Since the theme of my gardens is to test the performance and cold-hardiness of as many (mostly) perennial species as I can get my hands on, I've noticed some generalizations about certain families and, within them, certain genera that seem almost "foolproof" for a cool-summer garden in Zone 4. At the top of the list is the Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae), or Mustard Family. Many of our table vegetables reside in this family, such as cabbage, radish, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. In my garden, these genera are top performers: Alyssum, Arabis, Aubrieta, Iberis, Erysimum, Thlaspi, Matthiola (annual). The main requirement for me is to be sure the pH of my soil for these genera is about 6.5 to 7.0 -- no easy task in naturally-acidic soil. Next is Caryophyllaceae, or Pink Family (not for the color "pink" but for the cut petals of many species which sort of resemble the result of using "pinking" shears. Dianthus leads the pack. I have a large collection of Dianthus species and cultivars. None that I have tried has ever failed. Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William), which is usually sold as either an annual or biennial, is a long-term perennial in my gardens. I also have a few Caryophyllus cultivars but most are too tall with overly large flowers to fit into my low-growing rock gardens. Two closely-related genera -- Lychnis and Silene -- are stellar performers. Some species, such as L. chalcedonica (Maltese Cross) are too tall for the rock gardens but they are such undemanding, reliable performers that I have created a special "semi-wild" area around the perimeter of the gravel paths especially for tall or aggressive species. Ranunculaceae, the Buttercup Family, is also pretty much a "sure bet", especially when it comes to Aconitum, Aquilegia, Caltha, Delphinium, Hepatica, Pulsatilla, Thalictrum and Trollius. Living out West, I have come to admire and covet the over-200 species of Penstemon in the Scrophulariaceae, or Figwort Family. (As an aside, no one here knows what a "figwort" is so I identify this family as the Snapdragon or Penstemon (if visitors are familiar with Penstemons) Family.) Most of the representatives of this family in my gardens are Penstemons but I also have Castilleja, Chaenorrhinum, Digitalis and Pedicularis. With such a large number of genera in the Asteraceae (formerly Compositae), or Daisy Family, I am bound to have many genera and species. However, those species that are day-sensitive (garden Chrysanthemums, for instance) or those species that are typically late-summer to fall-blooming (many Asters) usually produce only nice, green foliage but no flowers because of not enough time left. Primulaceae, or Primrose Family, is another one that does well, although most species I grow require either evenly-moist soil or even boggy soil. Besides Primula, our native Dodecatheon is a strong performer. Campanulaceae, or Bellflower Family, is mainly represented by the genus Campanula but Phyteuma does well, too. Some Campanulas can overrun a small garden, such as C. punctata v. rubriflora, which is so stunning in bloom that I just have to keep it around. It has been relegated to the "semi-wild" area and is very happy there, battling for space with other species of similar ilk. These are the families represented by the most genera and/or species in my gardens. The total family count is 54, with over 1,000 species and cultivars, but in some cases, there is but one species. What genera do best for you? Jane HendrixMountain View Experimental GardensPeak 7 Area - Breckenridge, Colorado U.S.A.Elevation: 10,000 feetUSDA Zone 4Website: http://www.picturetrail.com/hendrix
---------- Original Message ---------- From: Kyle Baker <[email protected]> To: " the Electronic Rock Garden Society postings copyright by authors.Alpine-L" <[email protected]> Subject: [Alpine-l] The List Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:48:45 -0800 (PST) Turning to plants for a bit... 1) What is your favorite plant family? why? 2) What is your least favorite? Why? 3) Your favorite species? 4) Easiest species to grow....for you? 5) Most difficult species to grow....for you? 6) Rarest plant in your collection? 7) Most common plant in your Collection) 8) First plant you ever grew? 9) Last plant purchased? 10) The plant you would grow if you could? Mr. Kyle Fletcher Baker, MCN Maine Zone 5
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