Woody ornamentals are not limited to conventional garden plots. Many can be grown in containers and planters of appropriate size. All the bramble berries; dwarf trees; some deeper-rooted semi-dwarf and standard trees and specimen shrubs and trees will make wonderful container plants.

WATERING

Every plant needs water; how much and how often depends on many factors. Outdoor plants like to have a regular cycle of moist to dry, but depending on a host of possible influences, such as the weather (hot and dry, for example), a plant may need more watering at one time than another. To water a potted garden properly, drench the plants until the water pours out of the drainage holes. When a potted garden contains a variety of plants with different watering needs, carefully water each plant individually according to its needs.

All plants need food to survive. They live on a combination of large doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and smaller helpings of iron, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. A plant found in nature is fed by its environment. Plants in a pot need to be fed regularly to thrive. The easiest way to feed your plants is with a good store-bought time-release capsule.

Permanent trees and shrubs grow rapidly and continuously. Because most containers will not be big enough to hold any bush or tree at its full growth, withhold its food to slow it down, but don¹t malnourish. Feed at least on a regular monthly basis.

Alpines and evergreens are slow-growing plants requiring very little feeding. Every two months should be sufficient.

Many plants and trees do better if they are cut back at least once a year. Some prefer to be pruned in the fall, while others do better if pruned just after flowering in the spring. Cutting back a plant encourages new healthy shoots to form and either bloom more often or fill out more fully. Some potted trees and shrubs will need their roots trimmed as well as their branches in order to stay compact enough for a container. Naturally, pruning a full-size tree is a cumbersome and difficult process, so avoid such high maintenance by choosing dwarf varieties of a favorite tree. Since they are bred to stay small, dwarf trees do not need to be cut back very often and won¹t outgrow their pots so quickly.

Almost all plants will have to be transplanted someday if they live long enough in a container. Some plants may take years to outgrow their homes; others will become too big in the course of one growing season. And almost any plant grown in a plastic container will benefit from being transplanted into a more porous container from the minute you bring it home.

The two basic rules of thumb to follow when transplanting are:
1. Try not to move a plant in the middle of its growing and blooming season. Early spring and mid-fall are often the best times to make the move.

2. If you live in the North, do not transplant outdoor plants just before the big frost. The roots of any plant will be at least somewhat traumatized by the disturbance, so they will need to settle into their new home before their world freezes over.

Transplanting will become necessary when one or more plants in a container grow significantly faster than the other and begin to over crowd them. Despite the first basic rule, smaller sun-loving plants may become too shaded by tall plants by mid-season, and it is better to risk transplanting them, since they may die if left alone. In the middle of a July heat wave, you¹ll have to use your judgement about which course of action will be best for the plant.

Outdoor transplanting is best done in the late afternoon. Once the plants are nestled in their new home, water very well. The cooler night air will help keep plants moist for as long as possible. If you must transplant early in the day, water again in the afternoon lest the sun has dried out the roots and the soil. Never transplant at high noon.

If you live in a climate zone that drops below freezing for more than a day, you will need to put some of your garden to bed. This process will help protect the roots and branches of your perennial flowers, trees, and shrubs. The time to do this is before a deep, long-lasting frost destroys some of your containers of the plants - usually from about mid-October to the beginning of December, depending on how far north you live.

Woody ornamentals that remain outdoors can be divided into two basic categories: hardy and half-hardy. The real hardy ones will be okay just hanging out in the freezing cold. The others will need to be wrapped with plastic for protection from the wind and the severe cold. Roses should be wrapped up to about 6 inches above the soil to protect the bud union (the place on the stem where the hybrid variety was grafted onto the rootstock).

For hardy plants and bulbs, freezing is not what causes the damage in a container; the killer is the quick and continuous freeze-thaw cycle. Put bubble wrap and burlap around the entire container to make a kind of thermos. Once the root ball is cold it will stay cold and even a sudden thaw will take a while to reach the plant¹s roots.

Moisture and drainage are as important in the winter as in the summer. Keep the drainage hole open and the pots slightly raised above the ground. Your plants will need less water in winter, but they will need some. Keep a watchful eye, and water if there is a winter drought.

If you live in an area that freezes part of the winter, most containers will have to be protected from the elements.

Terra-cotta planters run a high risk of cracking because they are porous, meaning they have air spaces in the sand that is fired to make them. Water seeps through the tiny air bubbles, and if it freezes, the water expands and cracks the pot. One way to minimize (but not eliminate) the possibility of cracking is to wrap the pot with bubble wrap. Plants need to be watered and continue to drain throughout the winter, so do not wrap the top or bottom of the container with the plastic.

To finish the job, wrap the bubble wrap with burlap. The burlap can cover the bottom because the water will pass right through it. Tie the top of the material with heavy twine, leaving 8 inches flapping in the wind. Untie the twine when it¹s time to water.

We have an exceptional line of garden and patio furniture this year, including wrought iron benches and Bistro sets (patio). Buy a cast iron fire pot to cook on, or just to enjoy a comfortable evening at home with a patio fire burning.

There is also an excellent selection of arbors in cast iron, wood or a combination of wood and metal, along with accent pieces in gates and fences.

Ashcombe can accentuate your home indoors too with a new line of solid mahogany furniture including tables, stands, fern stands - all made in Victorian and period styles.

Ashcombe also has an ever-changing array of antiques to choose from. We are constantly searching for new items every week in glassware, collectibles, tools, furniture, pottery and much more!

Among the over 1000 perennial plants included on our 2000 Perennial Plant List are more than 200 exciting new selections. Here is a sampling.

Anthrisus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'
Perennial Chervil. This plant produces lovely masses of white and soft pink dainty flowers in May through mid summer. Equally as beautiful is the plant's deep purple ferny foliage that contrasts nicely with the flowers. It will grow 2.5-3 feet tall and should be planted in full sun to light shade. Anthriscus 'Ravenswing' has been loved by Europeans for its simple elegance but is a rarity in U.S. Gardens.

Delosperma floribundum 'Starburst' Iceplant.
A new iceplant that is hardier than the species. 'Starburst' is a delight to anyone who has been smitten by the easy nature, colorful blooms and long bloom time of iceplant. Bright orchid-pink blooms are accented by a crisp white center resembling a starburst. The plant has succulent foliage and grows 4 inches tall. it is smothered in bright flowers from mid May until frost. It will spread 14 to 18 inches and makes a wonderful carefree ground cover. Plant in full sun in dry well-drained soil. Extremely drought tolerant.

Delphinium elatum
New Millennium Hybrids
A great new series of delphiniums with improved hardiness. These new English Hybrid Delphiniums have large heavily petaled flowers of excellent color and form. Because of their very strong stems they resist breaking more than other varieties. Improved tolerance of heat and humidity and excellent cold hardiness makes them longer lived than most delphinums. Plants can grow 5-6 feet tall. Ashcombe is offering 4 new cultivars:

'Blushing Brides': pink shades
'Harlequin': mixed shades
'Innocence': white
'Royale Asperations': blue
and purple shades

Happy-Ever-Appster Daylilies
New 'Everbloming' Daylily hybrids from Darrel Apps. Continuous bloom from May to October, bred from the wonderful dwarf everbloomer: Happy Returns. Best in full sun. In addition to the well known hybrid 'Happy Returns' Ashcombe will offer the following 3 new Happy-Ever-Appster Daylilies:

Hemerocallis 'Rosy Returns'
The first everblooming rose- pink daylily. Flowers have a deep rose eyezone and yellow throat; dwarf habit, grows 14 inches tall.

Hemerocallis 'Big Time
Happy.' A 'Happy Returns' with a much larger flower . Creamy lemon yellow flowers over 4" across. Dwarf habit, grows 18 inches tall.

Hemerocallis 'Scentual
Sundance' Looks like 'Stella D'Oro' with a larger flower. Golden yellow flowers over 4" in diameter, dwarf habit, grows 18 inches tall.

Phlox paniculata 'Robert Poore'
Garden Phlox. A new garden phlox with improved disease resistance, great flower form and color. Huge panicles of medium to deep pink flowers. The plants are very mildew resistant and sport clean foliage all summer. A robust plant, it will grow 4 to 5 feet tall. Long bloom time: July-September.

Physostegia virginiana 'Miss Manners' Obedient Plant'
A new False Dragonhead or Obedient Plant with a clumping habit - it does not spread! Pure white snapdragon-like flowers. Dark green foliage and excellent branching. Blooms in summer and reblooms later. Petite form - grows to 2 feet. Prefers full sun.

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'
Deeply cupped blue-green round leaves with heavy corregation or puckering white bell flowers in June-July. Interesting large leaves 11" long by 10.5" wide. 22 inches tall.

Hosta 'Cherry Be
Stunning lance-shaped leaves with dark green margins and creamy white centers; light purple flowers in July - August on tall red flower stems that reach 32 inches high. Striking red flower stems and leaf stalks give it it's name. 16 inches tall.

Hosta 'Fire and Ice'
Pure white centers and very dark greeen margins. Leaves are heavy with substance. Lavender flowers on white flower stems; a flashy hosta. 15-20 inches tall.

Hosta 'Guacomole'
Chartreuse or apple-green leaves margined by a wide dark green edge. Large fragrant pale-lavender flowers in August. Fast grower. 24 inches tall.

Hosta 'On Stage'
Bright yellow leaf centers with irregular green margins. Leaf centers turn to cream or chartreuse late in the season. Lavender flowers in July- August. An eye catcher; rare and outstanding! 20 inches tall.

Hosta 'Paul's Glory'
Gold heart-shaped corrugated leaves bordered by a blue-green streaked margin; center fades to creamy-white by mid summer. Pale lavender flowers in July- August; vivid foliage color - spectacular; 1999 American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year; 20 inches tall.

Hosta 'Sea Thunder'
Cream white centered leaves bordered by a streaky green margin. Center fades to white as the season progresses. Lavender flowers in July- August. 18-20 inches tall.

Ligularia tussilaginea 'Aureomaculata' Variegated Leopard Plant
Dark green round leaves handsomely splashed with yellow dots. Yellow daisies are produced in mid summer through fall. Grows 2 to 3 feet tall.

Pulmonaria Lungwort
Of the many new Pulmonarias recently introduced, we plan to carry twenty. New varieties we will offer in 2000 include:

Pulmonaria 'Dordogne'
Gorgeous showy foliage. Extremely silver spotted very large lance shaped leaves. Intense blue flowers in clusters during spring.

Pulmonaria 'Golden Haze'
Gold edged narrow green leaves with a gilded overlay. Light blue flowers in clusters during spring.

Pulmonaria 'Majeste'
Solid silver-gray satiny foliage with a narrow green edge. Blue-pink flower clusters during spring. Heat tolerant.

Tiarella cordifolia Foamflower
Many new varieties of Tierella have been introduced in the past few years. Ashcombe has added the following 3 selections this year.

Tiarella cordifolia 'Heronswood Mist'
Variegated leaves with a mist of green, pink and cream. Shrimp pink flowers in delicate spikes in spring to early summer.

Tiarella cordifolia 'Iron Butterfly'
Stunning large glossy green leaves with dark maroon mark in center. Leaves are palmately cut. White flowers in delicate spikes in spring to early summer.

Tiarella cordifolia 'Spring Symphony'
Dark pink flowers in dense delicate flower spikes in spring to early summer. Produces large masses of flowers. Freckled cut leaves.

Summer Recipes

Blueberry Cream Pie
1 cup sour cream
5 Tbsp. flour, divided
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg, beaten
2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 unbaked pie shell
1 1/2 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Serves: 8

1. Combine sour cream, 2 Tbsp. flour, sugar, vanilla, salt and egg; beat for 5 minutes or until smooth.
2. Fold in blueberries, pour into pastry shell and bake for 25 minutes
3. Remove from oven, combine butter, nuts, and remaining flour; sprinkle over pie and bake for another 10 minutes.

Blueberry Muffins
2 cups blueberries
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup shortening 1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Mix together blueberries and 1/2 cup of flour.
2. Cream together shortening and sugar. Add egg and beat.
3. Sift flour, salt and baking powder together.
4. Add the vanilla to the milk; add milk mixture and dry ingredients to the creamed butter alternately; blend until smooth.
5. Fold in the blueberries.
6. Bake in lined muffin tins for about 30 minutes or until they pass the toothpick test.

ZUCCHINI PARMESAN BREAD
3 cups flour
1 cup, zucchini, peeled & shredded
1/3 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. grated onion

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1. Mix flour, zucchini, sugar, cheese baking soda, powder and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
2. Melt butter; stir in buttermilk; remove from heat
3. Beat eggs in medium bowl, add buttermilk mixture and onion; stir into flour mixture and mix well (batter will be thick).
4. Spread batter into well greased and floured loaf pan.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until it passes the toothpick test.

Upcoming Special Events

Enjoy special displays, demonstrations, fruits of the season and more! Included in our list of special events are the following:

Master Gardener, Pat Sweetman will present a program on "Herbs from the Garden to the Table." Saturday at 11:00am.

Matthew Miller, a Senior at West Perry High School and a member of the International Carnivorous Plant Society will present a program on "Carnivorous Plants." He will share his extensive knowdedge of these fascinating plants.

We'll have interesting displays on many topics including 'Keeping Pests Off Your Pets Naturally,

'Everlasting Beauties of the Garden,' 'Summertime Recipes,' and much more!

Visit us for a day of displays and demonstrations on how to use herbs from your garden. Held throughout the complex and in tents in our parking lot. There will be special programs and demonstrations including the following:

We have invited herb related business to set up booths during this year's Herb Fest. We did this in 1999 and got an overwhelming response. Some vendors will demonstrate their craft.

9:00am - 3:00pm "How to Dry and Use Your Herbs for Cooking." This will be an ongoing cooking demonstration.

9:00am - 3:00pm, "Making Scents with Aromatherapy" demonstration with Andrea Jones from 'Back on Thyme' in Wellsville.

As warm weather makes its debut, our thoughts turn to the outside and making our yards and gardens look their very best. Each season has its rewards as well as challenges. If we work with nature, there are rewards. If we work against it, we are challenged. Last summer's drought taught us the importance of water conservation and how much or how little our plants needed. Lawns that were almost brown changed back to green in September when the rains came. We probably know now which plants did well under stress and which did not.

Here at Ashcombe, we have been planting gardens for over 30 years for our observation as well as our customers. Our gardens have been changing this past year with the emphasis being smaller size plantings that you can relate to and get ideas for your home gardens.

Ashcombe vegetables, fresh from the garden, are incomparable to those purchased from the store and by making continuous sowings of beans and corn until July 4th, you can enjoy succulent meals until almost frost. Be sure to talk to our staff about planting and the care of your gardens this summer. We want to help. Have a great summer and stop and see our gardens and store!

Best Wishes,
GLENN GROSS

Previous Newsletters:

• Spring 2000

• November 1999

• September 1999

• June 1999

• May 1999

• March 1999