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© Project SOUND

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND – 2011 (our 7th year)

© Project SOUND

The Cuttings Garden

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

April 2 & 5, 2011

Do you like cut-flowers?

© Project SOUND

Cut-flowers make our lives more

colorful and interesting

© Project SOUND

http://decor4you.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html

http://www.paintingmania.com/young-girl-hat-

decorated-wildflowers-9_6401.html

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How do you want to use your cut-

flowers Light use

Occasional arrangements featuring plants that are currently blooming

To supplement non-native flowers

Won’t require as much planning

Heavy use Regular (weekly) arrangements

Special occasions that require lots of flowers

‘flower-laden’ bouquets

Will require you to think about supply requirements

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atweed/4406640979/

© Project SOUND

Should you have a cuttings garden?

http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/waterwise/images/03_Allium-unifolium2.jpg http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2010/05/

Advantages to creating a cuttings

garden

Where flowers are used in large volume in the home, their removal from borders and other landscaped areas may detract from the intended effect.

By providing a special cut-flower garden, the gardener can plan for these needs without diminishing landscape plantings.

The well-planned cutting garden also offers another very practical advantage: annuals and perennials may be conveniently and efficiently grown in rows or raised beds/containers where they are easily gathered and maintained.

© Project SOUND

Cuttings gardens need not be unattractive…

…but it’s sensible to locate them in an area where they are not a focal point when not at their peak.

Old-time gardeners often included cut-flowers in the vegetable garden where they could tend and harvest them easily.

Finer estates would sometimes have a separate area devoted to producing the favorite cut-flowers of the family.

© Project SOUND http://www.french-gardens.com/gardens/chateau-de-bosmelet.php

http://www.sunset.com/travel/outdoor-

adventure/bring-bainbridge-home-00400000016341/

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What makes a good cut-flower?

Interesting flowers Nice shape

Large size

Pretty or unusual colors

Other characteristics Scented flower or foliage

Interesting foliage

Good ‘holding power’ Look good for at least 3-4

days if not longer

© Project SOUND

http://druidnetwork.org/ethical/articles/cutflowers

http://thegarden-remodel.blogspot.com/2009/08/wildflower-bouquet.html

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/eschscholzia_californica.shtml

The ‘traditional’ home grown cut-

flowers span the seasons

Winter and early spring Daffodils: October to April

Cymbidium orchids: January to June

Late spring and summer Tulips: May to June

Agapanthus: June to August Lilies: June to August Delphiniums: June to July Roses: June to September Sweet peas: June to August Dahlias: July to September

Autumn Chrysanthemums: Oct. to December

© Project SOUND

Inspiration from the past…

© Project SOUND http://www.righthealth.com/topic/ceanothus_americanus/Images

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1959198/lilac_bouq

uets_the_scientific_method.html

An early spring bouquet

© Project SOUND

Woolyleaf Ceanothus – Ceanothus tomentosus

© 2010 Barry Breckling

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Foothills and lower (< 3500 ft) elevations of Sierra Nevada, South Coast, San Bernardino Mountains, Peninsular Ranges

South into Baja

Scattered on dry, shrubby slopes in chaparral

Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne.

‘"A medium sized shrub 4 to 8 feet high, with rather slender branches and reddish brown bark. “

© Project SOUND

Woolyleaf Ceanothus – Ceanothus tomentosus

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6649

http://www.flickr.com/photos/codiferous/417993994/ © Project SOUND

Woolyleaf Ceanothus is a large shrub

Size: 6-12 ft tall

6-10 ft wide

Growth form: Dense, woody shrub

Slender branches with reddish bark

Moderate growth rate

Foliage: Leaves medium to gray-

green; shiny above, hairy beneath

Evergreen

© 2009 Thomas Stoughton

© Project SOUND

Flowers: Ceanothus

Blooms: Early spring - usually in

Feb-Mar or Apr in western L.A. Co.

Flowers: Color ranges from very light

blue to bright blue – see it in bloom before purchasing

Typical small Ceanothus flowers in dense clusters – make a wonderful bouquet

Sweet scent

Attracts bees

Seeds: in sticky capsule that opens, releasing seeds

© 2009 Thomas Stoughton

© 2001 Michelle Cloud-Hughes http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/plants/cean-tom.html © Project SOUND

Woolyleaf Ceanothus:

Chaparral species Soils:

Texture: well-drained, rocky

pH: any local

Light: Full sun

Water: Winter: needs good winter

rains; supplement if needed

Summer: best with occasional water (Zone 1-2; maybe 2 in very well-drained soils)

Fertilizer: use an organic mulch to supply additional nutrients

Other: prune after blooming period if needed/desired; can be trained to tree or hedge-sheared

© 2008 Chris Winchell

http://www.worldbotanical.com/ceanothus.htm

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© Project SOUND

Many ways to use

As a large evergreen accent shrub

Trained as a small tree

Espaliered along a wall

In a hedge or hedgerow

Etc.

© 2010 Barry Breckling

© 2001 George W. Hartwell http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ceanothus_tomentosus_var._olivaceus

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nSqhmSsqrKnvy1WCu96HnQ

Ceanothus is striking with other spring

bloomers

© Project SOUND

http://mostlymedicinals.blogspot.com/

http://flowerbrained.com/2009/12

/05/man-flowers/

http://www.westernhort.org/plant_notes200804%20.html

The same color tricks we learned in

garden design also apply to

floral arrangements

© Project SOUND

http://decor4you.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dballentine/3655531259/

http://iometro.blogspot.com/2010/11/color-spotlight.html

Purples theme

– late spring

Eriogonum fasciculatum (or any white-flowered buckwheat)

Eriogonum grande rubescens

Salvia clevelandii (or any Salvia)

© Project SOUND

http://www.soenyun.com/Blog/tag/cut-flowers/

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Common perennials have long been

popular as cut flowers

Achillea millefolia

Aster species

Allium species

Aquilegia

Ascepias species

Coreopsis species

Dryopteris & other ferns

Helianthus species

Iris species

Lilium species

Penstemon species

Spring bulbs

© Project SOUND

Bluedicks – Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. capitatum

http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/DichelostemmaCap/DichelostemmaCapPlant800.jpg

© Project SOUND

* Wild Hyacinth – Dichelostemma multiflorum

J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

NW California, n Sierra Nevada, uncommon in San Francisco Bay Area

Open woodlands, foothill grasslands, scrublands

Formerly Brodiaea multiflora ; AKA Wildtooth Snakelily

© Project SOUND

* Wild Hyacinth – Dichelostemma multiflorum

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1

&taxon_id=242101566

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8535,8541 http://www.csuchico.edu/biol/Herb/curator/bidwell_park_04-02-05/Maidu_Trail_4-2-05.htm

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© Project SOUND

Wild Hyacinth is a typical Dichelostema

Size: 1-2 ft tall

< 1 ft wide

Growth form: Perennial from a corm

Dies back to corn kin dry summers; re-sprouts with the fall/winter rains

Foliage: Strap-like leaves

Leaves start to die back before spring flowering

Corm: can bed baked & eaten like new potatoes

Mark W. Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Image:Dichelostemma_multiflorum2.jpg

Dichelostema are easy & reliable from corms

Plant bigger corms 3-4 inches deep and smaller corms 1-2 inches deep

Plant in well-drained soil; garden or pot in full sun (plants can tolerate

afternoon sun) in the autumn – just before the

rains

Space the corms 1-6 inches apart.

If gophers are a problem, dig a hole and line it with chicken wire mesh or make a cage for corms.

Water the plants (wet, not soggy) and then wait for the winter rains.

© Project SOUND

© 2002 Christina Raving

http://www.serg.sdsu.edu/SERG/restorationproj/woodlandgrassland/pen

can/penasquitos_final.htm

© Project SOUND

Flowers: showier than

Blue Dicks

Blooms: in spring - usually Mar-April (but may be as early as Feb & late as May)

Flowers: Typical small, trumpet-shaped

flowers of Dichelostema

Flowers in ball-like clusters at ends of long stalks

Color: lavender or purple; may be more pink

Loved by Skipper butterflies

Light sweet scent

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/dichelostemma

Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences

Dichelostema are very easy to grow from seed

Use seed collected from local sources

Best planted in fall – stratify (cold exposure) if other

Scatter seeds and rake them lightly into well-drained soil ; full or partial sunlight.

Water the seeds after planting and water again when the surface is dry to the touch. Water the seeds gently so you don’t exhume the seed.

Protect the seeds from animals and cold, dry winds, and from weed competition

http://hazmac.biz/080421/080421DichelostemmaMultiflorum.html

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Dichelostema (and other bulbs) can be started in pots

Plant as usual; cover lightly

Water seedlings through the spring.

At the beginning of hot weather, when leaves start to yellow, cease watering

During summer: Move pots to a darker area, such as a

carport, garage or dry shady spot outdoors

Keep a screen on pots to keep out foraging animals.

When the weather cools down again, move the pots back outside and go through a full rain or watering cycle once again.

Will take several years (usually 3) to reach flowering size

© Project SOUND

Summer dry - required Soils:

Texture: any well-drained

pH: any local

Light: Full sun & warm; thrives on hot,

sunny conditions, can plant near rocks, rock mulch

Water: Winter/spring: needs adequate

water through blooming period; taper off watering as blooms wane

After blooming: Zone 1; must have summer dry for corm health & good seed set

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: thin corms every 3 years (or when become crowded) in fall

© 2008 Steve Matson

© Project SOUND

Dichelostema brighten

the spring garden

As an attractive pot plant

Tucked around summer-dry shrubs

In prairie/grassland planting

Be sure to include in spring bouquets

© 2004 Carol W. Witham

http://www.flickr.com/photos/clairewoods/3552292585/

CA native bulbs are perfect

for those difficult to water

areas of the garden

© Project SOUND

CA native bulb

calendar Feb-Mar

Blue Dicks/Wild Hyacinth Local Oniona (Allium) Sisyrinchium begins Early Calochortus

Mar-April Sisyrinchium N. Coastal Onions

Meadow Onion Coastal Onion

Goldenstars Calochortus

May-June Calochortus Lilies

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atweed/4406640979/

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© Project SOUND Unfortunately, our local Allium haematochiton is not one of them

Some onions make good cut flowers

© Project SOUND

The Wild Onions – genus Allium

Over fifty species of Alliums growing in CA.

Most are easy to grow & multiply rapidly in the garden.

Species that are native to the mountains or moist meadows, such as Allium unifolium, prefer full sun and regular watering all season.

The majority of wild onions are from dry, rocky habitats and need good drainage with summer drought.

Most Alliums are well-suited to rock gardens, where they can be planted in colonies among short-growing Brodiaeas.

Their lovely pompom blooms can also be displayed to advantage when planted in groups towards the front of the mixed, dry perennial border.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22744855@N08/fa

vorites/page12/

Two types of Alliums

Allium species can be lumped into two types, those that have true bulbs, and those that grow from rhizomes with less-developed vestigial bulbs attached to them.

The bulbous alliums tend to grow and flower early, then go completely dormant afterwards.

The "rhizomatous" alliums tend to be season-long growers and flower much later in summer.

© Project SOUND © Project SOUND

Meadow Onion – Allium unifolium

http://www.calfloranursery.com/images/pics/a_b/allium_unifolium.jpg

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© Project SOUND

Meadow Onion – Allium unifolium

Native to NW and western central CA (down to Santa Barbara co.) – lower elevations

Grassy stream banks in pine or mixed evergreen forest in the coastal ranges

Sometimes on cliffs near the ocean

Usually in moist clay or serpentine soils

http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=8237&flora_id=1

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8354,8422 © Project SOUND

Meadow Onion: looks like an ornamental

onion Size:

1-2 ft tall; may need to stake

< 2 ft wide

Growth form: herbaceous perennial from a bulb

Foliage: Medium to gray-green

Leaves strap-like; remain green through flowering (tips may yellow)

Bulbs: not what you usually think of as an onion; small & rounded – at ends of short rhizomes

Plant bulbs 2” deep in fall

http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/category/plants/california-natives-plants/bulbs/

© Project SOUND

Flowers: ooh-la-la!!

Blooms: Spring-summer; usually May-

June but varies with weather (heat; rains)

Blooms for ~ 3 weeks

Flowers: Super-showy; pink or lavender,

pastel

Typical for onions; small star-shaped flowers in open cluster

Makes a lovely cut flower – sweet fragrance

Seeds: Small, black seeds in papery

capsule

Easy to collect & grow

© 2007 Neal Kramer

http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=6093442 © Project SOUND

Easy even in

conventional gardens Soils:

Texture: well-drained

pH: any local

Light: full sun to light shade; ½ day sun works just fine

Water: Winter: needs good winter rains;

supplement if needed

Summer: takes some summer water (Zone 2 or 2-3; let dry out in late summer/fall); other bulb species for summer water include Allium validum (Pacific/ Swamp Onion) and Triteleia peduncularis (Marsh Triteleia)

Fertilizer: fine with some fertilizer & organic amendments

Other: may need to thin occasionally

© 2007 Mike Ireland

http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2010/05/

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© Project SOUND

For garden or bouquet

As an showy container plant

With non-native bulbs or natives that require a little water

In rain garden, swale or veg. garden

Sunny edges in a woodland garden

Will naturalize – lovely massed http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2009/04/allium-unifolium/

© Project SOUND

Tricks for maintaining CA native bulbs

Maintenance tip: In early summer, remove the dried stalks for neatness. Be sure to collect the seeds for propagation or for trading with fellow gardeners.

Harvesting & preparing your cut-flowers

Harvest during the coolest time of day when they are crisp and turgid—early morning or late evening.

Remove lower foliage that would remain underwater in the storage container.

Cut stems with a sharp instrument, making the cuts underwater if possible. This prevents air bubbles from 'clogging' the stems.

Place the materials in clean containers of lukewarm water with preservative added (room temperature up to 100 degrees F.).

© Project SOUND

http://www.finegardening.com/plants/articles/allur

e-of-lavender.aspx

Keys to Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh

Give them water.

Give them food.

Protect them from decay or infection.

Keep them cool and out of direct sunlight.

© Project SOUND http://www.fancypantsweddings.com/diy-wedding-flower-diaster-judy-hates-

it/wilted-flowers/

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Cut-flower preservatives

Contain nutrients, preservatives & disinfectants

Can be purchased (probably better) or made at home (cheaper & probably OK)

Mix the floral preservative using warm water (100-110°F or 38-40°C) because it will move into the stems more effectively than cold water. Chlorine in tap water is fine, since it acts as a natural disinfectant.

© Project SOUND

http://www.hk94.com/B002SVJP5U.shtml

Making your own floral preservative –

experiment to see what works with

different species

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #1 2 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage (e.g., Sprite™ or 7-Up™)

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

2 cups warm water

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #2 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or white vinegar

1 to 2 tablespoon sugar (use 2 with vinegar)

1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach

1 quart warm water

© Project SOUND

Managing your cut-flowers: cleanliness

Always keep cut material in water while designing. This will prevent wilt due to the loss of water through transpiration.

Always design in clean containers that have been filled with preservative water.

After each use, clean storage containers, vases, liners, and needle point holders with a soapy Clorox solution, to kill all bacteria.

Use a floral preservative to provide nutrients and to prevent bacterial growth.

© Project SOUND

http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/how-to-

design-hot-color-flower-garden-

00400000041320/page2.html

Designing flower arrangement is a

course in itself

© Project SOUND Good on-line resources, books and courses

http://onecharmingparty.com/2009/12/02/what-im-reading-jane-packers-guide-to-

flower-arranging/

http://treefalldesign.typepad.com/tree_fall/2006/04/flower_arrangin.html

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A few simple tips from the pros

A standard, mixed floral arrangement will

have four main components:

Focal flowers : usually tall, large or unique flowers to grab your attention. Generally use only a few of these – one to five, depending on the size of your container.

Intermediate flowers: one-third shorter than the focal flowers or have smaller flowers that fit the chosen color scheme. Use approximately two times the number of these flowers in the arrangement.

© Project SOUND http://www.mauidriedflowers.com/silk_bamboo.html

http://www.hnfflorist.com/howtomakelargeflowerarrangements.html

A few simple tips from the pros

Four main components:

Filler flowers: used to edge the container or fill in any gaps in the arrangement. These flowers solidify the color scheme and hide unattractive stems. Use as many as necessary to complete the desired shape and balance.

Filler plant materials: attractive foliage pieces, grasses or even feather and bark pieces are used to fill in any gaps and provide balance to the arrangement.

© Project SOUND

http://wildsuburbia.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html

http://www.soenyun.com/Blog/2009/05/11/interpreting-history-through-plants/

What does this arrangement lack?

© Project SOUND

White Fairy-lantern – Calochortus albus

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAAL2

© Project SOUND

*Diogenes' lantern (Yellow globelily) – Calochortus amabilis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Calochortus_amabilis_2.jpg

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Native to mountains north of the San Francisco Bay Area - < 3000 ft. elevation

Isolated pocket of survivors on Vulcan Peak in San Diego County.

Common, grassy hillsides and in open oak woodlands

© Project SOUND

*Diogenes' lantern (Yellow globelily) – Calochortus amabilis

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora

_id=1&taxon_id=242101453

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8461,8463 http://calochortus.blogspot.com/ © Project SOUND

Diogenes' lantern: typical globelily

Size: 1-2 ft tall – usually ~ 1 ft

< 1 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from a bulb

Dies back to bulb after flowering

Leaves grow back with winter rains

Foliage: A few strap-like leaves

Leaves persist through flowering

Bulbs: Elongated to teardrop shape

Can be baked or boiled and eaten

© 2002 George Jackson

© Project SOUND

Flowers are super

Blooms: in spring: April-June in our area

Flowers: Bright, clear yellow with

orange-red markings

Shaped like a globelily; globe with wings (looks like a lantern, hence the common name) - ~ 1 inch

In loose clusters – very unique, showy

Seeds: in 4-chambered pod; more oval than most calochtus

Jo-Ann Ordano © California Academy of Sciences

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/CalochortusSpeciesOne

© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: well-drained (most

local)

pH: any local except > 8.0

Light: Part-shade best; morning sun

or dappled shade ideal

Water: Winter: needs adequate for

growth

Summer: needs summer dry after flowering – taper to Zone 1

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils. Organic mulches are fine.

http://www.summitpost.org/diogenes-lantern-calochortus-amabilis/516123

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© Project SOUND

Let Diogenes’ Lantern spread a little light..

In native prairie with summer-dry grasses, annual wildflowers

Under oaks and other summer-dry trees

Lovely massed or naturalized

As an attractive pot plant; may need support

Useful accent or filler flower

Frithjof Holmboe © California Academy of Sciences © 2009 Barry Rice

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xerantheum/3533104440/

Let’s create a spring/ early summer

bouquet to celebrate our CA heritage

Suncups

Penstemons

Clarkias

Globe Gilia

Monardellas

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dballentine/3656336782/

© Project SOUND

*Willow Mint – Monardella linoides ssp. viminea

© 2005 Jasmine J. Watts

© Project SOUND

Mountain Monardella – Monardella odoratissima

J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences

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Foothills and mountains of northern and central CA, incl. Klamath, N. Coast, Sierra, White and Inyo Mountains

? San Gabriels

Wet or dry, rocky, forest openings from 3500-11,000 ft. in Sagebrush scrub, montane forests

© Project SOUND

Mountain Monardella – Monardella odoratissima

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Monardella+odoratissima

© Project SOUND

The name (odoratissima) say it all

Size: 1-2 (sometimes 3) ft tall

2-3 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from

stout woody taproot

Many upright stems

Foliage: Color: green to gray-green

(hairy)

Simple leaves

Strong minty scent – great tea (medicinal or ‘sipping tea’)

© 2009 Terry Dye

Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

© Project SOUND

A showy Monardella

Blooms: Summer in the wilds

Likely June-July in our area

Flowers: Pale pink to light magenta –

good colors for garden

Flowers small – typical for Monardellas

Flowers in ball-like clusters at ends of flowering stems

Really showy

Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, many others

Seeds: small, typical for Mint family

© 2009 Terry Dye © 2011 Wynn Anderson

© Project SOUND

Likes a little shade Soils:

Texture: well-drained; sandy or rocky are fine

pH: any local

Light: Part-shade (morning sun)

works well

Dappled shade under trees is ideal

Water: Winter: good soakings

Summer: happy with occasional summer water (Zone 2, even 2-3 in well-drained soils)

Fertilizer: fine with organic amendments, mulches

© 2010 Julie Kierstead Nelson

Happiest at higher elevations,

but worth a try

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© Project SOUND

Mountain Monardella:

lovely filler flower

Under trees, as a groundcover

Along partly shady walkways

Shady edges of the vegetable garden

As an accent in large containers

In a rock or butterfly garden

© 2010 Steven Thorsted

Ssp. pallida

http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Monardella_odoratissim

a_ssp._pallida&redirect=no

A spring/summer native bouquet

celebrating our CA heritage

Camissonia - Suncups

Penstemons

Clarkias

Monardellas

© Project SOUND

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dballentine/3656336782/

Now, how about some bright

colors to jazz up our

arrangement?

Annual spring

bounty: Clarkias

© Project SOUND

Godetia/Farewell to Spring

Clarkia amoena

© Project SOUND http://www.rampantscotland.com/colour/supplement070818.htm

Clarkias – your choice for a showy

bouquet

http://www.buyflowersonline.com/Buy+Pink-

Persuasion-Bouquet.html

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Who says cutting’s

garden have to be

boring?

Use bright colored annuals in swaths to provide cut-flowers – and at a cheap price, too!

Plant with perennials and grasses to provide year-round interest

© Project SOUND

http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/wildflower_watch_wk13.htm http://plantsandgardening.com/v-gardening/seeds/09.html

Some choices for tall accent flowers

© Project SOUND http://www.gifttree.com/p3/7306/Pink_Paradise_Bouquet-1.html

Clarkias

Sidalceas – ‘Dwarf Hollyhocks’

Penstemons

Lilies

http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/sidalcea.html

© Project SOUND

The Checkerblooms –

the genus Sidalcea

~ 25 Western U. S. mallow species

Most species 2-4 ft tall

Perennials

Showy spikes of 2-inch-wide blooms in shades from pale pink to bright rosy purple.

Great cottage-garden plant that has the look Hollyhocks, but not the dominating height or aggressive self-seeding.

Most Checkerblooms grown in today’s gardens are hybrids

http://www.swsbm.com/homepage/NameIndexAC.htmll

© Project SOUND

Dwarf Checkerbloom – Sidalcea malviflora ssp. malviflora

© 2007 Neal Kramer http://baynatives.com/plants/Sidalcea-malvaeflora/

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© Project SOUND

*Oregon Checkerbloom – Sidalcea oregana

Northern & Central Ranges, Great Basin Province, to WA, WY, UT

Meadows, marshes, stream sides & other wet places

Also in ponderosa pine forests and sagebrush

Low to high elevations – to 10,000 ft

© Project SOUND

*Oregon Checkerbloom – Sidalcea oregana

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5042,5095,5122

© 1991, Clayton J. Antieau

© Project SOUND

Oregon Checkerbloom: often called

‘miniature hollyhock’ in the trade

Size: 2-4 ft tall

~ 2 ft wide

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial wildflower

Upright stems from stout woody taproot

Foliage: Primarily at base

Leaves usually medium green, deeply-lobed – may be hairy

Roots: stout taproot; no rhizomes

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND

Flowers are fantastic!

Blooms: mid- to late Spring; usually April-June in Western L.A. Co.

Flowers: Typical Checkermallow flowers

– mallow-like but almost translucent

Size: ~ 1 inch

Colors: dark to light pink; sometimes more lilac/ magenta

Clustered along blooming stalk like a hollyhock – super showy

Seeds: small; can buy & grow from seed

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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© Project SOUND

Garden-friendly Soils:

Texture: likes well-drained

pH: any local

Light: Full sun to part-shade; dappled

sun

Does not like high temperatures, winds

Water: Winter: plenty

Summer: probably best with regular water (Zone 2-3 or 3) but can take Zone 2 (will die back)

Fertilizer: fine with organic amendments, mulches

Other: prune back to basal foliage in late fall

© 2005 Christopher L. Christie © Project SOUND

Loved by gardeners

for many years

In natural meadow gardens w/native grasses, annuals, etc.

In cottage gardens; lovely with other flowering an annuals & perennials, giving some height

In pink/purple-themed gardens w/ Heuchera, Woodmints, etc.

In woodland gardens, with pines, ferns, etc.

As a lovely accent flower in floral arrangements

© 2007 Dianne Fristrom

Sidalcea oregana: parent of many garden

hybrids, cultivars

© Project SOUND

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene1065.html

‘Party Girl’

http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/sidalcea.html

Some of these are called ‘Sidalcea

malvaflora’ in the horticulture trade

– almost all are actually S. oregana

‘Elsie Heugh’ hybrid

Old hybrid cultivar – around at least 30 years

Lovely pastel pinks

Hybrids – especially the bright-colored ones -may revert over time (become more pale)

© Project SOUND http://www.malvaceae.info/Genera/Sidalcea/gallery.html

http://www.garden-

superstore.co.uk/product/2/WB84395/Sidalcea-Elsie-Heugh-

6-Bareroot-Plants.html

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‘Brilliant’ hybrid

Aka: S. hybrida ‘Brilliant’

Bright reds & pinks

© Project SOUND http://www.malvaceae.info/Genera/Sidalcea/gallery.html

http://www.vanbloem.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_ID=1152

‘Party Girl’ hybrid

© Project SOUND

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/image.asp?image=I850-1028092wg.jpg

http://www.premiumplantplugs.com/Sidalcea-Party-Girl-p772.html

http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/sidalcea.html

‘Rosanna’ hybrid

© Project SOUND

http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/sidalcea.html

http://www.greenscenelandscape.com/PlantsQRS.htm

Deadheading keeps Sidalceas (and other

flower plants) blooming

Deadheading: cutting off spent blooms before they go to seed

Effect: plants keep producing more blooms, increasing the bloom season

Why? – plants will keep trying to produce seeds – you’re tricking the plant

Consequences: may decrease life of plant

© Project SOUND

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Simple arrangements - with careful choice

of shapes, colors - can be very effective

© Project SOUND

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/easter-and-spring-centerpieces

© Project SOUND

http://www.thegardener.btinternet.co.uk/sogetsuikebana2.html

http://wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=1382

Ikebana – a Japanese tradition well suited

to CA native flowers

Ikebana, or “the way of flowers,” dates back more than 500 years and first blossomed among male artisans and aristocrats.

Aimed at creating harmony between man and nature as well as heightening the appreciation of the rhythms of the universe

Arrangements are conducted in silence using only organic elements put together in a minimalist style.

© Project SOUND

http://ikebana.culturalnews.net/niseiweek2007.html

A vase full of lilies…how sublime!

© Project SOUND

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© Project SOUND

Leopard (Tiger) Lily – Lilium pardalinum

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/NorthAmericanLiliumTwo

California Floristic Province – though some ssp. are limited to N. CA & S. OR

Ssp. pardalinium on Mt. Pinos & Laguna Mtns of San Diego Co.

Habitat tends to be stream banks, forming large colonies in bogs, woodlands, and sunny edges

© Project SOUND

Leopard (Tiger) Lily – Lilium pardalinum

ssp. pardalinium

http://ucjepstest.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8592,8602,8603

http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?obj

ect_id=8396&flora_id=1

© Project SOUND

Leopard Lily is tall & stately….

Size: 3-6 ft tall

1-2 ft wide; spreading clumps

Growth form: Herbaceous perennial from a

bulb

Very tall & upright

Foliage: Medium green

Whorls of large leaves spaced along the stem; very woodsy looking

Roots: short rhizomes; bulbs develop along rhizomes

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/NorthAmericanLiliumTwo

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND

Flowers are glorious

Blooms: in late spring/summer; usually June & July

Flowers: Drooping ‘Turk’s cap’ type

lily flowers; up to 15 per stalk

Nice size: 2-4 in. across

Lovely colors: mostly reds, oranges or yellows with maroon spots

As pretty as any Asian lily

humming birds, butterflies love it

Seeds: flat seeds in tough, oblong pod (typical for lilies)

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/NorthAmericanLiliumTwo

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© Project SOUND

A wetland lily Soils: Texture: well-drained

pH: any local incl. slightly acidic

Light: Best in filtered sun, light shade

or afternoon shade

Water: Winter: plenty of water

Summer: likes soil moist – best Zone 2-3 but could use Zone 2

Fertilizer: fine with organic amendments and mulches – ‘forest floor’ soils

Other: easy to grow; divide occasionally in fall.

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College © Project SOUND

Wetland lilies for a

woodsy garden

In dappled shade with ferns, Mimulus

For bog gardens, rain gardens

As an attractive pot plant

Shady moist areas around patios and sitting areas, arbors, etc.

http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_l/lilpar.html

© 2009 Barry Rice

‘Giant Red’

Parentage unclear; may be a hybrid

Large – 5-7 ft tall

Red flowers

Available from bulb companies

© Project SOUND

Lilies from

bulbs

Plant mature bulbs 4–5 inches deep in cool loose loamy soil.

The scales also sprout and grow easily, so when transplanting if any scales break off, plant them 1” deep and you'll have lots of baby lilies

Grow well in pots & like to be crowded. When planting in containers cover the bulbs with only 2 inches of soil.

© Project SOUND

http://www.infiniteitsolutions.net/

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But perhaps something a little more

delicate…

© Project SOUND

http://www.shastawildflowers.com/pages/ShastaLilyTop2241.htm

© Project SOUND

*Washington Lily – Lilium washingtonianum

© 2008 Vernon Smith

© Project SOUND

*Washington Lily – Lilium washingtonianum

ssp purpurascens

ssp. washingtonia

Northern ranges – Sierras & Cascade Range into OR

Grows in dry woods, often through shrubs, at mid- to high elevations (1,300 to 7,200 feet)

Named for Martha Washington – not the state

http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/lil_was.html

© Project SOUND

Fantastic Flowers

Blooms: late spring to summer

Flowers: White (fading to pink), often

with maroon spots

Very fragrant

1-25 flowers per stalk

Good for wedding bouquet!

http://lilyseed.com/washingtonianum_9200.html

http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2010/07/lilium_washingtonianum.php

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© Project SOUND

Dryland Lilies: more

like local bulbs

Soils: Texture: well-drained

pH: any local

Light: Full sun to very light shade

Water: Winter: plenty; even flooding

Summer: quite drought- tolerant once established; Zone 2 or 2-3 during flowering then taper off

Fertilizer: OK with organic mulches and soil amendments – fine in garden beds

Other: leave them in place in the garden – don’t like being moved

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

Hopefully we’ve convinced you that CA

natives make interesting cut-flowers

© Project SOUND

Get out and see flowering natives

© Project SOUND

Come to the Garden Party next Saturday

© Project SOUND http://www.goingnativegardentour.org/pressroom/wildflowerShowVisitors.jpg

Now is a good time for flower shows

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Now is a good time for flower shows

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden sometimes has flower shows

© Project SOUND

http://wildsuburbia.blogspot.com/2010/04/wildflowers-near-gorman.html

Would you like to have a flower show?

© Project SOUND