Huge blooms boasting layers of luscious petals are the calling card of the Itoh peony.  These exceptional perennials are a cross between tree and herbaceous peonies, featuring the best attributes of both.  Sturdy enough to support the abundant flowers without staking, they are small enough to fit into most beds and containers.  Itohs have 6”+ diameter flowers in double, semi-double, and frilly petals, that bloom over a longer period of time then other peonies, from late spring to early summer.  Once established each plant can produce up to 50 blooms.

New this year is the ‘Visions of Sugar Plums’, featuring spectacular single flowers of soft pink blending to deeper pink on the edge and plum colored flares toward the center.  ‘Sequestered Sunshine’, also new to Squak Mt., has large yellow flowers.  The popular ‘Kopper Kettle’ with shades of coppery orange-red and yellow will be back along with many others in a wide range of delicious colors.  Select your favorite colors at Squak Mt. today.

Here are some notes from Squak Mt.’s recent free herb seminar taught by Patti (a member of our nursery team.)

The key to healthy plants is in the SOIL

Soil – Use good quality potting soil

Organic Fertilizer – Hendrikus Complete

Water – Adequately, but don’t over water.

Herbs will do best when getting 4 – 6 hours of afternoon sun.

Harvest to keep your herbs tidy and growing.

Herbs that do well in containers:
Basil
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Lemon Verbena
Mints
Rosemary
Sage
Scented Geraniums
Sorrel
Thyme

Herbs you can grow from Seed
Calendula
Nasturtium
Pansies

The Chef’s Pot – great herbs for use in the kitchen
Sage
English or French Thyme
Arp Rosemary
Parsley
Chives
Oregano

Lemon Verbena is a wonderful addition to any garden and grows well in a pot.

Find simple ways to use your herbs:

Herb Butters
1 stick butter
1-2 T fresh mortared herbs
Mix and chill
Serve with potatoes, breads, for grilling meat and to bake with.

Use flowers to decorate butters, salads and baked goods.

Infuse herbs into cream for coffee, to serve over fruits, berries and to bake with.

If you own only one book, this would be the one.

The Complete Book of Herbs      By Leslie Bremness

This choice perennial has bold round evergreen leaves that turn burgundy red in winter.  New leaves emerge bright yellow-green, contrasting with the bronzy green of the older foliage.  In addition, dark pink flowers on reddish stalks pop out in May. Summer foliage is chartreuse.  ‘Lunar Glow’ makes an excellent container plant or companion under shrubs or trees. This versatile perennial grows in sun or shade and looks best with even moisture.  Place it near plants with dark green foliage for a dramatic contrast.  Come see ‘Lunar Glow’ and many other inspiring varieties in the perennial courtyard at Squak Mt. today.

Late winter and early spring are prime time for hellebores. This easy care plant is a wonderful, hardy perennial ideal for the shady border. It is also striking in containers or in mass plantings in the woodland garden. Hellebores grow happily alongside daphne odora, hosta, ferns, and rhododendrons. They have evergreen foliage and are cold hardy and deer resistant.

Hellebores require some moisture to become established especially during their flowering period. However they will tolerate some summer dry spells once established.  A long-lived perennial, they rarely need dividing and sometimes sulk awhile when transplanted.  If need be, move or divide them in the early spring.

Different species require varied pruning techniques. Orientalis hybrids (or Lenten rose) benefit from cutting all the old leaves in January to February, before the buds pop out.  Fresh new leaves will soon follow.  The Christmas rose or Niger types rarely need to be pruned.  Just remove dead or tattered leaves as required. Argutifolius (Corscian Hellebore), foetidus (stinking hellebore), and sternii hellebores should only be trimmed after flowering if at all. These species also tolerate more sun.  If you wish to fertilize, our certified organic “Complete” blend would be a good choice.  A little lime to sweeten the soil can also be beneficial.