Mail-Order Wish List: Heliopsis scabra

Summer Sun False Sunflower - I have seen this in full bloom in another horticulturist's garden and have fallen in love with the prolific blooms and how large of plant it was.  When they told me they grew it from seed I was amazed.  I haven't tried it yet, that is why it is on my wish list.  :)

This variety grows 3 feet, but the one that I saw growing was 5 feet tall.  I'm not sure which variety grows to that height, but I will see if I can find out.

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: Tagetes petula

Durango Outback French Marigold - To be honest, I have never grown marigolds as I thought that they were too common, but I love the colors, and planting a mass planting from seed would be rather inexpensive.  I have never heard of anyone up here sowing marigold seed directly into the ground, and I am sure that with the short season here that it would be better to start these in the greenhouse in order to get something as marigolds are annuals.

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: Flowering Kale

Peacock White Flowering Kale

Peacock Red Flowering Kale

These require a little more effort to grow from seed, it is recommended to grow in a greenhouse and install in the fall when the kale is at it's best after the first frost.  An extra plus is that these are edible and can be used for garnish.

Be warned though that if we can eat these, so can the deer.

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!