Plant Trial Spring 2009

Hi Dugald & Tim - Here's what things look like in part of my garden today - just to give you an idea of where my garden clock is sitting - Cornus alternifolia is in leaf, buds formed and you can see a cutleaf Japanese Maple in the corner left. As far as my photo record goes - things are close to last year - perhaps 5 days ahead.

So here are my new garden friends - I've got the cm side next to the plant - note inches in reverse - it's a 24" ruler.

This is #1 Hydrangea 'Let's Dance (TM)'. Sheltered location. Very little growth on the wood at the base.

Here's #2 Hydrangea 'Let's Dance (TM)'. It was in an exposed location. Many of last year's buds came through very well - good growth at base. New branches. Looks like it came through very well.
I've stuck in this photo of an 8-year old Lemon Wave just so you can compare. About half of the old wood made it through and will produce blossoms. This has only happened 3 time.

Hibiscus #1 'Chiffon Blue'. This little guy limped along last year. I suspect he may have met his maker. He's wiggly and no sign of growth.

Hibiscus 'Chiffon Blue' #2 - whoo-hooo. Gave me several beautiful blossoms last year. In a dreadful spot where he was sprayed with salt - Town of Oakville has some new fancy equipment - but look - he's doing really well....tiny little buds all over!

' Bloomerang' syringa - and it's going to bloom very soon. Again - difficult position - was crunched and spent part of the winter with crusty salty, dirty snow on him. However, I'd expect nothing less from a lilac.

Bloomerang #2 - much nicer location - looks about the same. He bloomed last year - one wee bud. Good growth, should be very pretty. He's about 1 week behind Syringa 'Mrs. Bickle' if that helps you at all. Now these little sweeties - my Buddleia Blue Chip Low and Behold follow. This guy just never really seemed to be all that happy. It did not bloom last year. Not much happening here at all.

Here's #2 Lo & Behold - I've cut him back as suggested by Tim - he's moving along. In all fairness we did have frost two days ago, so it's not exactly Buddleia weather - I'd say he's doing very well under the circumstances.

Hope this is of some help - really enjoy being part of the process - please let me know if you have any questions.