A Must for every Garden!

Hosta

A garden where all plants flourish is every gardener’s dream.  A plant that will help you achieve that goal on the prairies is the versatile, long lived hosta.  Most of the hostas with which we are familiar were introduced from Japan but they are also indigenous to China and Korea.   With over three thousand named varieties the choice is almost overwhelming.  While leaf colour is mostly limited to green, blue green and yellow, with some variegation of each, the choice of leaf texture and shape, and size (10 cm-120 cm x 15cm -150 cm) is a veritable buffet. 

 

Often when people think of hostas they usually think of two things, shade and slugs.  While it is true most hostas will grow in full shade they tend to be smaller in both plant and leaf size and the colour of the leaf may be affected by a total lack of sunlight. The amount of light a hosta requires varies with the variety.  Ideally hostas prefer filtered light or semi shade. The gold coloured hostas can generally tolerate a few hours of sunlight.   It is true that hostas attract slugs; however there are a number of hostas (‘Sum and Substance’, ‘Halcyon’, ‘Liberty’, ‘June,’ ‘Sagae’) that have leaves of thick substance and therefore are more resistant to slug damage than thin-leafed hostas.

Hostas function well as elegant ground covers, edgers and stunning accent plants.  They attract hummingbirds, and can mask the foliage of aging bulbs.  As a decorative foliage plant they offer many design advantages in the garden.  Some of the newer cultivars offer the additional bonus of being fragrant (‘Avocado’, ‘Cathedral Windows’ ‘Emerald Charger’, ‘Fried Bananas’).  Propagate by dividing in early spring and plant in moist, fertile, well drained soil.

Deer are not the only living creatures that enjoy nibbling on hostas.   In Japan and China some varieties are served as a delicacy.  Not only are the leaves, shoots or petioles edible but the flowers are as well.  Best to do your research before adding them to your appetizer repertoire.

Fast Growing and Shade Tolerant

Cornus (Dogwood)

If a four season shrub is a serious consideration when choosing a new plant then the cornus species may warrant your attention. In Latin cornus means “of horn” the implication being the wood is hard. At one time the bark was used in a mixture to cure dogs of mange, hence the common name dogwood. (Skinner, Williams, Best Trees & Shrubs for the Prairie, p.77)

In addition to being a hardy prairie shrub (zone 2), dogwoods have several features that would appeal to a range of gardening needs. There is great variety in flowers, fruit, foliage, stem colour, size and form.  As well they vary in their need for soil type, light and moisture.  Most dogwoods are considered shrubs but a few varieties like the Pagoda Dogwood are sold as multi-stemmed or single stemmed trees.

Each season showcases one particular aspect of the dogwood, but it is often the winter interest for which they are most remembered.  When the bright red, yellow, or purple- black stems hold court in the dead of winter we appreciate their contribution to out winter landscape

Dogwoods combine well with Hydrangeas and High Bush Cranberries.   For contrast try planting a red stemmed dogwood in front of an evergreen.  Whether used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings or as hedges, dogwoods are an attractive addition to any garden.

Old Fashioned Maybe, But Fantastic

Syringa ( Lilac)

For many of us, lilacs evoke the past, with pleasant memories of childhood, grandparents or a first love.  Although common to European and North American gardens in times past, this versatile, hardy shrub (-40C) is still a ‘must have’ for the modern gardener.

The lilac, a member of the olive family, can survive in almost any soil, providing it is well drained. Lilacs require a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight per day which means you have a good choice of planting locations with an equally good choice of survival.  They come in a variety of truly magnificent shades and are almost maintenance free.  Many lilacs are fast growing and thus are a good choice for those seeking privacy in their yards. A little judicious pruning will control size and shape, after the blooms fade in spring.  Several of the newer hybrids of lilacs have little to no suckering.      

If you need a feature plant or low growing hedge the Syringa meyerii ‘Paliban’ is a popular choice. If you are looking for a unique tree, the beautiful and fragrant Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ might be the perfect specimen for your garden.  To spice up your spring salads, try adding lilac flowers.  They are edible.   Whatever your needs, with over 4000 cultivars of lilacs, there is truly something for everyone.    

For those who are passionate about lilacs, if you plan well (early, mid and late season bloom), you could enjoy the intoxicating scent of lilacs for nearly 8 weeks.  As if this weren’t enough, butterflies are attracted to the nectar of lilacs.  How wonderful is that?