Evergreen and Gold
(Via EnjoyGardening)
first published May 1, 2008
The flower fashionistas have chosen ‘flame’ as the ‘hot’ colour for gardens in 2008. And I suppose, metaphorically, nothing screams passion like an incendiary blend of brilliant reds and oranges. But while flame is sure to fire up the passions of gardeners in 2008, there is another colour combination that might be its equal.
It was a hundred years ago that Marion Kirby Alexander stood on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and marvelled at the way the verdant beauty of the evergreens visually collided with the golden, autumn leaves of the aspens and poplars. As the story goes, it was in that moment that Marion decided that green and gold would be the perfect colour combination for a fledgling institution that would become a powerhouse of higher learning: the University of Alberta.
As the University of Alberta celebrates its 100th year, the Alumni Association has launched a ‘Growing Green and Gold’ campaign to encourage people to join in the party by planting green and gold plants in their gardens this year. The campaign isn’t about recreating the past by planting towering green spruce and gold poplar in your yard (thankfully!); rather it’s about capturing the spirit and the passion of the U of A and celebrating its centenary and showing our support for an institution that’s made a difference in so many people’s lives.
Choosing beautiful green and gold plants for your yard isn’t difficult, but I would suggest that the best place to get ideas is by checking out the U of A Alumni Association’s website, which has specific green-and-gold plant designs, as well as a list of prizes for the best green-and-gold gardens in various categories.
Now the great thing about a green-and-gold themed garden is that you win the first half of the colour combination contest by default. Since chlorophyll is the stuff that allows plants to harvest sunlight in the first place and leaves are predominantly green, all one needs to focus on is choosing outstanding gold-coloured flowers (yes, yellow still works) and you’re set.
Here is a list of some stellar, long blooming annuals that you may want to try.
Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’
Deep golden-yellow, long-lasting, semi-double flowers make Indian Summer a must-have in my garden. These daisy-like flowers grow best in full sun and look fantastic planted en masse. A true showstopper in July and August when they reach their mature height of 90–100 cm.
Celosia ‘Fresh Look Gold’
Fresh Look Gold grows to a height of about 35–40 cm and produces spectacular golden plumes that are non-fading. This vigorous, sun-loving performer not only tolerates all types of weather, but also makes a first-rate fresh or dried cutflower.
Mariglold ‘Safari Gold’
The anemone-like flowers of this French marigold look exceptional planted in sunny borders and mixed planters. The Safari series is a favourite among gardeners because of its proven performance. Grows 30 cm tall.
Calibracoa Million Bells ‘Aloha Yellow’
These graceful, trailing plants are smothered with hundreds of small, bell-shaped flowers that resemble miniature petunias. Their robust, compact habit makes them excellent in pots, planters and hanging baskets. Sun-loving, fast-growing and self-cleaning (require no deadheading!). Trails or spreads up to 60 cm.
Now I know that my faithful readers in Saskatoon are thinking that the ‘Growing Green and Gold’ campaign is not applicable in their fair city. But, coincidentally, the University of Saskatchewan just finished celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2007 and their colours also happen to be green and gold, with white thrown in for good measure. So may I suggest that the planting of green and gold could serve a dual purpose of honouring not one but two universities.
Only Five Essential Garden Tools
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
There is an old proverb that 'a bad workman always blames his tools' but (at the risk of using that as an excuse) trying to garden without the proper tools is tiresome! It is back breaking, it does take more time and it can even damage the roots of plants. However, this does not mean that we have to spend hundreds of dollars on buying the latest in garden tools. How many tools are really necessary for an average gardener who just wants to have a neat garden and grow a few flowers or veggies?
There is an old proverb that 'a bad workman always blames his tools' but (at the risk of using that as an excuse) trying to garden without the proper tools is tiresome! It is back breaking, it does take more time and it can even damage the roots of plants. However, this does not mean that we have to spend hundreds of dollars on buying the latest in garden tools. How many tools are really necessary for an average gardener who just wants to have a neat garden and grow a few flowers or veggies?
Growing Herbs Indoors
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
If you go to any cooking recipe site, one thing you will notice in almost all recipes is that there's always a herb or two that's being mentioned. It's because herbs are always a part of cooking, since without herbs, your food will taste bland. So, it's best that you always have herbs in your cupboard or fridge ready when you do cooking.
If you go to any cooking recipe site, one thing you will notice in almost all recipes is that there's always a herb or two that's being mentioned. It's because herbs are always a part of cooking, since without herbs, your food will taste bland. So, it's best that you always have herbs in your cupboard or fridge ready when you do cooking.
The Gift of Gardening in Any Space
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
You don't need a lot of space to garden. Even a patio, balcony or even a sunny window will do. You too can enjoy the taste of garden fresh treats and the colors will brighten your day.
You don't need a lot of space to garden. Even a patio, balcony or even a sunny window will do. You too can enjoy the taste of garden fresh treats and the colors will brighten your day.
Great Herbs With AeroGarden - Easy Indoor Container Gardening With AeroGarden
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
Herb indoor container gardening is growing in popularity, and is made especially easy with the use of an aero garden. Not only are herbs nutritious and tasty foods, they are also grown for their beauty and wonderful aroma. The growing of a herbal garden requires minimal effort to maintain, and in return, provides you with nature's reward.
Herb indoor container gardening is growing in popularity, and is made especially easy with the use of an aero garden. Not only are herbs nutritious and tasty foods, they are also grown for their beauty and wonderful aroma. The growing of a herbal garden requires minimal effort to maintain, and in return, provides you with nature's reward.
Pictures of Urban Outfitters new garden center, Terrain
(Via The Blogging Nurseryman - The Art of Running a Small Garden Center or Nursery)
Over at Sara’s Green Space she has pictures of the new Urban Outfitters Store, Terrain. This move by Urban Outfitters into the nursery business has the industry all a twitter. Take a look and see what you think. I like the look. It looks like something Smith & Hawken would put together if they we’re [...]
Over at Sara’s Green Space she has pictures of the new Urban Outfitters Store, Terrain. This move by Urban Outfitters into the nursery business has the industry all a twitter. Take a look and see what you think. I like the look. It looks like something Smith & Hawken would put together if they we’re [...]
Orchid Cactus Care
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
The orchid cactus is one of the lesser known orchids but that doesn't mean it isn't just as beautiful as the others. Follow the steps in this article to ensure you are taking the proper care of your orchid cactus.
The orchid cactus is one of the lesser known orchids but that doesn't mean it isn't just as beautiful as the others. Follow the steps in this article to ensure you are taking the proper care of your orchid cactus.
Dendrobium Orchid Care
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
The Dendrobium orchid is one of the most prolific orchid types around. Like all orchids it requires some extra special care, let this article take you by the hand and give you all the tips you need.
The Dendrobium orchid is one of the most prolific orchid types around. Like all orchids it requires some extra special care, let this article take you by the hand and give you all the tips you need.
Orchid Fertilization
(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)
Orchid fertilization is an important aspect of orchid care. This article lets you know the science behind orchid fertilization.
Orchid fertilization is an important aspect of orchid care. This article lets you know the science behind orchid fertilization.
