The 2006 gardening year as we know it is all but over.
Jack Frost did his dastardly deed this past weekend, so most tender perennials and annuals are toast.
(About the only one celebrating was G. Aston, who correctly picked Sept. 17 in our Guess the First Day of Frost contest.)
But as we gardeners like to say, "There's always next year."
And what would a look-ahead be without advice from All-America Selections.
All-American, the grand-daddy of seed testing, has put new varieties of flowers and vegetables through rigorous testing since 1933.
Each year, an independent panel of judges select-and recognize, flower and vegetable seed for significant achievements, proven to be superior to all others on the market.
The best of the best for 2007 include three annuals:
• Celosia "Fresh Look Gold," a cockscomb that looks as fresh in September as they did when planted in the spring.
"Fresh Look Gold" plants are embellished with bright golden plumes that remain colourful all season, not "browning" with maturity.
Since the plumes remain attractive, there is no reason to deadhead and no pest problems are expected, thus 'Fresh Look Gold' needs little maintenance in a sunny garden. It is a carefree annual useful in formal or informal gardens.
"Fresh Look Gold" proved to be heat, humidity and rain tolerant in AAS Trials across North America.
• Petunia "Opera Supreme Pink Morn," a vigorous trailing petunia with iridescent pink blooms. A silvery shine causes blooms to shimmer, capturing an admirer's attention from a distance.
The 8-cm flowers are pink, shading to creamy white in the centre, with a yellow throat. "Opera Supreme Pink Morn" plants are continuously flowering and do not need pruning or deadheading.
The hybrid plants are capable of growing 1 metre in sunny locations. This spreading quality covers garden soil and can choke weeds beautifully.
• Vinca "Pacifica Burgundy Halo" is the first vinca with a burgundy halo surrounding a large white centre. This bicolour bloom is a vivid contrast, exceptionally visible in an annual garden. Early flowering with a well-balanced plant form, "Pacifica Burgundy Halo" is ideal for spring or summer plantings or in containers. With proven heat and drought tolerance, the garden performance of 'Pacifica Burgundy Halo' is assured. In a full sun garden location, these vinca plants will reach 30 cm tall.
As this is the last gardening column of the year, remember these poignant words:
The kiss of the sun for pardon/The song of the birds for mirth/You are nearer God's heart in a garden/Than anywhere else on Earth.
See you next year.
