The landscape was not the chiseled, cold marble of January pasts, but rather a tepid, uninspired medium that seemed drab, soggy and malleable.  It was in a word, depressing.  As we fight off the winter blues, recover from the holiday season, and embrace the new year, it’s the perfect time to put together a garden wish list, and we’ve got just the inspiration you’re looking for.

Each year, the National Garden Bureau selects an annual, perennial, bulb/tuber and edible to be celebrated for the year.  According to their website, plants are chosen based on their popularity, ease, versatility and adaptability.   Without further ado, we introduce their 2019 selections:

Snapdragon Crack and Pop Purple by Flora Nova (photo courtesy of National Garden Bureau)

Snapdragon (Annual)

Generally grown as Annuals in the Midwest, Snapdragons come in a whole host of colors and sizes, all highly fragrant and attractive to pollinators.  Great for use in containers and makes an excellent cut flower.

Dahlia (Bulb)

Grown by a tuber/bulb, Dahlia’s come in a litany of colors, forms and sizes and are prolific bloomers.  Prized for their beauty and allure, Dahlia’s are deer resistant and can be used in beds, containers or pots.

Salvia Caramia by Dummen Orange (photo courtesy of National Garden Bureau)

Salvia Nemorosa (Perennial)

A popular and favorite perennial known for its low maintenance, beauty, longevity, and diversity in the landscape, Salvia is a work horse in the garden and a reliable bloomer.  Pollinator friendly and deer and rabbit resistant.

Pumpkin (Edible)

The ubiquitous symbol of Fall, pumpkins come in a myriad of varieties and are easily grown in our Midwestern soil and climate.  From décor, to carving, to cooking and baking, pumpkins are a wonderful addition to any garden.

Winter is a great time to plan and ponder, and as you shore up your plant lists, consider adding one or all of the National Garden Bureau’s 2019 picks, or simply reach out to Sweeney’s for more gardening ideas, plant selections, etc.

Plant of the Week

Photo courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers

Color Spires® Crystal Blue Salvia

Icy-blue spikes of flowers bloom amongst fragrant grayish-green foliage from May – July.  Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 18-24″ tall and 24-36″ wide.  Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.  Drought tolerant.  Deer and rabbit resistant.

“Winter is the gray, bare shell of Spring.”

-Terri Guillemets

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney