Saturday, January 23, 2010

Fragrant Sarcococca

If you've found yourself sniffing a sweet smell in the air recently, it's likely you aren't too far from a Sarcococca plant. A profusion of tiny white blossoms cover this shrubby plant in mid January and permeate the air well into February with it's heavenly fragrance. It's a welcome wake-up call for the sleepy senses.


Sarcococca ruscifolia is a great, low-maintenance choice for any garden. This small, evergreen shrub maintains a size of 3-4' and does best in partial to full shade exposure. It's also proven to do well in difficult dry and deeply shaded areas. I find that contrary to most "deer resistant" plants, this one truly does deserve the label as it continually escapes even the most ferocious appetites. Although it does tolerate sheering for a more formal appearance I prefer it's naturally soft and graceful habit. The dark green foliage is a great companion to plants like the yellow variegated blades of the shade tolerant Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola')and the soft, lacy fronds of most any woodland fern. Make sure to find a special spot close to an entryway or walk where it's winter fragrance will provide a welcome winter greeting.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Show Goes On



That's right folks! Despite the dissapointing announcement last year that the Northwest Flower & Garden Show would be ending it's 21 year run after the 2009 convention, the flowery performance is back and boasting a better than ever cast of display gardens, exhibition booths and world reknowned (many of them local) plant explorers, designers and authors offering free garden discussions and demonstrations. The Northwest Flower & Garden Show is an experience for the senses envoking springtime inspiration in even the dreariest of northwest winter weather. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, make sure to mark the dates on your calendar and join northwest gardeners in welcoming back a local legend! Visit the NWFGS website to purchase your tickets in advance for a discount.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

And We're Back!

Just after I send out an email to our friends, family and those we've done work with, bragging about all of the new and exciting changes we anticipate for our business in the New Year, including a link to our new website(coming soon) and blog, I proceed to tease any potential readers of said blog by not posting anything for almost a full month. (Thank-you to those who have gently reminded me that becoming a true "blogger" requires consistancy.) So now, with that in mind, let's try this again. ;)