Time to get Planting!
Spring is here and all trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, ground covers and ornamental grasses can be planted safely now. Cold season vegetables such as lettuce, kale, cabbage, broccoli, etc. can be planted with little risk as well as cold season annuals such as Pansies, Stock, Alysum, Petunias, Verbena, Nemesia, Diascia, Cape Daisy (Osteospermum) and more. The old rule of thumb is tender plants such geraniums, impatiens, zinnias, dahlias, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, basil, etc. should wait until the threat of frost is gone. The big question is when will be the last frost be? The old traditional and conservative stance is after the last Full Moon in May, which is usually around Memorial Day, 3rd week of May. The way the weather is this spring and looking at the long term forecast, the threat of frost may be over. The low temperature predictions over the next 20 days, as of this writing is 39 degrees. To be safe wait on planting the few tender plants listed above. If you are willing to roll the dice and get your plants growing then plant away. Again for all other outdoor plants – get planting!
Plant Something!
One of the projects I have been working on since last summer is a campaign to promote gardening in Massachusetts. It has been a joint effort with the MNLA (Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association) and MFG (Massachusetts Flower Growers Association). Our goal is to get kids, families and adults away from the TV or computer and outside and into the garden. May 1st we met at an Elementary School in Dorchester that has a terrific teaching garden for students, many of who who don’t have a lot of space to garden in the city. We planted Marigolds with the kids in an effort to kickoff the campaign. 
When Governor Patrick was made aware of our efforts, he accepted an offer to join us! I was very impressed with his gardening skills and knowledge. He did not just pose for the cameras, he helped plant some Columbine in the teaching garden and was great with the kids showing them how to plant the Marigolds in pots. He worked the soil with his hands and “Played Dirty”, even in the rain with us! I had a chance to ask the Governor about what his favorite plant was from his own garden. Answer? I will post the video on our Facebook page when I get permission to do so. Click here to learn more about Plant Something. ~ Chris
Link to the YouTube video of Chris talking to the Governor.
Need help in the Garden?
Kennedy’s offers free in-store planning as well as garden consultations and full landscape planning and installation services. Click here for more information.
The Farmers Market at Kennedy’s
This spring we are running a mini-Farmers Market every Sunday from 11-3. Our key vendors with staple items such as Oakdale Farm, Engelnook Farm, Al’s Backwoods Berrie Company, Great Cape Baking Company, and Marshfield Trading Post will be here on Sundays. Before sure to stop in each week to grab your organic eggs, delicious jams, fresh breads, locally grown produce and organic cleaning supplies.
And the Winners is ……………………
Introducing 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, otherwise known as Siberian Bugloss, grows 18 inches tall and 18 inches wide in a mounded form. This hardy perennial grows well in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Brunneras are treasured for their shade tolerance and early baby-blue, forget-me-not like flowers. Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ has enchanting silvery leaves with green venation and a thin green margin. One common name for this perennial is heartleaf brunnera because the emerging leaf enlarges to a heart shape.
Light
Plants thrive in the shade but will tolerate morning sun if the soil conditions remain moist. By midday, shade is essential, particularly in southern gardens.
Soil
This perennial performs best in shady areas with good moisture retentive soils.
Uses
‘Jack Frost’ brunnera may be used along the front of the shade border, is excellent in a container, or can be combined with other ground cover perennials such as hostas, ferns, and epimediums. The silver foliage lights up a dark garden from spring to fall.
Unique Qualities
From mid to late spring, blue, forget-me-not like blossoms are held in clusters several inches above the brilliant frosty silver leaves. The rough leaf texture makes this perennial less palatable to browsing deer.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 3 to 8
Photos by Walters Gardens, Inc.
