Garden Bucket List--No More Missed Moments

I read an article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal about garden guru Piet Oudolf.  I can't believe we were in sight of New York City's High Line a year ago last autumn and did not go up the stairs to view it.  We had met my sister and her family in New York City for a brunch before her daughter's engagement party later that evening. I can't recall what we did all afternoon, but I should have convinced the group to go up on the walkway above the busy streets and stroll among this gardener's plantings.  It was the right season to view his grasses--and I missed it!  Never again. I'm starting a "must see" garden bucket list. And the High Line goes on it, for certain.

Also on my bucket list is a trip to the Storm King Art Center in Mountainville, NY.  Peit Oudolf mentions in the above article that the Mark di Suvero's sculptures there are an inspiration to him. Autumn is a great time to visit the rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands near the Hudson River north of NYC.

My garden club is going to Berkshire Botanical Gardens in mid-June.  I am still deciding whether to join them. I have two other things going on that day.  I'm thinking I may not go, but hope I don't regret it like I do the missed chance to see the High Line.

I also found a great planting zone calculator on the National Arbor Day site.  I discovered this during my research to determine the hardiness of that "hardy" perennial hibiscus I've been trying to find for my neighbor's garden bed.  I was successful yesterday at Country Flower Farms in Middlefield.

My garden man loading the hardy hibiscus at Country Flower Farms

The salesperson told me that the owner had overwintered the dozen plants they had on display.  They were in 5 gallon pots and the young shoots were just emerging. 

Hibiscus 'Kopper King' sprouts

The pots were out in the full sun, exposed to the elements instead of under the canopy with the roses. The salesperson said they were able to be planted now--no problem. They had a few choices in color, but the salesperson raved about 'Kopper King' so that's the one I chose.  I can't wait to get a photo of its bloom and foliage in August or September to display on this blog. I think I'll change its spot in the garden bed closer to the foundation to keep it out of the wind and to regulate its soil temperature in the winter.  We'll see about next August or September...