Discovering Old Beauties

While doing some research on heirloom plants, I discovered this terrific resource for plants that are dated with their introductions.

http://www.oldhousegardens.com/display.aspx?cat=WebOnly

Here is a 1902 Canna grown by Gertrude Jekyll (who introduced Munstead Lavender), named 'Richard Wallace' with glossy green apple leaves.

The website also has old-timey Peonies - one of which I saw on my recent walk through the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. They have Gladioulus in many colors, and Dahlias dating back to 1789.

Their collection consists of Spring flowering bulbs; Tulips, Hyacinth and Daffodils, including the 'Empress' introduced just after the Civil War


And don't forget the Iris! Though I was disappointed they were sold out of this beauty - 'Blue Rhythm', one of several varieties from the early to mid 1900's.

The site has been praised by gardeners across the country:

“I just wanted you to know that the bulbs we ordered from you are absolutely beautiful! The gardens look superb and it is great to know that we once again have the heirloom bulbs that those from 200 years ago once enjoyed.”
        — Dean Norton, Director of Horticulture, Mount Vernon

So, if you have an interest in something new, that's really very old, try an heirloom plant or two. You're guaranteed not to see it in everybody else's backyard!

Bloom on!
Lyn

The Gardens of Barrington Hall - Roswell, Georgia

Tucked away behind the big house on the corner of Roswell Road and Lower Roswell is possibly the only historic gardens in the Atlanta area. Efforts are progressing nicely towards the restoration and conservation of plants and original plant beds.

Find some time to stop in (it's free!) and smell the roses...among the sweetest this nose has experienced in ages. Beautiful iris are in bloom now,  with peonies and other perennials just around the corner from showing their fancy fare.

Scuppernong Grapevine Arbor

The history of the gardens are being discovered among the photos and archives. Completed in 1842, this Greek revival style antebellum home is on the Historic Register. Barrington Hall is listed as one of 50 most beautiful homes in the area by Atlanta Magazine.


Find out when to visit:

http://www.barringtonhall-roswell.com/

Spending lots of time in the garden,
Lyn

Cobb Rain Barrel Clinic Cancelled

If you were planning to attend this event, my sources have just informed me that the clinic scheduled for April 23 has been cancelled. If you have a confirmed registration with the Cobb County Water System for the Rain Barrel Workshop, please call 770-528-1482.

 If you are interested in a rain water catchment system, drip irrigation, pond, mister, or outdoor lighting for your garden, call me. Georgia GardenScapes can install these for you!

Glad I have some spare water in my rain barrel this week...

Lyn

Chattahooche Technical College is #1!

The annual Student Career Days event was held this past weekend on the Chattahooche Tech campus, with the school just nudging out University of Idaho, Provo for the top spot. Over 70 schools from across the country participated in events from Woody Plant ID to Irrigation Troubleshooting, to Exterior Landscape Design. In over 20 separate events -- many with two or three team members -- students showed their competitive spirit, educational know-how, and talents for the experts to judge.

Team Stihl, Ahrens, Gravely, Brickman and Valley Crest -- among the biggest names in the business -- sponsored, interviewed, tested and judged the next generation of landscape professionals. Prizes and scholarships totaling over $50,000 were awarded.

Shown here (blue shirts, bent over) is the Landscape Install team in action. Headed by Jessica Logan (Superstar of the 2010 event with the most individual points) they took a number one place.

Yours truly was bested by many talented Landscape Architect seniors - but still was able to make contribution points for my winning schools total, including those earned in a new event, 3D Computer Landscape Design. I hope to really hone these skills over the next few months...stay tuned.

Congratulations to the team for all their hard work, the many volunteers that made it all possible, and the instructors, staff, and leadership of Chattahoochee Tech for their outstanding commitment to the participants!