The Coneheads - Delightfully Uncommon

In the mid-seventies, Lorne Michaels created the variety show which has been known as SNL or Saturday Night Live for most of its 38 seasons. The show's success has been due in large part to the trifecta of popular guest hosts, creative sketch writers, and a rotating ensemble of talented comedian-actors. For many, the hay-day of the show was in its first decade, with the likes of Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman, with frequent appearances by Steve Martin.   Echinacea   One of the most popular sketches to air during that early era of the show was The Coneheads. An alien family with tall, pointed heads, trying to assimilate into the ways of Earthlings, Aykroyd played the role of Beldar, the father, while Curtain played Prymaat, the mother, and their other-worldly daughter was played by Newman. They were a highly unusual looking family with odd manners, yet they worked to blend in and few who called on them made mention of their un-earthly ways. The Coneheads provided nonsensical humor while illustrating the relatable challenges of a couple raising a teenager and handling whatever live threw at them.

'Crazy Pink' In the world of horticulture, a colorful cast of characters has also been assembled that are delightfully uncommon. These flowers, known as Coneheads ... uh ... Coneflowers; are a whimsical ensemble from the Asteraceae family. Having originated mainly in the North American plains, coneflowers have traveled through time and landed in foreign soils on the east and west coasts of the United States. Coneflower varieties have taken great strides to inconspicuously fit in to container and flower gardens, inhabited by many other annuals and perennials. But their playful boldness makes them hard to ignore, and leaves the most unaware of garden admirers doing a double-take.

'Cheyene Spirit' One great example of a stand-out perennial coneflower is Echinacea Purpurea.   Some Echinacea making pointed statements with their heady form are 'Kim's Knee High' and 'Cheyenne Spirit.' Their daisy-like petals broadcast bold color atop strong stems ranging 2'-4' in height.   When mature, the blooms' petals point downward, giving accent to the flowers' cone shaped head. The combination of color, shape, and height draw added attention among more petite flowering plants. Other uncommonly delightful Echinacea include 'Magnus' and 'Ruby Star.' The aptly named 'Magnus' can be a 4' growing stem with an almost perfect petal form of lavender or rose-pink. The seeded head of this coneflower, has a coppery coloring and is known to attract song birds. 'Ruby Star' makes its mark with a slightly more flat, but no less impressive conehead and more reddish-purple petals.

Rudbekia 'Goldstrum'    A relative to Echinacea are Rudbeckia.  The most recognized member of this coneflower group is 'Black Eyed Susan.'  Like a miniature sunflower, with a dark brown head and gold glowing petals, 'Black Eyed Susan' and her counterparts 'Early Bird Gold' and 'Goldstrum' are like sunshine held captive and released one bloom at a time.  And to top it off, Echinacea and Rudbeckia bloom from summer through fall.

So when your neighbors or your customers are wondering what is curiously wonderful and delightfully uncommon about the perennials you've planted; you can confidently know that you are host to Coneheads ... uh ... Coneflowers.  Come see us at our Garden Center or Nursery locations for Wise perennial and annual selections.

What's in Bloom at Wise Nurseries! Rose Mallow Hibiscus  Brighten up you yard and garden with these hot pink petals and electric yellow center!

Dinner Plate Hibiscus  These tropical beauties may not be suitable for you dinner table, but they'll look superb in your garden!

Dwarf Butterfly Bush  This butterfly attracting bush may be small in size but not in wow-factor!

Bengal Tiger Canna Lily King of the Jungle? Try king of your neighborhood with wild orange petals and powerful purple stalks!

Creme Brulee Coreopsis Adds gorgeous yellow accents to brighten any summer garden!

Chaste Tree Despite its delicate blue petals and small dimensions (15x15), the Chaste Tree is heat tolerant and a go-to staple for your summer yard and garden!

Crape Myrtles

Crape Myrtles are a heat tolerant tree that come in stunning shades of pink, red, and white, with yellow centers for an additional pop of color.

Natchez

Tonto

Muskogee

Sioux

Endless Summer Hydrangea Keep cool and enjoy this summer with relaxing shades of lilac and pink! Or, add aluminum sulfate to lower pH levels and produce a beautiful blue hue!

Charm Hydrangea Charm your friends, family, and neighbors with this daring shade of pink!

Speedwell "First Love" Love at first sight? Perhaps! These uniquely shaped and colored pillars of gorgeous petals are sure to capture anyone and everyone's attention!

Raspberry Wine Bee Balm  Although you may need to turn to your kitchen for such a beverage, give your yard and garden a refreshing wash of color and variety with this unique flower.

5/27/13 - Perennials that Beat the Heat

Perennials that Beat the Heat The record rainfall, and the cooler than average temperatures of this spring are now disappearing into our rear view. True to form, coastal-south Georgia is being covered with a blanket of humidity, rising temperatures, and afternoon thunderstorms that do little to cool or irrigate. While the afternoon shower evaporates from the lawn, and the county prepares to mail out peak summer watering restrictions, it's time to consider drought resistant, low-maintenance plants to fill in some of our landscaping gaps.

Breeze Grass  One category of drought-resistant greenery that serves as effective borders or fillers are grass-like perennials. Australian breeder Todd Layt developed a winter and heat hardy ornamental grass that is an evergreen perennial, marketed in the US as Lomandra Breeze grass. This evergreen can be planted in shade or sun, bed or container, in mass or small quantity. Breeze grass grows best in well draining sand or soil and requires only occasional watering once it has taken root. One other Lomandra to consider is Katrinus Deluxe (Lomandra longifolia). Developed to bloom larger flowers in the spring than her sister Katrinus, the deluxe version is also low maintenance in that it does not require cutting back in the winter and thrives in low irrigation environments.

Dianella Little Becca, commonly referred to as Flax Lily (and more accurately as Paroo Lily) is another good choice for heat hardy space fillers, as well as a future investment into the colorful dimensions of a landscape for next spring. Little Becca has many of the qualities of Breeze grass, but with the added benefit of small violet flowers that bloom in spring, followed by blue berries. Dianella 'Cassa Blue'    Additionally, Dianella caerulea 'Cassa Blue,' also known as Flax Lily, has one of the longest flowering terms of any Dianella. Cassa Blue produces a yellow throated, purple flower from September through November.  Dianella 'Variegata' Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata,' is another versatile Todd Layt creation.This variegated Dianella has spring blooms and the flexibility to grow in a light shade garden or in full coastal sun. Dianella 'Rainbow Twist'       Another noteworthy and more recent member of the Dianella Flax Lily family is the 'Rainbow Twist.'  The color pallet of her grassy leaves include a wide blue-green center, bordered by a creamy margin and an edge of reddish-purple. She shows off with a twist of her colorful leaves to expose both sides, as well as a spring pronouncement of violet flowers, like those of her cousins'.

We have barely scratched the surface of the vast number of perennials that "beat the heat" here in the coastal south. At our nurseries, we grow and distribute a wide range of green products that can serve to improve landscapes while also conserving water in the hottest parts of the summer. Whether for your home, your business, or your customers; we at Wise Nurseries invite you to partner with us on how we can help you select the best drought resistant green products to meet your needs.

6/11/13 - The Eastern Redbud Resorts

The Eastern Redbud Resorts This time of year, the idea of vacation becomes reality, as many count the days until the family car or truck is loaded with clothes, beach towels, fishing tackle, hiking boots, rafting gear, body boards, and SPF 5 to 50. The best vacations resorts are not necessarily the biggest or the most expensive.  In fact, the best resorts offer great value and a combination of amenities as well as proximity to attractions like beaches, mountains, and entertainment. While many enjoy the peak season and pile into vacation spots on all the hottest weeks, including the 4th of July, others are more discerning. All good resorts know and practice the wisdom of catering to the discerning, pre-peak season vacationers with great deals and promotions.

Redbud in the Spring     The Eastern Redbud Resorts are no exception to the rules of great resorts. In fact, they have occassionally received criticism for being early birds with their pre-season marketing. Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud, was termed "Liar" by the native Cherokee Indians. These early critics scoffed at Eastern Reduds' tendency to be the first bloomers of spring. The Cherokee warned that anyone who made big decisions based on the early spring marketing of Eastern Redbuds were considered fools and risked being nipped by an early spring frost while pre-maturely basking in the freshness of spring.      The standard pitch for the Eastern Redbud Resorts begins as early as March and can last through May. The advertising blitz begins subtly, branch by branch, with soft clusters of blossoms that eventually overtake the whole network. Before long, Eastern Redbuds are bright with colorful and well canvassed marketing material in pinks, reddish-purples, and even in white. The genius of this campaign is in being among the first to be noticed against the grim backdrop of other deciduous trees and brown flower beds that have yet to bear their attractive emblems. By the time her competitors get on the playing field, Eastern Redbud is even brighter as her leaves bear out behind her colorful blooms, to provide an eye catching contrast.

'Forest Pansy' Redbud Eastern Redbud's flagship resort, Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' defines the brand with its combination of class, beauty, and every-man accessibility.The largest in the resort chain, Forest Pansy grows to around 30' tall and 25' wide.  Modest in size compared to its larger competitors, this deciduous ornamental plays to its strengths as an understory forest tree or as a decorative lawn accent. She flourishes in partial shade or full sun environments, and is adaptable to well draining soil types, so long as they are not too coarse and sandy. A drought resistant tree, 'Forest Pansy' strives to maintain an environmentally friendly record.A trait further emphasized by the fact that she is a member of the pea or legume family and is able to extract nitrogen directly from the air and is not nearly as dependent upon nitrogen based fertilizers in the soil as her competition.Her branches are often low growing on her trunk, while 'Forest Pansy' boasts her signature style with purple, heart-shaped leaves.

'Rising Sun' Redbud    Eastern Redbud has sought to distinguish itself from other cookie-cutter brands, by diversifying its resort portfolio.  The second resort in our feature puts the exclamation on this point with Cercis canadensis 'Rising Sun.'  The striking feature of this smaller beauty is in the color of her leaves that follow her soft, light purple blooms.  The first leaves to flourish on her branches emerge as an earthy, glowing orange, like the first colors of day break.  Then emerge leaves of gentle, golden yellow, and then leaves of soothing lime.  For a time, 'Rising Sun' shines her brilliance with all three leaf colors at one time, before setting in a single and inviting light of lime.  The closest sister resort to 'Rising Sun' is 'Ace of Hearts.'  This Eastern Redbud develops full with little to no pruning; proudly showing its surreal roof shingle layered bright green leaves.

'Ruby Falls' Redbud    When Eastern Redbud execs decided to discover new directions for its resort brand, they reached out to horticulturist and plant breeder Dr. Dennis Werner of NCSU. Among Dr. Werner's developments are two distinguished stop-over's, 'Ruby Falls' and 'Merlot.' More bed and breakfast than resort, 'Ruby Falls' grows to an average 6'x4' and is the first tree to be both a weeper and to have purple foliage.There is time to buy into this still new resort, as she and her sister resort 'Merlot' were developed as recently as 2011.'Merlot' is a 12'x15' grower with structure similar to 'Forest Pansy' but designed to be more drought and heat tolerant, thanks to Dr. Werner's genius in combining the best of Eastern Redbud and its Texas cousin.

No matter what your vacation preferences, we are sure that you will find a place that best suits your needs in the Eastern Redbud Resorts. Call us today and one of our Wise Nurseries representatives will be happy to help you book the Eastern Redbuds to suit your plans. The decision you make for the right Redbud today will pay you back next spring and for months and years to come.

Click on the link below for the original email newletter. There's also a link at the top of this page to join our email list!
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6/3/13 - Team Y.U.C.C.A.

Team Y.U.C.C.A. (Your Ultimate Coastal Climate Allies) When the opposing forces are daunting and odds are stacked high; and when success seems out of reach, some wilt and wither in the heat, while others hold fast and even prosper. Winston Churchill, in one speech to rally the hearts and vision of the British people during WWII, said, "we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." Football great Vince Lombardi is quoted as saying, "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." During the heat of opposition this summer, there is one team that fights not only for survival, but victory; a team of vegetation with the will to win the war against coast climate oppression . . . Team Yucca.    Yucca 'Color Guard'

Yucca 'Bright Edge' A variegated fortress, our team of costal warriors is led in parade by the Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard.' This evergreen perennial, with its sword shaped leaves, is a fighter in almost any soil. It thrives in sandy coastal regions, withstands drought conditions, and is highly deer resistant. The Yucca 'Color Guard' wins in style, with creamy variegated leaves that change to a coral color in fall.   This Yucca taunts its opposition in July with a blooming cluster of creamy white flowers on a 5' spike that stands up to a couple of feet overhead. The right hand to the Yucca 'Color Guard' may be the Yucca filamentosa 'Bright Edge.' Variegated with creamy, white edges; this smaller, 3'x3' flowering Yucca grows best in full sun, but may bloom more modestly in shady areas.

Yucca 'Spanish Bayonet' Next in the line of Yucca defense, is the aptly named Yucca aloifolia 'Spanish Bayonet.' This warrior grows up to a massive 10'x10' in well drained soil and provides ample resistance with its sharp pointed, teeth trimmed swords. Trimming the points off can make this a more approachable ally, and still gain the full effects of a drought durable, flowering evergreen. Yucca 'Spanish Bayonet' grows well near brackish marsh, sand dunes, or in partially shaded shrub or entry areas. If the 'Spanish Bayonet' is the armored tank, then the versatile cavalry of the Yucca family may be the Yucca filamentosa 'Adams Needle.' Growing to around 18"x36", this southwestern native can be grouped with flowering perennials in beds or containers. This enduring fighter shoots a high bloom stalk that emerges anywhere from spring to summer, and is highly decorated for its service by the Royal Horticulture Society with an Award of Merit.

Gaillardia   Team Yucca is not exclusive, and actively recruits other coastal and heat hardy team members to its enduring cause of beauty and conservation in the face of oppressive climate conditions.  One example of a flowering perennial that has a preference for low quality soil and needs minimal maintenance is the Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sunset.'  An award winning recruit, this member of Team Yucca boasts compact growth and evenly growing, reddish-orange flowers trimmed in golden yellow and are a draw for butterflies.  Like 'Arizona Sunset,' which blooms from summer to early fall, the Gaillardia aristata 'Goblin,' boldly declares daisy-like blooms and are conditioned for toughness from their early days on the prairies of central to southwestern US.

There is no doubt that Team Yucca and its recruits are fit for duty. Come visit us or give us a call so we can help meet the drought tolerant plant needs of you and your customers. Reporting for duty!

Click on the link below for the original email newletter. There's also a link at the top of this page to join our email list!
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Camellia Mania!!

The camellias are in bloom and it’s time to select them while they are blooming and plant them while the weather is still cool.  Better than fussy roses, and more long-lived than most shrubs, camellias are queens of the southern garden.

Pink Perfection

     General info:  Camellias are lovely evergreen shrubs or small trees which come originally from China.  The two major types of camellias that are commonly seen in gardens are c. japonica and c. sasanqua.  Japonicas have larger, shinier leaves and larger flowers than sasanquas, and bloom in the spring.  Sasanquas bloom fall – winter, and can take more sun.  Otherwise, the care instructions are the same.  Most camellias do not have a fragrance, although some scented hybrids have been developed in the last several years.   Camellias may live for more than a century.

      There are six commonly recognized flower forms:  single form, semi-double, anemone form, peony form, formal double form, rose form double (flower opens to reveal stamens).

     They can be used as single specimen focal points, or as a privacy hedge when planted close together, and can also be trained as an espalier.  Small varieties can be used as a ground cover.

Marie Bracy

      Planting:  Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and a pH of 4.5 - 6.5.  Partial or dappled sunlight, or afternoon shade is best.  Filtered shade under pines is considered ideal.  Do not plant where shade trees with shallow root systems will compete with camellias for nutrients and water.

      Dig a hole at least two feet wider than the root ball.  Rough up the root ball if tight, to allow better penetration into the soil.  The top of ball should be slightly above soil level.  After planting, water well and mulch with straw or other organic matter.

     Fertilizing/Watering: Soak once a week during dry weather, but camellias don’t like ‘wet feet’.  Once well-established, they do not require a lot of water.  They will live without fertilizer, but will perform much better if fed on a regular schedule.  Fertilize with an ‘acid’ type fertilizer in March, May, and July.

     Pruning:  Pruning can be done to re-shape as needed or to invigorate an old plant.  Pruning should be done after blooming, but before new buds have developed.

Japonica Varieties that we have now:

Blood of China: Deep salmon red, medium sized flower with compact growth habit.

            Carter’s Sunburst: (variegated) Spectacular, double, medium pink blooms streaked with deeper pink. Flowers range from semi-double to peony forms to formal doubles on the same plant.

            Debutante:  Large peony form blooms are a clear light pink.

            Don Mac:  semi-double dark red, crepe-like flowers are exquisitely ruffled and feminine. Each semi-double bloom has a yellowy crown of stamens in the center.

            Dr. Tinsley:  This variety looks more like a wild rose than a camellia. The semi-double blooms are soft pink with deeper shaded edges.

Professor Charles Sargent

            Kramer’s Supreme: Very large red blooms are lightly fragrant and arrive in early spring. It has a very strong upright habit.

            Laura Walker: (variegated) The large blooms are bright red with an anemone form and a small amount of white marbling. It is a vigorous grower with a narrow, compact habit.

            Morning Glow: White double flowers with overlapping petals and no visible pollen anthers in the center.  Slow growing, but a vigorous plant.

            Pink Perfection:  Pale pink, formal double type with petals that overlap and contain no stamens.

Prince Eugene Napoleon: Dark rose to red color, it has formal double flowers and is known by many other names, including 'Pius IX', 'Rubra Plena', 'Imbricata' and 'Ladiner's Red'.

Professor Sargent:  Dark red peony flowers and a vigorous, care free growth habit. This selection has abundant and prolonged flowering.

            White Empress: Very large, semi-double white flowers with bright yellow stamens



Sasanqua Varieties that we have now:



Bonanza



            Bonanza: semi peony form; deep red with yellow stamens; stays small



Cotton Candy:  Dense, spreading evergreen shrub with relatively large semi-double pink flowers, scented and ruffled and with a lot of petaloid stamens.

Kanjiro:  Cerise pink, gold stamens, semi-double form

Shishi-Gashira:  The amazing magenta pink of the flower petals have lively yellow centers look like little pompoms and pop against the gleaming green foliage.

Stephanie Golden:  Hot pink semidouble with yellow anthers & filaments.

Yuletide:  Small, single, brilliant fiery red blooms are centered with bright yellow stamens. It features an upright habit and blooms around Christmas.

Bringing Back the Quality

Many people seem to think that not much is going on at the Garden Center in January, but that is simply not true. As a matter of fact, this month is buzzing with fruit tree sales, and for a good reason. People are starting to realize that landscapes are not just for looks anymore, they can also reap some major returns and benefits. Families are realizing how disconnected we have become with high quality, tree ripened fruit. Sadly, we now have multiple generations that have never had the opportunity to taste tree ripened fruit, and we wonder why adults and children just don’t like eating fruit anymore. The good news is that, because of the information age, people are realizing that growing fruit at home is not some long lost art. You don’t need a Doctorate to successfully grow fruit. This is something we have been doing since God created us.



Pommegranate fruit and flower



One of the major problems with the modern day commercial fruit system is that we have had to breed varieties that are shippable, and have really put quality on the back burner. Many types of fruit you buy in the stores today simply have  no flavor because they are picked premature and hard, stacked massively on top of each other, shipped and then shelved. The end result is a bland, nutrient deficient idea of what fruit are supposed to taste and be textured like. In tree ripe production, the fruit is allowed to fully ripen on the tree, providing superior nutrition, flavor, sugar content and a much more appeasing texture.

 

'Santa Rosa' Plum beginning to bloom



People have the misconception that edibles and ornamentals don’t go with each other. Whether you have a tiny yard downtown or a huge farm out in the country, edibles can be used in your landscape. Edibles can be just as beautiful as ornamentals, and will tie in to any landscape. Most landscapers and homeowners never grasp the concept of an edible landscape. Blueberries can make the most beautiful hedge with brilliant fall color. 

Persimmons are fun to take pics with!

Muscadines (grapes) or kiwis make beautiful vines on trellises or arbors. Peaches, plums, nectarines, apples and many  other kinds of fruit trees have just as many blooms as dogwoods and flowering cherries. They are some of the most beautiful spring flowering trees you will ever see. How about some Asian persimmons for fall interest with their stunning fall leaf color and beautiful orange-red fruit hanging on the tree in November? That would compete with any maple you have ever seen. 

  

Another major benefit to back yard orchard culture is the opportunity to fellowship with family and creation. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “I simply do not have time in my busy life.” While this may be true, I would first tell you that there are many types of fruit trees you can grow successfully with minimum care: mulberries, blueberries, blackberries, pecans, chestnuts, muscadines, pawpaws, Asian persimmons, figs and many others. Secondly, I would ask you, “At what cost?” Families have become so disconnected with the opportunity to get outside to enjoy fresh air and be stewards of the land with purpose and fellowship. Working in the yard, orchard or garden is more than just keeping it nice or growing your own high quality food. It is the opportunity to have a healthier family and life.

'June Gold' Peach begining to bloom

This can all seem overwhelming at times, but we now have access to studies and articles that allow us to see why it is so important to take some of these concepts into consideration. We are looking back at where we came from, where we are, and where we need to go. The edible landscape is not some new idea; it is something we have lost touch of. People are starting to realize the importance and purpose behind it, and we are seeing a transformation take place. Back yard orchards are a part of the future and definitely for a good reason.