As we spend our days here at the nursery, we would love to talk to each and every customer that visits. But we know that isn’t always possible. The Picks of the Week will be a great opportunity for us to share with you our suggestions for good, reliable plants we think you should know about. We hope it’s the next, best thing to speaking to you in person!
Melinis 'Pink Crystals' in the center of this photo with attractive pink plumes. Photo taken last fall at Hornbaker Gardens.
Every fall we have many customers asking what the name is of that beautiful grass with the pink plumes. It is an annual grass called Melinis ‘Pink Crystals,’ and if you want to enjoy the show that these pink shimmering plumes put on in the fall, now is the time to get it planted. The blue-green foliage is very narrow and the bright ruby and silver plumes sparkle in the autumn sunlight. The plumes reach about 24” tall and it forms a nice round clump. This annual grass is well worth planting each season.
- Molly Hornbaker Blogg
Variegated Solomon's Seal
If you like to cut flowers in your garden to make bouquets, then a patch of Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Variegatum’) is a must-have. The arching stems, with their variegated leaves, make perfect foliage fillers in bouquets. And when the pendulous, white, spring flowers are on the plant, they are even prettier. The colonizing plant is best in some part shade, and is hardy as a rock. Get a patch going—you’ll use it all the time. -Rich Hornbaker
Hosta 'June'
My pick of the week is Hosta ‘June’. This 2001 Hosta of the Year seems to be at the top of most hosta lovers’ lists, and for good reason. Its gold center grabs your attention, while its blue margin softens its overall, subtle, elegant appearance. ‘June’ is a sport of ‘Halcyon’, and has Halcyon’s thick, durable leaves that are still looking good well into late fall, while other hostas start to fade. ‘June’ is a medium sized hosta, and seems to work well in almost any sized garden. It won’t take over a smaller space, and it doesn’t get lost in your larger beds. ‘June’ will most likely be one of your favorites too, as soon as you take it home and get it into your garden. -David Hornbaker
