May 16, 2019 Plant Tags, Growing Zones, Luigi Fenaroli, Charles Theodore Mohr, University of Winnipeg, Sara Teasdale, May, Wild at Home, Hilton Carter, Fall Blooms, the Kentucky State Flower, and Goldenrod

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Monologue

Do you know what to look for on a plant tag?

The first significant thing I look at is the growing zone.

Often, the plant tag will give a range for the growing region, like 5-9 or 3-7. This is why knowing your growing zone is key. If you don't know, you need to ask someone at the garden center -they should know what growing zone you are in.

Now, as an experienced gardener, let me tell you what happens to me a few times every summer.

I see a plant at my garden center. I fall in love with it. I look at the tag, and whaddya know - it's not for my zone.

So, I put it back. If it's not for my zone, it will not be able to handle the winter temperatures here.

I really don't like it when garden centers pass these plants off to unsuspecting gardeners.

We've all done this - bought a plant that won't survive over winter because we forgot to check the tag.

Sometimes, when I do catch a plant that is being sold that is not for my zone, I channel my inner gingerbread man - "ha ha ha- you can't catch me!"

So know your zone... and check those plant tags for growing zones.

Botanical History On This Day

1899 Luigi Fenaroli was born. He later earned his place in alpine lore through his writings on mountain floras and his work with chestnut varieties.

1901 Charles Theodore Mohr wrote with palpable relief upon finishing Plant Life of Alabama, calling it his life’s work and confessing that the weight of it had finally lifted, only two months before his death.

2019 The University of Winnipeg plant giveaway invited the public to collect free student-grown seedlings, a small parade of tomatoes, cucumbers, nasturtiums, and sunflowers ready to go home with new gardeners.

Unearthed Words

May by Sara Teasdale turns the lilac-tossed breezes into a heartbreak anthem, where spring laughs in the sun and yet one soul walks on, wintry beneath apple blossoms.

Grow That Garden Library™

Read The Daily Gardener’s review of Wild at Home by Hilton Carter, a guide to styling with houseplants that treats foliage like décor and care like a daily ritual.

Buy the book on Amazon: Wild at Home by Hilton Carter

Today's Botanic Spark

1926 Kentucky chose goldenrod as its floral emblem, a sunny Solidago with an unjust reputation, beloved by pollinators, prized in the vase, and far too pretty to be blamed for ragweed’s mischief.

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