Plant of the Week: Bergenia cordifolia - Bergenia/Elephant Ears

Bergenia is such an easy plant to grow, and very easy to get a hold of because once it gets planted it can be ignored and it will grow fine, so you can dig them out of a friends garden to get your own start.

One of the reasons why I like this is because of its large, coarse textured leaves that makes a great focal point; the flowers are pretty but that's not why I choose to plant Bergenia.  Once these are established they don't require much water, and are paired well next to a large stone.

Another reason why I like Bergenia is because the leaves tend to be evergreen and change to a beautiful red during the winter.  When we get chinooks in the Calgary region and the snow melts Bergenias are well placed in a visible location by sidewalks or your driveway.

Mail-Order Wish List: Dianthus plumarius

Ballad Blend Pinks - There are so many types of Pinks available in the industry, its hard to find a good picture of this variety.  The reason why I chose this variety of seed is because the flowers are fully double and fragrant.

Fragrance in the garden is something that I strive to include in design, because it creates an atmosphere that I believe it crucial to a great garden.

Here are some pictures of other varieties that are available and I think are exceptionally beautiful.

Velvet and Lace Dianthus

Unknown Dianthus

Gran's Favorite Dianthus

Devon Siskin Dianthus

Spangled Star Dianthus

Starburst Dianthus

Mail-Order Wish List: Tanacetum coccineum

Painted Daisy - This is not a plant that I have a lot of experience with, but seeing that I can grow it from seed I am willing to give it a try, even though it is hardy to zone 4 and here in the Calgary region we are zone 3.  This plant blooms in early summer and is a long lasting cut flower.  I hear however that though this plant has sturdy stems it might not withstand strong winds which is something of an issue in my neighborhood.  But like I said earlier, these look great and I am willing to give it a try.

Mail-Order Wish List: Liatris spicata

Liatris spicata - One of my favorites, and it can be grown from seed!  Sure it will take some time, but its work the wait.  I love the fine textured, strap-like foliage, and of course in bloom they make a very unique looking plant.  If you can stand it I recommend not cutting the flower heads off and you will have some visual interest in the winter garden, which is something to really consider here in our area of the Great White North.

Mail-Order Wish List: Gaillardia Arizona Red Shades

Arizona Red Shades Gaillardia, perennial that is a close relative of Gaillardia aristata which is a native flower in our area.

Mail-Order Wish List: Monarda fistulosa

Monarda fistulosa - is a taller perennial that is native to our area and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.  This link goes to a website of a company that is probably 20 minutes from my house.  You can bet that I will be wanting to go by there sometime this summer!

Plant of the Week: Yucca filamentosa - Adam's Needle Yucca

What I love about Yucca filamentosa is the the interest that the foliage creates in a landscape.  Although its leaves are quite narrow, I would definately say that it creates a focal point in the garden.  Actually, I take that back, its more of an exclamation point!

This plant is one of my faves because it does not require a lot of maintenance or water once it gets established.  It is a perennial (meaning it comes back year after year) and like other plants posted here is hardy to zone 3, which is what zone we are here in the Calgary region.

It will take a couple of years to bloom, but once it gets there, you will want to invite everyone over to enjoy it (not unlike the character Gladys in The Unsinkable Molly Brown who throws a party just because her roses are in bloom).  The only downside to the flowers is that though they look like they should be fragrant, they are not.  :(

One last thing I want to mention: be careful when you plant this for as the name warns, you could poke your eye out if you are not careful!