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By Newyorkrita on Oct 2, 2013 3:51 PM, concerning plant: Greigii Tulip (Tulipa 'Mothers Love')

A lovely early blooming tulip that is perennial. The only place I was able to find Mothers Love was at Brent & Becky's. Loved it so much this spring that I bought more bulbs this fall to plant more of them.

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By bitbit on Oct 2, 2013 3:09 PM, concerning plant: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Virginia Sweets')

A very sweet and fruity tomato with large, fleshy fruits, but less prolific than other large slicing tomatoes I grew simultaneously. Worth growing for the flavor if you have plenty of space.

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By Bonehead on Oct 2, 2013 1:41 PM, concerning plant: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Introduced to the Pacific Northwest from its native England, but now often included on PNW native listings. Found in the wild west of the Cascade Mountains from Alaska to California, and also widely distributed in eastern North America. There is apparently a true PNW native hawthorne that does not have lobed leaves, which I have never run across. This variety has thick leathery lobed leaves, white stinky flowers, sharp thorns, and small purple-red fruit with large seeds. Birds eat the fruit then plant the seeds. Not on an invasive list as far as I can tell.

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By valleylynn on Oct 2, 2013 1:31 PM, concerning plant: Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum 'Casa')

The incorrect photos of S. 'Casa' have been removed from the database. The ones entered now are correct.
This has been verified by the breeder Martin Haberer, through Peter Dieckmann.

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By TBGDN on Oct 2, 2013 1:29 PM, concerning plant: Apple (Malus domestica 'Red Rome')

Red Rome apples are an old variety going back to about 1820 from Ohio. It was allegedly named 'Rome Beauty' in 1832, but is also known now as Red Rome and Rome. Stark Brothers Nursery has patented their version as StarkspurĀ® Red Rome Beauty Apple. I have the Stark hybrid in a semi-dwarf tree which exceeds 15 feet in height and about the same distance in spread.

It is an extremely productive tree, sometimes resulting in broken branches if the fruit is not thinned. I prefer shaking the branches to remove the excess fruit while young. These apples are excellent for apple butter, apple sauce, and jelly and are (for me) perfect for eating off the tree. They are crisp and slightly tart and they usually ripen around the middle of October and later.

An added bonus is the gorgeous multitude of white blossoms in spring, drawing bees and butterflies in great numbers! It is also a good shade tree.

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By Bonehead on Oct 2, 2013 12:38 PM, concerning plant: Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Native in Canada, USA (Pacific NW, NE, Central) and Mexico. Found in forest understory, often in boggy areas. Multi-season plant: red bark in winter, white flowers in spring, berries in summer, and golden red leaves in fall. Provides fruit for the birds, and browse for deer. This is a great native plant to add to your landscaping for a pop. It also makes a nice screening thicket if planted en masse.

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By Bonehead on Oct 2, 2013 11:17 AM, concerning plant: Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)

Class C noxious weed in Washington, found along roadsides and in forests. This Asian native out-competes native understory plants and blocks water access for wildlife. Goats will eat blackberries to the ground. The berries ripen in late summer and make excellent jam, jellies, and pies. A good way to harvest is to flop a 2x8 board directly into a patch, then walk the plank, picking along the way. It is a safe and gentle astringent and may be used for diarrhea. Blackberry tea may reduce high blood pressure or reduce the sugar levels in diabetics.

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By Bonehead on Oct 2, 2013 10:59 AM, concerning plant: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Melissa means bee in Greek, and this plant is very attractive to pollinators.

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By Bonehead on Oct 2, 2013 10:49 AM, concerning plant: Garden Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Medicinal herb which may be used for menstrual pains, anemia, fatigue, anorexia, thrombosis, psoriasis, arthritis, and gland swelling. Legend claims angelica was revealed by Archangel Michael to cure the plague. This is an absolute bee-magnet when blooming. I have had good luck simply letting some of the seeds mature and shaking them around when ripe. In the early spring, it is easy to thin the new seedlings and to also limit the number of second year seedlings to maintain a steady population.

Vinegar of the Four Brigands: Finely chop 2 oz of rosemary, sage, peppermint, and angelica root. Place in large jar and steep in wine vinegar for 2 weeks. Take by spoonful internally for infectious diseases, and use the vinegar externally to disinfect and cleanse. This was used during the Black Plague.

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By gone2seed on Oct 2, 2013 8:14 AM, concerning plant: Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia 'Sarah S')

Sarah "S" is a cross of El Dorado and Jinny Lind.The blooms have a nice, baby powder fragrance and last for several days.The plant has been pest and disease free here for over two years.

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By Newyorkrita on Oct 1, 2013 9:12 PM, concerning plant: Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Gypsy Romance')

Beautiful iridescent sheen on the purple colored flowers of Gypsy Romance.

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By Irislady on Oct 1, 2013 4:42 PM, concerning plant: Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (Iris 'Royal Overtime')

Has re-bloomed for me in zone 5 in Aug.

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By Irislady on Oct 1, 2013 4:16 PM, concerning plant: Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Devonshire Cream')

slow grower for me

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By SongofJoy on Oct 1, 2013 7:42 AM, concerning plant: All-Seed (Lipandra polysperma)

This plants contains both saponins and oxalic acid. Some people are sensitive to these compounds. People who have gout, arthritis, rheumatism, kidney stones or hyperacidity and who use this plant as a vegetable should exercise caution as it could aggravate those conditions. As with many greens, cooking helps to remove some of the oxalic acid.

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By SongofJoy on Oct 1, 2013 5:39 AM, concerning plant: Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus 'Pink Cooler')

This reseeds fairly heavily and I find new volunteer plants every year.

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By SongofJoy on Oct 1, 2013 5:30 AM, concerning plant: Lily (Lilium 'Black Beauty')

This plant has done very well for me in my zone. Since the blooms face downward, depending on the location, it can need some staking. Does well for me in pots and in the ground. Vigorous and blooms for a long time mid-to-late summer and into early fall. The color is striking.

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By Newyorkrita on Sep 30, 2013 10:06 PM, concerning plant: Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Trumpet Call')

Trumpet Call is another of the bonus plants I received from Schreiner's Iris Gardens. I love Schreiner's Iris and I love the vivid yellow flower of Trumpet Call.

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By Newyorkrita on Sep 30, 2013 9:58 PM, concerning plant: Sapphire Berry (Symplocos paniculata)

Sapphire Berry is a medium-sized shrub, covered in white blossoms in spring. Later berries develop. Those berries turn the most vivid and stunning shades when autumn arrives.

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By Newyorkrita on Sep 30, 2013 9:52 PM, concerning plant: Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Starring')

This is a very dramatic flower. I have read that Starring can be difficult in some gardens, but I have never had any problems. Mine grows well, increases nicely, and blooms with those attention-getting flowers.

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By Newyorkrita on Sep 30, 2013 9:48 PM, concerning plant: Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Got the Melody')

Got the Melody is another of the bonus plants I received from Schreiner's Iris Gardens. I love Schreiner's Iris and I love the bonus plants they always send.

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