Lessons of GW06

Finally, a flower close-up (lilium henryi) by a pro, Mike Groll, who was visiting the gardens, pocket-size Leica in tow. Thanks, Mike!

Amidst the joy, gratification, sunburn, and exhaustion, I’m more convinced than ever that my property needs some major enhancements. I’m too dependent on plants. The compliments I get are almost all plant-related, and as much as I appreciate them, I’m realizing that I have to have features that are constant, that don’t depend on what’s bloom at any given time. Well, duh, you say, and you’re right.

The fact is, I’ve always been a plant person, not a design person. I barely understand what good garden design is. That changes this summer, when I get some bucks for this book. A pond won’t be the whole answer, but I believe that the look and sound of a small body of water will greatly enhance a certain spot. Then, in the spring, I’ll be reworking some of the beds to add diversity and a better texture mix.

Anyway, all that said. Plant of the weekend? Nicotiana sylvestris. There were still a lot of questions about the Persian shield, the lilium henryi (above), and the elephant ear, but almost all wanted to know about the plant with the tubular flowers and the huge leaves.

There’s a minor controversy about how nicotiana is pronounced.