Garden Gab
Join Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for gardening tips, behind-the-scene views and discussions on everything plant-related

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden volunteer Marietta Nordom repots bromeliads from the Conservatory for the Plant Sale (Sept. 13, 14 & 15)

Did you know fall is one of the best times to plant?

I didn’t before I worked here, but it makes sense. Fall conditions offer less stress for plants—cooler temperatures and good rainfall (typically).

So that’s one reason Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden always has a Fall Plant Sale in addition to the one in spring. The Garden’s volunteers organize these sales, doing everything from propagating plants in the months beforehand to selling them on plant sale days. You can find the volunteers and the plants in a big tent next to the Visitors Center—the income is combined with commission from other vendors and it all goes toward operating costs for the non-profit Garden.

What are some of the items you’ll see at this fall’s sale? All of these items were chosen for their fall color and drought and heat tolerance. They also look great in containers!


Helenium autumnale ‘Dancing Flames’; a perennial that loves sun; grows 3 - 5’ high; spreads 3’; bronze daisy-like flowers in summer; rust-colored fruit for fall.

Phalaris arundinacea ‘Tricolor’; also called ribbon grass; this perennial grows 2 - 3’ tall; has pink-white-green variegated leaves; is a robust grower.

Calamintha nepetoides ‘White Cloud’; this perennial also likes sun; grows 1-2’ high; spreads 1’; has white flowers and is a good substitute for baby’s breath; blooms June - Oct.

Delosperma cooperi ; also known as hardy ice plant; grows 5” high; spreads 12 - 18”; is a perennial; likes sun and flowers summer - fall; is deer resistant (!), drought tolerant.

More at http://www.lewisginter.org/calendar/index.php?eventType=ps&month=9

What are you planting in your garden this fall?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

West African Tukul structure in the Children’s Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Plants DO bring people together.

Yesterday I was at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with a family who came to Richmond from a Somali refugee camp about two years ago. The dad was working, but the mom and her four kids joined my family and another friend to come to the “Tropical Beach Bash” event for families.

With two adults watching the kids in WaterPlay, the mom and I took a break and strolled through the Children’s Garden. Suddenly, she stopped and pointed to the West African Tukul (pronounced ‘too-cool”) in the International Village. “I know this!“ she said excitedly and went on to tell me about her grandmother and the crops her family used to grow.

The Tukul in the Children’s Garden was inspired by the traditional African Tukul—a dwelling made of mud, straw and sticks. Around it are plants important in some African cultures, so we paused to take a closer look at the prickly West Indian burr gherkins and the scarlet-colored peppers. She told me about the food she used to fix in her home country and, like any two moms, we discussed what kids will and won’t eat!

It was a pleasure to see the excitement on her face and hear her stories and recipes—inspired by the things we can all relate to—plants and food. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience with a person from another culture?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Some of the plants you’ll see around the Tukul in the Children’s Garden:
Cowpea ‘Big Red Ripper’ (also known as black-eyed peas)
Okra ‘Cow Horn’ (African word: gumbo)
Safflower (used as dye; seeds eaten)
Flax (used in Egypt; used to make linen cloth; seeds are also eaten)
West India Burr Gherkin (West African origin; small cucumbers with thick skins)
Fig (introduced into Northern Africa through trade)
Sorghum ‘Mennonite’ (native to Africa)
Watermelon (native to West Africa, used as a “ living canteen”)

Many thanks to Heather Veneziano, Children’s Garden horticulturist, for plant information.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order”—John Burroughs

I walked through the Garden this morning and saw this collection of dew—like a little jewel—in the center of a lotus leaf.

Since ancient times the lotus has been revered and celebrated by cultures around the world, perhaps most significantly by the Egyptians. This Old World lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is also important to Buddhists and Hindus, and is part of the Asian diet. Many people are surprised to learn there is also a native American yellow lotus—Nelumbo lutea – the only lotus native to the U.S.

I love the way the lotus leaf and the dew capture such an ephemeral moment—in addition the fact that it just looks cool. Do you have any photos of gardens, plants or nature that you’d like to share?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Staff and students from The Ohio State University visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Today we had a group of staff and students from The Ohio State University visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

They were members of Pi Alpha Xi, the official honor society for horticulture, and each year they take a field trip to an area with gardens they’d like to see. How do they pay for it? They sell poinsettias during the holidays.

They’ve been doing this for 28 years, going to places such as Atlanta and Philadelphia. This year, they choose Richmond.

Group leaders Christy Dudgon (president); Misty Wright (co-president) and Kristina Arthur (secretary) explained why they choose to come to our Garden.

“[Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden] was one of the most-talked about gardens,“ they told me. “It was first on the list.“

Other places on the list? Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester and Agecroft.

It was great to see such an enthusiastic group of young professionals. How many poinsettias do you think they had to sell to get to Richmond? I wish I had asked!

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Meadow (photo taken in May)

Today I had a call from a gentleman named Saxon Holt who is working on a book about meadows.

He was driving through—and since at least two people had suggested he visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden—he dropped by. I had the pleasure of showing him around the Garden, including an area we have as a meadow.

Saxon is a nationally known garden photographer and writer with many credits to his name. As we chatted about his forthcoming book, I asked him “Why meadows?“

“Meadows are romantic,“ he explained. “They’re inviting —they make you want to sit down and have a picnic.“ Saxon went on to say how important meadows are for the ecosystem, how they do take work to maintain, and how some components of a meadow can be used in the home landscape.

What makes a good meadow? Below is some material from a previous issue of the Garden Times newsletter about “Meadow Theory.“

Grasses from the Poaceae family should make up at least fifty percent of a meadow. Their fibrous root system fills out the uppermost layers of the soil, making it difficult for weedier species to get a foothold. Examples: Andropogon virginicus (broom sedge); Panicum virgatum (switch grass).

The next largest group is composite flowers from the Asteraceae family. These plants have long taproots that fill out the lower soil strata and are known for their prolific nectar-producing flowers. Examples: Liatris spicata (gay feather); Silphium perfoliatum (cup plant).

Next is the Scrophulariaceae or figwort family. Mainly temperate perennials, some of these plants are semi-parisitic and take nourishment from roots of host grass plants. Examples: Agalinis purpurea (purple gerardia); Mimulus ringens (Allegheny monkey flower).

Plants from the Asclepiadaceae or milkweed family are also needed. These plants are largely insect pollinated and have highly specialized relationships with their pollinators as host plants. Example: Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed); Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed).

Finally, there’s the Fabaceae or pea family. These plants help fix nitrogen in the soil and bear beautiful flowers. Example: Baptisia australis (false indigo).

What do you think? Are you ready to turn your front (or back) yard into a meadow?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

If there’s one tree that really stands out at this time of year, it’s crape myrtle Lagerstroemia indica.

But there’s something sinister going on. If you look around town, you can sometimes spot cases of “crape murder”—the extreme pruning of crape myrtle limbs. This is not recommended because it alters the natural, graceful shape of the mature tree.

Native to China, crape myrtles are now naturalized in parts of the United States. Many of the newer cultivated varieties are named for Native American Tribes—and some of these can be seen flourishing at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

A good example is ‘Natchez’ crape myrtle. It’s a large-flowered tree form variety (20 feet tall by 30 feet wide) with white flowers and exfoliating bark. The popularity of ‘Natchez’ has grown because of its appealing landscape character. It is representative of the newest hybrids that are powdery mildew-resistant and free-flowering.

What’s so great about crapes?

They are versatile. The trees make a colorful border when planted in a line or a striking focal point in a garden when planted as a lone specimen. Crape myrtles also provide a wonderful canopy to shade walkways or paths. Small varieties can be grown in containers.

Crape myrtles provide year-round interest. The smooth green leaves of spring and summer turn yellow to orange in fall. Some varieties have bark that exfoliates displaying tan, beige and light green mottled bark, which is a delight to see in the garden when most plants are dormant. Most popular varieties have pink, purple, or white flower clusters up to 10 inches long. Blooms are long-lasting with each cluster lasting several weeks. Newer cultivars are more floriferous.

What do crape myrtles like? Full sun. A minimum of four to six hours of sun is needed for best flower production. They also prefer moist, well-drained soil.

Crape myrtles can be grown from seed or from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from medium wood in fall or hard wood in winter. Trees transplant well when dormant in winter. They are hardy in Zones 7-9

Some tips if you’re growing crape myrtles:

Pruning seedpods after first bloom encourages another flowering cycle. Mulching around the base of trees retains moisture. When underplanted, drought-tolerant ground covers are recommended.  When fertilizing young trees, use half the recommended rate of 5-10-5 fertilizer for acid-loving plants. For established trees, a fertilizer with lower nitrogen proportions is recommended.  Avoid overfertilizing which promotes leaf growth over flower production.

So, confess—have you ever been accused of crape murder?

Mommiieee! I want to go to the Garden!

The plea started early on Tuesday morning. Thankfully—since I work at the Garden—I knew it would be open til 9 p.m., so I made a deal. “If you’re a good girl, we’ll go to the Garden tonight.“

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has been offering “Families After 5” on Tuesday evenings this summer —there are two more left: August 21 & 28. On these nights, the Garden is open til 9 p.m. and the WaterPlay in the Children’s Garden is turned on. Kid-friendly food is also available for purchase in the Children’s Garden.

And so, I get to write this blog as a mom.

After work, I packed up the kids (Lilah, three years old, and Duncan, 6 months) and headed back to the Garden. I was one of those moms with a double stroller. (Did you know the Garden now keeps “double stroller dimensions” in mind when planning pathways?) The weather could not have been nicer and I wished everyone could see the Garden at such a beautiful time of day.

Although I would have enjoyed walking more, the siren call of the WaterPlay lured my child. She danced in the fountains, squealing in delight until the evening cooled so much that chattering teeth signaled it was time to dry off and head home. As we walked back through the Children’s Garden, we played a game of searching for and counting pumpkins growing among the tangled vines.

It occured to me she really has limited opportunities to see pumpkins growing—and suddenly the many discussions we have at work about our role in helping children connect with the natural world became very real to me.

How important do you think it is for children to make that connection?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

I fell in love again this morning. . .with my vegetable garden.  The past few weeks my passion has waned—it’s been too hot to pull weeds or embrace the tangle of tomato plants.  But this morning. . .the combination of a light breeze, cooler temperature, and a bit of rain made the conditions just right for an early morning affair.
What a delicious hour I spent, harvesting tomatoes galore, a pound of slender green beans, red and yellow bell peppers, and enough basil for several batches of pesto.  Breakfast was a buffet of cherry tomatoes.  I helped myself to raspberries from my neighbor’s garden (they’re on vacation and I have their blessing).  Neighbors on the other side want me to harvest figs before the birds eat them all.  And by tomorrow morning there will be a few more yellow squash ready for picking.
But the produce wasn’t the only attraction.  I gazed a long time at a Monarch butterfly resting on a raspberry cane.  A hummingbird made a sudden, feverish stop.  The honeybees were so intent on their business that they didn’t bother me while I yanked morning glory vines away from their hive entrance, or pulled up carrots whose tops were blocking their flight path.  And goldfinches chirpily announced that they had found the nodding sunflower heads.
Yes, I’m in love.  This is not mere infatuation.  The time is right to plant fall vegetables so this romance is not just a summer fling.  One question lingers as I head to the shower:
What’s the protocol when a neighbor’s watermelon vine trails over into your garden?  Do you hand the melons back over the fence?  Politely ask permission to harvest?  Or quietly declare “finders keepers, losers weepers?!“

Randee Humphrey is education manager at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Containers—they’re one of the hottest trends in gardening right now.

Containers are especially attractive if you have little time, little space, and little patience. They can make big impact instantly and you can move them around on a whim to get the look you want.

Currently Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has an outdoor exhibit of creative containers, including a water garden in a bathtub and a rocking chair with a cushion made of plants. Called Pottering Around, this exhibit is full of great ideas and tips, including:

When planning a container, carefully consider growing conditions. Select the plants that are a cultural match to the sun or shade that truly exists in your spot. Pots are moveable, so if a plant languishes in shade or gets burned in the sun, you can just move it!

Choose a theme. This will help you narrow the choices from the thousands of plants, pots, and focal point art available. Start by looking objectively at your location and think creatively as to the purpose. This will foster both creativity and decision-making.

Don’t cry if it dies! All experienced gardeners have lost plants. Just take a peek at the compost pile of the best gardener you know. It reveals secrets!

It’s amazing to look at what people are using for containers—old wheelbarrows, tires, shoes…it’s a great way to recycle. What are some of the more interesting containers you’ve seen around town?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Many thanks to the Garden’s education department for the tips on container gardening—more tips are available on the Garden’s website.

Several years ago, the Garden’s executive director Frank Robinson suggested we consider allowing leashed pets into the Garden on special Flowers After 5 evenings. We teamed up with the SPCA and “dog nights at the Garden” have proven to be extremely popular.

Yesterday in a staff meeting, the question was asked “do we ever have any problems with the dogs?“ The answer was no—the pet owners are so appreciative of the opportunity to walk their dogs here that they take great pains to make sure their pets are well-behaved and don’t leave behind any “gifts.“

Our next “dog night” (also know as Fidos After 5) is tomorrow—Thursday, August 9 from 5 - 9 p.m. Since it’s going to be so hot, we’re going to have sprinklers for the dogs to run through and plenty of dishes of water strategically located around the Garden.

Pet owners are always interested in knowing the plants that can be harmful to their pets, so here’s a quick list:

Autumn crocus
Azalea
Bulbs of hyacinth and narcissus family
Calla lily
Cardinal flower
Castor bean
Hydrangea
Laurel
Lily-of-the-valley
Mushrooms
Oleander
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Tobacco
Wisteria
Yew

Dangers also lurk inside the home, including some house plants and decoratives. A sampling of potential hazards includes:

Amaryllis
Bird-of-paradise
Caladium
Cactus
Dieffenbachia
Easter lily
Mistletoe
Philodendron
Schefflera

It seems as if many garden lovers are also pet lovers. Is this the case with you as well?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

What a thunderstorm last night! But thank goodness for the rain.

August is a tough month for gardeners—hot, dry—with occasional torrential downpours like last night. Some people simply “call it a summer” and let nature takes its course. But there are a few things you can do to help your garden bridge this difficult time until fall when many plants rebound nicely.

Weed vigorously. Keep the weeds out to make sure the “good” plants get the sunlight, nutrients, and water they need. Touch up edging and mulches to keep a neat look.

Cut back. Keep the garden looking tidy by deadheading annuals and perennials that are leggy (they may even rebloom). Fertilize annuals to bring back into active bloom for September until frost. 

Use interesting foliage. Fill in bare spots with plants with beautiful foliage – heat-tolerant herbs are often a good choice. Use basil, rosemary, variegated sage and golden oregano.

Do you do anything special in your garden to help it through the late summer blahs?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She is quick to point out that the information above is from someone who knows about horticulture—the Garden’s assistant director for horticulture and education Tom Brinda.

Ah, roses. What is it about them that captivates us so?

Today we had a rose expert in our midst —Peter Kukielski from the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Peter was at Lewis Ginter because we’re planning a major expansion of our Rose Garden to open in 2008.

Peter is the curator of the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at NYBG. He has good news for people who shun growing roses thinking they are too difficult. While hybridization has been focused on “the perfect bloom”, he says the trend now is moving toward creating roses that are good garden plants (disease and pest resistant). We’ll be showcasing some of these in the new Rose Garden at Lewis Ginter.

Roses probably have had some significance in your life. In our family, there’s a beautiful rose my late grandmother grew. My dad tends the plant now and when it blooms (around Mother’s Day) he always cuts a few blooms for me.

Do you have a special “rose” story?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Welcome to the Garden Gab Blog (say that fast three times!) When we here at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden were approached about doing a garden blog, we were a little apprehensive at first. But we realized at the root of it all (no pun intended)—people who like to garden also like to share—and blogs are a great way to do that.

Three times a week, we plan to treat you to some visual feasts of what’s blooming, show you “behind-the-scenes” what our staff is up to, and share tidbits of useful information. In return, we want your comments, your photos, your stories about gardening!

So, who is going to write the blog?A variety of staff members here at the Garden—so you’ll never get tired of the same point of view.

What are we going to say? It depends—we are going to let the gardens, the seasons, and your comments be our muse!

Will people be interested? That’s up to you to decide. We hope this blog will spark discussion about how important plants and gardening are in our everday lives—even if you are not a gardener.

So, tell us—is gardening important to you? Why?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. While not “certified” in anything gardening-related, she keeps hoping some knowledge is rubbing off on her.