New 2010 Blend 'Jimmy Frills'

This blend is a new Fall 2010 introduction for DeVroomen, we call it 'Jimmy Frills'. Made up of a fringed tulip called 'Fancy Frills' and a triumph tulip called 'Jimmy'. The combination of pink and orange just glows in the sunlight, plus the slight reddish hue in the 'Jimmy' along with the whiteish base of the 'Fancy Frills' really adds to the depth of this blend. This photo has not been retouched at all, it's exactly the way it looked.

Epimedium the Overlooked Ground Cover

I don't think there is a more overlooked plant in our landscapes than the Epimedium. This plant tolerates shade, as well as moist conditions and handles tree roots quite well. If your sick of only being able to plant Hosta's in these spots, plant some Epimedium. Many more varieties are coming available with brighter flower colors and more flowers. Traditionally these flowers hang downward and sometimes are only slightly above the foliage, but many new varieties are holding the flowers high above the foliage with multi-colored blooms. The foliage also has some color characteristics from a rust red color to a yellowish hue. Although slow to establish they are marvelous plants once they do so, and will persist for many years.

Royal Garden Party and Wisely

Still one of my favorite blends in our Fall Blend program, Royal Garden party was introduced in Fall 2008. One reason I am so partial to it is where I first saw it, the Royal Horticultural Garden Wisley in Surry England, UK. Among all the beautiful sights, this blend caught my eye from about 50 yards away (or should I say meters). The striking orange and purpley color combo of the double tulip 'Orange Princess' and the tall singular tulip 'Blue Ribbon' is set off even further by the unusual blue gray foliage of the 'Orange Princess'. I have included a few photos that I took back in spring of 2007. I also wish I coud have gone back in a few weeks to see the Gunnera all grown out, that must have been a sight. I should have taken a picture of the "Bangers and Mash", talk about comfort food, if you're ever there don't pass them up.