Giant Ranunculus

by Mary Louise Hagler on May 18, 2012

in Flowers

I shared  this photo of a giant Japanese ranunculus flower today on Facebook because I was stunned by its beauty.  Someone asked if we could grow the ranunculus plant here in the South, and I had to look it up!

from G. Page Flowers, New York

The University of Georgia has tons of information about all horticulture, so that is where I started. I cannot locate ranunculus in the Flowering Bulbs for Georgia section, but strongly encourage you to check out the bulbs that are suitable for our climate. Then run over to Brent and Becky’s Bulbs to order! I met Brent and Becky in Dallas about 2 years ago.

Most bulbs that will bloom in summer need to be planted now or a bit before now since our temps are about 30 days ahead. Lots more to be planted this fall when temps cool down.

Casa Blanca Lilies from Brent and Becky's Bulbs

I stumbled across these Casa Blanca Lilies while doing a bit of research on ranunculus, so I decided to order 25 bulbs for the home garden. The details of these Oriental lilies state that they are attractive to hummers and butterflies. An added perk.

Have you planted any bulbs this spring? Or do you already have some lilies coming up?

see you.

Mary Louise

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FlowerCamp 2012

by Mary Louise Hagler on May 17, 2012

in Farm News,Floral Arranging,Flowers,Gardening

FlowerCamp is about experiencing flowers, fun, and fellowship.

Surrounded by 180 acres of Southern Pines, Campers will experiment
with fresh flowers, herbs, greens and grasses to create their own unique fall designs. You will learn what plants make excellent cut flowers for your own cutting garden at home. 

FlowerCamp stimulates the artistic spirit for beginning and experienced designers. Campers are guided by good natured designers and Master Gardeners.
Not only is FlowerCamp for your enjoyment, but it is a method of cultivating your creative perspective.

Here are some details about your half day at FlowerCamp:
Camp begins at 11am & ends at 2pm.


  • Directions will be mailed to you. It takes one hour from Augusta to get to Camp.


  • Dress comfortably. Tennis shoes, long pants, layers with sweat jacket or sweater depending on weather. May want to wear a hat.

  • You will have access to a cabin with a full kitchen, restrooms and plenty of rocking chairs and places to take a break!

  • There are no phones at FlowerCamp. Please bring a cell phone if you need to.


Registration is $50 per Camper and includes all materials, supplies, sumptuous lunch and
refreshments. 
Camp begins at 11am & ends at 2pm. 

September 8, 13, & 15 (15 available spots each day).

Please email mlchgarden@comcast.net for more information and details on FlowerCamp 2012!

FlowerCampers will go home equipped to confidently plan a cutting garden and design a creative arrangement.

NEW FlowerCamp Retreat(Friday night & FlowerCamp Saturday, one night only, limited to a group of 6)

September 14th arrive in late afternoon, supper, retreat schedule will include an opening/blessing on Friday,  renewal activities and speakers, Saturday breakfast,

join FlowerCamp participants, lunch, departure.

Please inquire via email about this NEW  ONE NIGHT ONLY FlowerCamp Retreat.

Mary Louise mlchgarden@comcast.net

 

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May Day Ideas: Front Porch

May 15, 2012

May is here. There are two urns that flank my front porch and it’s been looking pretty boring. I found one of my 2012 favorites last week— This is a new version of petunia that gives a nice spilling effect to containers. Although it looks like  a dainty princess, this little baby can stand up [...]

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Sweet Words

May 10, 2012

A note like this can propel a person to push harder toward excellence. Here is a note from Barbara; she attended the Sacred Heart Garden Festival and stopped by for my workshop on herbs. Mary Louise, This is a quick note of thanks for giving me the wonderful wreath of flowers and greenery! Your Garden [...]

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Vintage is In

May 9, 2012

I read an article recently that compared landscape plants to clothing. The question, “why would you put on a 20 year old outfit when you could wear something new and current?” was posed in the article.  Honestly,  I prefer the combination of old and new.  When I see all the camellias, azaleas, magnolias and dogwoods [...]

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I Believe in Ugly

May 7, 2012

You may remember a post I wrote a while back, “There’s a Giraffe in my Garden“.  My daughter, Marianna, was checking out one of our sprawling gourd plants in late August. It seemed so fitting, she’s so tall and that gourd so unusual. Marianna will be honored this week for her essay, “I Believe in [...]

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The Rose.

May 5, 2012

Roses are lovely plants for the home garden. The color, fragrance and eye-appeal is worth every penny on planting them. I inherited 12 or so hybrid tea roses 14 years ago when we moved into our current home. About 3 years into it, I slowly “shovel pruned” all of those suckers. Spending every Saturday spraying [...]

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Love Notes from Carlos

May 4, 2012

The school year was just about to end, and I found out my dream boyfriend, Carlos, was spending the summer as a camp counselor out of town. Heart sick, I moaned and moped  for the first week, then it came. My stomach was all churny, my skin was all tingly, and my heart- pounding. A [...]

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Mother’s Day Make and Take

April 30, 2012

Receiving flowers is fine, but creating a design of your own or to give as a gift is exceptional.  The MLCHgarden style is known as eclectic, fresh, whimsical, and most importantly- inspired by nature. Create a  beautiful, lush floral design and take it home in a lovely silver plate bowl. We will concentrate on using [...]

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CSRA Hydrangea Conference and Special Guest

April 29, 2012

The Central Savannah River Area Hydrangea Society presents the 2012 Hydrangea Conference with Vince Dooley June 7, 2012, 8:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the beautiful Savannah Rapids Pavilion 3300 Evans to Locks Rd., Martinez, GA     ·        Vince Dooley, UGA’s Former Coach and Present Author and Gardener Extraordinaire, “Digging in the Dirt with [...]

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