Garden Source

The Lupine Russell Blend, ‘Lupinus ‘Russell Hybrids’, has tall flower spikes with a large range of colors that makes Lupine when planted in groups a dramatic sight. The scents of the blossoms is like honey and it is a North America native flower. It is grown as an annual in southern states. The flowers are multiple 1/2 inch wide blossoms on spikes. They come in colors of white, yellow, pink, orange, red, salmon, lavender, blue, purple, and bicolors. Lupines bloom for 2 to 4 weeks in late spring. The Russel Blend prefers full sun and relatively cool conditions so do not plant in a hot spot. They prefer well drained and slightly acidic soil. Plant in the spring after average last frost date or in late summer in warmer climates. The Russell Blend is used for cut flowers, planted in mass, or backyard plants.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.

The Sunflower False, Summer Sun, ‘Heliopsis helianthoides’, is a perennial sunflower that blooms all summer. It is easy an easy to grow addition to any perennial bed. The Summer Sun also makes a nice cut flower. The flowers are 3 to 4 inches across and are yellow daisy-like with yellow centers. It is an excellent summer and fall screen or border. The False sunflower looks best when planted in mass. The Sunflower False, Summer Sun, can be planted in the spring after the last average frost date. It can also be successfully planted in the fall. This sunflower will grow in almost any soil but it blooms and thrives best in rich garden soil. Keep the plants attractive by removing spent flowers. The Summer Sun would be an excellent addition to a wildflower patch or naturalized area receiving little or no care.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.

The Anise, ‘Pimpinella anisum’, was so enjoyed by the Romans, they could pay taxes with anise. The seeds and leaves are tasty and they are also useful for medicinal purposes. Anise seed has a sweet, licorice flavor and is used to intensify sweetness in cakes, pastries, and cookies. Also, either alone or combined with cinnamon or bay, compliments duck, pork, or fish. The leaves are also added to salads, soups, and vegetables. Tea or ground seeds are said to aid in digestion. Chewed, anise removes bad odors from the mouth. Anise is a tall plant with rounded leaves at the base and narrow leaves further up the upright stem. The yellowish-white flowers occur in umbels during the summer. Plant after the last spring frost when soil temperatures are warm. Anise prefers a protected spot because it grows spindly and is easily damaged by wind. The soil should be fairly rich and well drained.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.

The Tomato Pole Yellow Pear, ‘Lycopersicon Lycopersicum’, has a sweet, mild, almost lemony flavor. Kids and adults will love this late 1800’s variety as a snack from the garden. This gourmet treat is from the 1800’s and it is still popular. Yellow Pears produce clusters of very attractive fruit you can eat like grapes all summer long. They are great for your d’oeuvres, salads. canning, and relish. This plant produces 2 inch long and1 inch wide pear-shaped yellow tomatoes. Yellow Pear is an intermediate tomato which means they continue to grow indefinitely until frost. Tomatoes are generally started inside. They may also be seeded outside after the last average frost date. In warm winter/hot summer areas, tomatoes can be planted in early fall for winter harvest. Pole Tomatoes prefer well drained soil that is high in organic matter. Tomatoes need at least 1 inch of water a week. Soak to depth of 6 to 10 inches when watering. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Prune the intermediate tomatoes in order to keep a single stem.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.