A friend recently asked about this plant in my garden, and I couldn’t think of the name. But can you blame me? How am I supposed to keep track of all these things I buy and plant willy nilly. I figure it’s better than letting them go distressed as I wring my hands worrying about the perfect site. Am I alone on this front? Or is just this part of that ten thousand count–wherein gardeners buy and have no idea where they’re going to plant? I strive to be better. But I am not.
Just saying, if you’ve got the shade and the zone, 6a-8b, grow this awesome plant. Podophyllum pleianthum aka Chinese Mayapple is big and splashy, and not the least demanding. Plant in moist organic soil–and then stand back and swoon. (more…)
I count Aralia californica aka Elk Clover in the cheap thrills department. This baby was planted two years ago and it grew to four feet its first season. It’s winter deciduous, lending to its fresh, airy look come spring and into summer. Mine is sandwiched between our tropical-themed patio garden, and the shade bed under the apple tree. It makes the transition with aplomb.
