The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener

Monthly Archives: July 2012

Pycnanthemum incanum – Hoary mountain mint

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Some times, I’ll just by a native plant for shits and giggles.

No prior research conducted.

No particular available space in the garden for it.

Some times, it is all in the name … like hoary mountain mint:

I had no idea what this perennial would look like in bloom or even what its ultimate size would be when I purchased a few at a local native plant sale. I was just intrigued by the name and in a mood to experiment.

It has been three years since that purchase and the jury is still out on this plant.

Before we get to my personal experience, some quick tidbits on the hoary mountain mint that I’ve discovered on the ‘net:

  • Is native to the dry woods of the Eastern U.S.
  • Size is roughly 3′ x 4′
  • Blooms from July to September
  • Survives in zones 4-8
  • Prefers full sun
  • Can be an aggressive spreader through rhizomes
  • Leaves are fragrant when crushed (spearmint) and has been used to flavor teas
  • Native Americans inhaled their vapors before entering sweat lodges (I have to try that)       

For me, it bloomed sporadically for the first time last year in a spot that only received afternoon sun and it didn’t grow taller than a foot or so.

But this year, they were relocated to a full sun spot and “shocker” have performed well.

The blooms first appeared in early June:

      
And were eventually in full bloom by the last week of June:

On the plus side, the foliage of this plant has an interesting airy quality which contrasts well with larger leaved plants.

It also draws in the bees like mad as there is always something going on with these natives:

But, on the downside, the two plants I have collapsed once in full bloom and I wonder if my soil has something to do with that:

From what I have now learned, post purchase, is that these plants prefer a lean sandy soil and that is the exact opposite of my soil conditions. Or maybe it was simply one of the powerful rains that kicked their ass. Who knows?

But I’m not ready to give up on them yet by any means. There is a lot more experimenting to do. 


I dig how the spent blooms look in the fall/winter, and anything that provides a level of winter interest deserves a stay of execution: 

Anyone else grow this? Would love to hear your thoughts.

John

My interview on Blog Talk Radio

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Last night, I did an interview with Joanne Mathis on her Blog Talk Radio show “Artist, Designers and Things O My”.

Her show is all about the interviewees discussing their passion and how they are pursuing it.

You can listen to it here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mathisinteriors/2012/07/27/john-markowski

Be kind when critiquing me and thank you in advance to those who are willing to listen to me babble for thirty minutes.

John

The “art” of weeding

Posted on by Posted in Comedy, How-to, Weeds .
With the temperatures consistently over 90 degrees, my gardening tasks have been limited to weeding and a little deadheading/pruning here and there. 
Yes, you heard that right, I haven’t moved a plant in these harsh conditions, which proves that I am maturing as a gardener. We can only pray that this is a sign of positive things to come.          
Anyway, on to the topic at hand. 
I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit that the garden bed on the side of my house (where no human typically sets foot) looks like this:    

Nasty, eh? It was a strategic move to let it go so I could focus on the other areas of my landscape. You know, areas where people may actually linger and check out my plantings.

But the time has come to clean this disgrace up. And I have been more than pumped for the challenge.

I dove right in to the collage of weeds like a man on a mission. As I tore the weeds out and cursed them, I started to analyze my weed pulling process. I’m sure everyone has their own method and I’m sure those methods are more practical and successful than mine, but so be it. I like how I do it and why not share with you. It will be a very educational comedic read for you.

Topic #1 – Gloves:    

I don’t use them. Never have and never will. And here’s why:

There is a fine balance of brute force and gentleness required when pulling a weed and you cannot attain that balance with a glove on. However, when you use nothing but your bare hands, you can “feel” the weed. This allows the weeder to sense the depth and strength of its roots so the right amount of force can be used until that right moment where you dial it back just enough to ensure you have secured the entire root system:        

Topic 2 – Weed pulling body form:
The correct posture is a must. Shoulders must be back and I suggest imagining you are pulling your shoulder blades together while pulling. 
Also, assume a squatting position which gives you the best possible balance and allows you to be in it for the long haul.
Similar to weight lifting, these moves help prevent injury and all gardeners know we have no time for injury:    
** One side note before we move on. The hat I’m wearing is my “weeding hat”. It helps prevent sunburn on my neck and on the top of my head (the inevitable “thinning” has commenced). I have no affiliation with the University of Florida (or Tim Tebow for that matter). It is simply the only hat my son has that fits my huge cranium. Next.     

Topic 3 – Remember to stretch:
I like to incorporate various stretches while I am actually weeding to make sure the muscles stay loose and there is no cramping. The stretch below is a personal fave (farmer’s tan optional):   

Topic 4 – Effort you are willing to put in:

Weeding is not to be taken lightly. You must get each and every last weed, no matter how small and insignificant they may seem. It’s just the way it goes. That little weed will be a big weed in no time. I am convinced the little weeds know what they are doing by acting all innocent and unimposing.

Go big or go home:      

Topic 5 – How to pass the time:

With such a long time commitment, you need to mentally prepare yourself for the grind. Save all of your deep thoughts and “meaning of life” type analysis while weeding:

The time will pass before you know it and that garden will look fantastic:     

Before I go, I’ll let you in on one last bonus when weeding with reckless abandon.

Your significant other will love the dirty fingernails and calloused fingers.  

It screams tough and sexy and reminds them that you are one with the earth.

Trust me, it works on my wife all the time.

John

A shrub bounces back, a grass holds up and my daughter is impressed

Posted on by Posted in My garden, Shrubs .

I’m still carrying the momentum and excitement of the past few days out in the garden so I figured why not keep this massive positivity thing going, eh?

Here’s what else is going down at Les Jardines D’ONG:  

The Clethra (Summersweet) ‘Ruby Spice’ did not bloom at all for me last year but it has bounced back like mad this year. I’d love to report on how phenomenal the flower scent is, but you know, I have virtually no sense of smell:  

The blooms on Pennisetum (Fountain grass) ‘Karley Rose’ are so underrated even when they are no longer a bright pink color. Note to self: need to add more:    

I’ve seen very little on the internet regarding Panicum (Switch grass) ‘Ruby Ribbons’ and it has honestly underwhelmed ever since I picked one up a few years ago. But ….. just look at that leave color and you can see the potential it has:

It has taken a while to establish, but Acorus gramineus (Sweet Flag) ‘Oborozuki’ is starting to look good lining my driveway. It takes well to all of the water that drains off of the driveway and it is one of the few plants where I can actually pick up the scent on the leaves when they are scratched up a bit:

And whenever you can impress a six year old, you do it:

Garden your ass off!

John

Best garden day of the year

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I love early spring when the garden first comes alive and winter moves in to the rear-view mirror.
I love late spring when blooms are in abundance and the weather is super comfortable. 
But my “garden lust” kicks into high gear the last week of July … I’m not kidding … it is that specific. I can almost identify the exact day each year when it all comes together deliciously.
And last night was that night.
Here in New Jersey, we have had a scorching hot summer with little rain. It’s been a challenge to keep all of the plants watered and looking presentable. There have been times where I wanted to give up and throw in the trowel. 
But this past week, we have been inundated with rain and ironically, it has taken a few days for the plants to bounce back from the powerful winds and pounding rain. But once they did bounce back, things were in fine working order. 
All was good as I dashed outside with the camera late yesterday afternoon. 
  • The grasses are all at a substantial size 
  • The fall blooming perennials are just starting to reveal their buds 
  • The summer blooming perennials keep on keeping on 
  • The deciduous shrubs are still holding on to their foliage color before the inevitable late summer decline. 

Put that all together and you’ve got fantastic garden vignettes looking all healthy and lush and crap. Yeah buddy!
           
Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ and Ninebark ‘Summer Wine’

Penstemon ‘Husker’s Red’, Pennisetum ‘Karley Rose’, Panicum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ and Miscanthus ‘Variegatus’.

Viburnum ‘Emerald Lustre’, Itea ‘Henry’s Garnet’, Amsonia tabernaemontana, Miscanthus ‘Variegatus’ and assorted others   

Panicum ‘Northwind’, Itea ‘Henry’s Garnet’, Amsonia tabernaemontana, Northern Sea Oats, Viburnum ‘Emerald Lustre’ and Miscanthus ‘Variegatus’

More of the same 
Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’, Joe Pye Weed ‘Gateway’ and Panicum ‘Northwind’
Joe Pye Weed ‘Gateway’ and Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’
Viburnum ‘Aurora’, Miscanthus ‘Gracillimus’ and Althea ‘Lavender Chiffon’ 

Purple Coneflowers, Achillea ‘Moonwalker’ and Sedum (cultivar unknown)

Weigela ‘Wine and Roses’, Purple Coneflowers and Russian Sage

Panicum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’, Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Achillea ‘Moonwalker’, Sorghastrum ‘Sioux Blue’, Weigela ‘Wine and Roses’, Purple Coneflowers and Russian Sage

Good times indeed.

John

What’s blooming this week

Wordless Wednesday

“Old me” vs “New me”

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My struggles to maintain my sanity while gardening are well documented and something I have to consciously  work on. Yes, gardening is supposed to be a relaxing and therapeutic escape but I tend to take it way too seriously and with too much intensity. Strange, but true.
So in an effort to stay calm and “go with the flow”, I’ve developed a new psychological tool that I am considering pursuing a copyright on. I’m calling it the “Old me vs New me 5000” (no significance to the number, just sounds more prominent). And here is how it works.
I’ll take a look at an old garden photo and first write how the “old me” would describe it. Then after that, I’ll write how the new and improved “new me” sees that same photo. Hopefully putting it in to words will have the impact I am expecting. 

It might not stick, but hell it’s worth a shot, right?

Here we go with the inaugural effort:
              

Old me: “I wait all spring and summer for the purple coneflower blooms and they last like a friggin day or two.”
New me: “Isn’t the life cycle of a flower fascinating and just like life itself.”

Old me: “Why would I take this photo knowing it was super humid and foggy out in the middle of the day.”
New me: “This shot captures the exact mood at the time it was taken.”

Old me: “The deer ate every last peony bloom so I will know climb into the fetal position for the next week.”
New me: “Without the blooms, you really get to focus on the beautiful glossy foliage of the peony. What a wonderful treat.”

Old me: “Poison ivy right in the middle of my Russian Sage. I’m going to burn the f’er down right now.”
New me: “Some times nature hands us a difficult situation and reminds us that we are not in control.”  

There you have it. I feel better already but also realize I will need to continue with this therapy in order to truly change.

What do you think?

John

Recap of our vacation to Chester, CT

Posted on by Posted in Family .
We just returned from our annual trip to the family “Cottage” in Chester, Connecticut and once again, it was nothing but good times. 
The kids spent most of their days swimming in the lake:   

  

I was ordered to join them … :

To throw them around non-stop:

And then this old man would collapse and beg them to just swim around:

The lake lends itself to so many amazing photo opportunities and hopefully this amateur photographer captured them OK:   

We spent one day at the beach in Rhode Island just to mix it up a bit:

East Beach was our kind of beach; just a natural oasis with nothing built up around it:

We made sure to partake in the the legendary Del’s frozen lemonade while in RI:

And on the trek back to CT, we made a few stops along the way for more pictures:

My personal fave, making the kids suffer in the bright sun:

 We spent another morning at the aquarium in Mystic, CT:

We met up with family and kicked it old school with roasted marshmallows and … :

Sparklers baby:

My son turned 10 (you friggin kidding me?) while we were away and we celebrated it well:

But when all was said and done, the best part was spending a week with my three favorite people in the world:

It kind of sucks to be back, but I can now get back to the garden and believe me, it needs me desperately.

John

Color contrast and an ornamental grass vignette

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Two quick ones today:
Loving the color contrast between Ninebark ‘Diablo’ and Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’:

And confirming my ornamental grass obsession.

1)Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’ peaking out from behind the hydrangea.
2)Calamagrostis ‘El Dorado’ in bloom in back right.
3)Miscanthus ‘Gracillimus’ the monster in the back left:

Ciao

John