Viewing comments posted by BookerC1

This was one of the first heirloom tomatoes I tried as I ventured outside the range of the hybrids commonly available in my area. I found this variety especially easy to grow from seed, and I consistently lose less to damping off than some varieties. The plants grow vigorously and are some of the larger tomato plants in my garden. They aren't a terribly prolific producer, but the rich, almost smoky flavor makes them well worth the space in my garden! This one is a constant in my garden. I have about 4 varieties that I always grow, among an average of 15-18 tomato varieties each year, and this is one of my four "keepers."

I enjoy "black" or purple tomatoes, but I have to say this wasn't one of my favorites. The thin skin made it particularly prone to splitting, and even when I tried to pick them a little early, the texture still seemed somewhat mealy. I ended up using them in sauces, as I wasn't keen on them as a fresh eating tomato.

I've grown quite a few different heirloom tomatoes, and this consistently ranks among my favorites. I tend to prefer tomatoes with a complex flavor, and this one meets the criteria! It somehow manages to be both sharp on the initial taste and sweet after a moment. It makes a beautiful salsa and is a great addition to a plate of sliced tomatoes. People will be surprised to taste a ripe, mature tomato when they are expecting the harsher flavor of an unripened "green" tomato!

I purchased this plant as a companion for some dark purple heuchera and vividly pink dianthus. It benefits from pinching back in the spring and early summer to promote branching, as this will also increase the number of blooms. My rule of thumb in zone 5a is to stop pinching back by July 4th. As a bonus, this plant roots easily, making it a good candidate for propogation and planting in multiple areas of the garden. I've found that the foliage is purplish in full sun, but stays mostly green in shade. It clearly prefers at least some sun, as it tends to get leggy and gangly in shady conditions, but it does grow well in both locations. Easy and attractive plant, and seems to be a favorite with butterflies.

The foliage of this plant is a deep burgundy-purple in the spring. As it matures, it turns green. Both green and purple foliage may be seen on the plant at the same time. The stems are also deep purple-burgundy, bearing delicate spikes of white bell-shaped flowers in the spring. This plant is stunning planted with Queen of the Night tulips and dark purple heuchera.

This shrub appeared in my garden this year, probably planted by a helpful bird. It has a lovely fragrance, and the entire shrub is covered with blooms in late spring/early summer. I may have to relocate it, but it is a keeper!

Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe diagremontiana) can be seriously invasive in warmer climates. It does not produce viable seed, but can multiply rapidly by dropping plantlets, rooting of fallen leaves, and broken stems that easily root. Some studies indicate that the plant leaves a residue in the soil that hinders the growth of other plants, and even reduces the rate of growth of its own offspring.

Also of concern is the toxicity of the plant. While it is an unusual and attractive houseplant, it does pose a real risk for young children and pets that may eat the plant or plantlets.

This carnivorous, insectivorous plant grows in bogs in the wild. It needs constant moisture, which can be provided by standing the container in a dish of water. Avoid getting the crown of the plant wet.

Typically grown as a foliage plant. Occasional blooms, which resemble their near cousin, the morning glory, are pale pink with a violet-purple center, and provide a strong contrast to the almost black foliage. The foliage is dark and heavily lobed, and brilliant purple on the underside. Wonderful cascading out of a container or hanging basket, and provides great contrast and impact when planted in swathes in the landscape. Works well with brightly colored celosia, or lime-green heucheras.

Very vigorous grower. Vivid red color does not fade in bright sunlight. Heat tolerant. Low maintenance, does not require deadheading. Cascading growth habit works well in baskets or as a groundcover.

Blooms change color as they age, providing a range from almost white to vivid peach on the plant at the same time.

Heavily branched plants with lobed, mildew-resistant leaves. Prefers well-drained, moist, moderately fertile soil, but will tolerate dry conditions.

Deer resistant

Regular deadheading will encourage vigorous flowering and keep plants shapely. Some sources recommend only full sun, while others say the color fades in full sun, and is better in partial sun. In tropical or sub-tropical zones, these survive all year as evergreen perennials and develop shrubbier habits.

The sign posted by the Prunus persica tree at the Illinois State University Horticulture Center read:

"Originating in China, French explorers are believed to have brought the peach to the early colonial settlements near Mobile, Al, in the mid 1500's. Peaches are a good source of vitamin C and also contain modest amounts of beta-carotenes."

Labeled as Sanvitalia procumbens 'Sunbini' at the ISU Horticulture Center.

I loved this bright, cheery plant! It is a very different form of celosia than the usual plumes and cockscomb forms I am accustomed to. Adding it to my wishlist for my home garden next year!

Very drought-tolerant once established, and will thrive even in poor, sandy soils. This is a first-year blooming selection. It is native to much of North America, and will do well in a wide range of climates.

Long-lasting as a cut flower, too!

Attracts butterflies to my border. Looks great with helenium, daylilies, heliopsis, echinacea, and rudbeckia. I planted it in an area dedicated to flame-colored plants.

The tiny peppers, only about 3/4" diameter, are primarily meant to be ornamental. They are edible, and very hot, but don't offer much flavor to go along with the heat. I grow them for the striking purple and green foliage, and the pretty little purple and red peppers. The fruits start out darkest purple, and turn a glowing ember red when fully mature.

I have had some success in saving seed from this pepper, though I highly recommend wearing disposable latex/plastic gloves while handling the fruits to collect the seed. They are extremely hot, and if you inadvertently rub your eyes or lips with the pepper oils on your hands, you will regret it! Wash or flush immediately (I've heard that hot water helps dissolve the oils, though the cold feels more soothing!) and then rinse with cold milk, or apply cold milk compresses. The milk protein, casein, helps to counteract the capsaicin in the pepper oils. As an aside, drinking milk or eating yogurt or other dairy can help with indigestion after eating hot peppers, as well.

A student gave me one potted in a little coffee cup, which I set on my windowsill. It lived and bloomed for almost 3 years, until the cat finally knocked it down while we were out of town for a week.

Great for areas with dry or poor soil. Very drought-tolerant, and blooms non-stop without deadheading. Great in the ground or in containers. The fleshy stems and leaves look as if they'd be pointy, but they are actually quite soft.

Prefers well-drained soil. Water frequently until established. Established plants are drought-tolerant.

Fertilize in spring. Use balanced fertilizer for best results.