The glorious blooms of Crocosmia brighten up the late summer garden with ease. This South African native is so happy in our Vancouver Island climate that one might wonder why it was not native here. Deer resistant, drought tolerant and winter hardy it out performs many other summer perennials.

On full display in Campbell River's, Discovery Harbour Mall, the blooms of the Crocosmia hybrid, Lucifer, are attracting a lot of attention. Growing three to four feet tall this perennials has fiery, scarlet-red flowers shaped like a delicate gladiolus, arching out from the grass like foliage. It is the perfect compliment to Perovskia (Russian Sage) or Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan).

Crocosmia is cold hardy to zone 5 (Campbell River is zone 7) and should be planted in a sunny location with good drainage. Plant with bonemeal for root growth and plenty of blooms and some good organic matter such as steer manure.

Enjoy!

...Experience the Joy of Gardening!

One of the growing trends in gardening is ornamental grasses. Either on their own or combined with perennials, heather and evergreen shrubs, grasses are really interesting. They promote a coastal look as well as adding the dimension of movement and sound to your garden. Here are a few of our favourites:

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' A very upright grass that grows about 4 1/2' tall. I's flower plumes are slim beginning white and aging to tan. It stands up straight in my garden even through the windy days. It is fully winter hardy (Zone 4). Plant in full or part sun in average well drained soil.

Carex buchananii A wonderful grass that is copper coloured year round with and arching habit to 18 inches. I think it looks wonderful 12 months of the year but it is spectacular in the fall and winter when it combines with the fall and winter tones in the garden. Extremely effective surrounded by evergreens so that the coppery colour is shown off to the maximum. I must confess though when Nigel first wanted to add this plant to our garden I was less than impressed with the brown colour I first saw, now I see copper! Fully winter hardy (Zone 6). Plant in full sun or shade in average to moist soil.