Bill's Gardens in July!!

 Finally with the sun and this ample rainfall our gardens are coming into their own!!



Garden spirit keeps an eye on this sweet bed! 

My favorite pot!

 



Bleeding Heart and Hosta--each having a record year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been a very strange year, to say the least; large established trees and shrubs seemed to have more problems coming out of winter than perennials.  Indeed, most of the perennials in my yard (i.e. hosta, bleeding hearts, etc.) are performing the best I’ve seen in years. 

Gorgeous yellow Day Lilies and a spectacular Clematis 

 

 

I have been taking advantage of all the recent rain (free water!) by replacing the plants I lost over the winter. Through this harsh winter, Mother Nature has opened up space and has allowed me to revamp some of my beds –replacing dead plant material with new plants that I’ve been wanting to try or replanting some of my favorites.  

Kiwi in full swing!!

 

When customers come into the nursery and we begin discussing plants—of course we love to recommend our favorites!  And, I have most of my favorite plants in my garden at home.  My regular customers and I have standing joke: Bill—if you love it…it must be in your garden. 

 

 

So, this month I’m attaching some pictures of a few of my “favorites” …from my garden that I’m always telling people about…the tri-colored beech, kiwi vine etc.

Lovely Lily of the Valley

 

 

 

We will be adding more next month to show people what a mature specimen may look like.  Stay tuned.



Sedum & colorful Angelina really "pop" on this old stone wall.

REMEMBER: With the combination of warm sunny days and the rain it has been a great season to plant, just remember when the warm summer days get here—water weekly, deeply for all newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. 

 





Buffman and Gram's Vegetables for Vitality: Spinach

As many of you know Allen, Sterling & Lothrop's fourth generation has been getting more and more involved in the business.  You may have met Jenn's (AS&L's seed room manager) daughter Nadia running the front with her grandmother, Shirley, or  you may have had one of Shawn's boys help you with a Christmas tree.

This year Buffman (Shawn's middle son) has joined forces with his grandmother, Shirley, to bring you their thoughts on the healthiest vegetable's you can grow.  They consulted Shirley's vast knowledge of gardening and nutrition and  www.healthdiaries.com
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Spinach aids in digestion and promotes healthy skin. It is high in vitamin A. It also helps strengthen white blood cells.  The vitamins in spinach serve as powerful anti-oxidants. One boiled cup provides over 1,000% of the RDA of vitamin K. A raw spinach salad is a quick and easy way to add a lot of food value to any meal. This is a great dressing to put on your spinach salad…

1. 1-2 tsp ReginaSpices Maple-Sweet Pepper
2. 1 clove of garlic (minced or pressed)
3.  ¼ cup vinegar (apple cider, sherry, red wine, etc.)
4.  ¾ Cup extra virgin olive oil

In a bowl combine Maple-Sweet Pepper and garlic. Which in vinegar and add olive oil slowly while whisking constantly (by adding the oil slowly, the oil and vinegar will stay combined in a suspension). Or combine everything in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and shake the dressing well. You may want to adjust seasoning by adding some salt.
(Maple-Sweet Pepper can be found at ReginaSpices.com)

         

Spinach is also delicious lightly steamed, with a little salt and butter.