and guaranteed winners.

Garden Club RFD in Middletown will hold its annual plant sale on May 3, 4 and 5 at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Middletown. Contact (732) 203-9059 for details.

Fair Haven Garden Club has a two-day plant sale on May 11 and 12 at the Fair Haven Fire House. Contact (732) 842-5740 for details.

Perennials play a central role in today's garden. They are dynamic and colorful, with strong forms and textures. Consider adding some of these plants to your garden.

Hostas might be the most valuable perennial of any garden, ever increasing in popularity. A tremendous variety is available to suit your color palette. Variegated types are ideal for semi-shade areas, green or yellow cultivars can withstand more sun, and blue hosta keep their color best in shade.

Hakonechloa macra "Aureola" is a wonderful shade-loving grass with reddish highlights, 12-inch blades, a colorful and super-easy addition to your garden.

Heuchera (Coral Bells) surged to the top of favorites recently with a tremendous selection of cultivars, ranging from silver foliage to deep bronze and purple. These perennials grow well in semi-shade and are very effective in borders with a radiant display of eye-catching color. Some outstanding cultivars are H. "Persian Carpet," H. "Pewter Vail" and H. "Silver Veil." Few perennials have undergone as dramatic a makeover as Heuchera.

Another favorite of mine is Ligularia dentata (Ragwort) "Britt-Marie Crawford," with chocolate maroon foliage and yellow flowers. It is an impressive plant with tall spikes high above the foliage and grows well in semi-shade.

Cimicifuga racemona var. Cordifolia (Bugbane), a beautiful, very fragrant plant with tall white spikes, will bloom mid-summer through fall and pairs nicely with Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss) "Hadspen Cream," which has spectacular heart-shaped green leaves, rimmed with creamy yellow edges.

Hydrangea are a joy in the garden. Modern breeding breakthroughs ensure a lush show of colors. One of my favorites is "Lady in Red" with splendid bright red flowers blooming from June through September.

At the back of your border, Eupatorium Atropurpureum (Joe Pye weed) excels with clusters of rich purple flower heads on tall, 5-foot red stems. This plant has panache. Plant soon and infuse your garden with unique texture and bold style.

Of course, you want to make sure your plants will have all the requirements to grow well. Experienced gardeners know that poor soil quality (especially compaction or excessive clay) makes for poor gardens, even when you are doing everything else right. Visit the Web site: www.natureslawn.com for natural solutions.

If you had deer nibbling on your azaleas in the winter, they are probably expecting a smorgasbord in your spring garden. Now is the time to stop them from noshing. There are quite a few good products on the market to deter deer browsing. They are effective. However, make sure to alternate annually between the brands you use.

"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar." Helen Hayes