Deep South Region - Horticulture and Design

2011
The working draft for the 2011 Deep South Region Petite Advanced Standard Flower Show,

"Protecting our World, Living Green, Living Clean”. is available in pdf format

2009- 2011

Guidelines for the Deep South Region Plant Sale at the Convention in Natchez on Monday March 8th. 2010

Plants must be labeled with correct binomial (Genus and species) and cultivar if known on a 3”x 5” index card. Some reference books will be available to assist in naming plants.
Please indicate cultural requirements: sun/shade preferences, water requirements, etc. on the index card.
Acceptable plants include houseplants, perennials, shrubs, small trees, herbs, etc. Please do not bring annuals. Seeds may be packaged to sell (please include a photo of the plant).
Plants must be established in clean potting soil, unless bare-rooted.
Bare-rooted plants should be bagged individually or in sets to be sold as a unit.
Bulbs should be clean of dirt and packaged individually or in sets.
Container size not to exceed 3 gallon or 10” diameter or exceed 10 pounds.
Black plastic containers are preferred.
Plants must be disease and insect free.
May be single or multiple planting of the same plant.
Planters, dish gardens are permitted so long as all plants are identified.
Please do not use plastic peanuts in the bottom of the pots to avoid using additional potting soil.
All plants for the plant sale should be brought to the sales room between 9am and noon on Monday, 8 March.
If not priced by owner, the plants will be priced according to size, rareness, condition, etc.
Each individual bringing plants will receive a ticket allowing them to preview and purchase plants 45 minutes before the sale is open to convention attendees (2:30pm).
Plant sale will be held between 3:00pm and 5:00pm.
Plants not sold may be returned to the original owner and must be picked up no later than 5pm on Monday, 8 March or they will be donated to a worthy landscaping project.
roceeds from this DSR Plant sale will be used for Deep South Unified Project (specific project selected by each state).
DSR Plant Sale chairman is Tina Tuttle: ttuttle1954@cs.com or 850-587-2361.
Each state is to provide one person to assist in this event.

2010 Plants of the Year

Compiled by Tina Tuttle, FFGC and Deep South Region Horticulture Chairman
Download the complete report "The 2010 Plants of the Year" pdf format

Rose: 2010 Roses of the Year All-American Rose Selection (AARS): Each AARS test garden has a judging panel that participates in a bi-annual scoring process. In this “blind process,” judges do not know the breeder or introducer for the plants they’re grading, and they’re asked to submit scores by serial number. Tests conducted in 23 gardens nationwide to represent all climate zones. Each garden is also given the care of an average home garden so these roses aren’t spoiled. If they can thrive during our testing, they will most certainly thrive in your garden. In test gardens, the roses are carefully evaluated on a number of criteria. In fact, the judges put many hours of observation into monitoring the performance of the top roses throughout the growing season. AARS winning roses embody all of the characteristics today’s homeowners desire in a garden plant. Each AARS winning rose excelled in an extensive two-year trial program where it’s judged on everything from rose disease resistance to flower production, color and fragrance. They grade each of the roses on the following characteristics:
They grade each of the roses on the following characteristics: Novelty Form - of both buds and open blooms Color throughout the blooming cycle Aging quality Flowering effect Rose Fragrance Stem/cluster form Plant habit Vigor Foliage Rose Disease resistance Repeat bloom quality	Each winning rose bears the AARS red rose logo as a “seal of approval” that ensures gardeners that the plants will grow beyond expectations with little maintenance.
Floribunda—‘Easy Does It’ Delectable colors of mango orange, peach pink & ripe apricot bounce off the mirrored glossy green leaves, providing a flamboyant fruit salad for the landscape. Her free-flowing swirling shades of sunset show up in fragrant large colorful clusters atop a rounded bushy plant. So disease resistant, vigorous, flowerful & fabulous, you just can’t say ‘no’ to this seductress of the garden. The one & only AARS award winner granted for 2010…it’s distinctively delightful. Plant Habit Medium/Rounded & Bushy Foliage Color Glossy green Disease Resistance Excellent Hardiness Perfect in every climate Flower Color Mango, peach & apricot blend Flower Form Double, ruffled Flower Size Medium-large Petal Count 25 to 30 Fragrance Moderate fruity Parentage Queen Charlotte x Della Balfour x Baby Love Hybridizer Harkness New Roses Introducer Weeks Roses	Jackson and Perkins: This collection is comprised of 2 components. Sedona Hybrid Tea Emanating a warm, peaceful glow, these tremendous high-centered double blooms glow in shades of coral, rose, red, and peach. Each is exquisitely sculpted, slowly swirling open to release a heavenly sweet pear fragrance distinctively different from any other scent in the rose garden. Exhibition quality, the blooms display stronger coral and pink tones in cooler climates and richer rose and red shades in the heat. Monkey Business Floribunda Rose Evoking the spirit of carefree childhood summers filled with madcap shenanigans, these sunny yellow blooms can't help but make you smile. The exquisitely-formed flowers perfectly held in huge sculpted clusters would inspire awe if they weren't so fun, with their bright banana tones and enticing licorice scent. Devoted to pure merriment, this low-maintenance rose is a cheery reminder of life's simple pleasures, from warm June sunshine to sweet penny candy. Go ahead--sneak it into the garden today, and when those beautiful blooms start opening, you'll go bananas!
	Hosta Society: Since 1996 the members of the American Hosta Growers Association, have selected a Hosta based on outstanding merits. These Hostas have exceptionally decorative foliage, showy or fragrant flowers, and perform well throughout their hardiness zones 3-9. ‘First Frost’ (R. Solberg 2002) will become a 16" high by 36" mound of intensely blue-green leaves 7" long by 5" wide, surrounded by yellow margins that become white as the season progresses. This sport of the ever popular H. ‘Halcyon’ flowers in July/August with lavender flowers.
Perennial Plant Association: How is the Perennial Plant of the Year selected? The selection process is quite simple – PPA members vote for the POY. In addition to their vote, each member nominates plants for future consideration. The Perennial Plant of the Year Committee reviews the nominated perennials and selects 3 to 4 plants to be placed on the ballot. Nominations are based are the following criteria: Suitable for a wide range of climatic conditions Low maintenance Pest and disease resistant Readily available in the year of release Multiple season of ornamental interest Easily propagated by asexual or seed propagation Customarily, a high percentage of returned ballots are received, certainly much higher than in the November general election. The voting reflects the interest in the Plant of the Year© and the enjoyment and impact felt by the perennial market and consumers alike
	Herb of the Year: To achieve Herb of the Year status, an herb must fit within at least two of the three following categories: (1) Medicinal, (2) Culinary, (3) Craft or Decorative. Bay is primarily a culinary plant but does have a few, limited uses as a craft herb, mostly for wreathes and decorative items. Every year since 1995, the International Herb Association has chosen an Herb of the Year to highlight. Dill (Anethum graveolens) is the official Herb of the Year for 2010. Dill is a cool season plant. What that means, is it's best planted in very early spring, or even in late fall. Plant dill anytime between September and December. Dill will come up and thrive, starting in mid to late March and grow until hot weather hits.
Dill is best planted from seed as it doesn't transplant well. You can find it for sale in little pots in garden centers, but often it's offered so late in the year, what you get is a spindly little plant that goes to seed and dies by about May or June. Dill seed is easy to start. Simply scatter it in a pot on the patio, or in the garden, anytime in early to mid winter. The dill will know when to come up. You can harvest it repeatedly over a long period. But once the daytime temperatures reach the mid to upper 60s, your dill will bolt, meaning, it will put up seed shoots and go to seed. There's little you can do to prevent that. It wants to set seed for the next season. Gather the ripened, dry seed for use later, or scatter then on the soil for the next crop. Often you will get a crop in late summer that lasts through the first hard freeze, when the dill finally dies. It is an annual, meaning, that plant will not return the next year, although the scattered seed will produce new plants in the next season.
	Dill weed, which is the leaves, are easy to harvest and dry. Simply cut lots of leaves and lay them on newspapers out of sunlight, indoors. In about a week the dill will be dried and you can put it in an airtight container to use later. Tips for seasoning with dill: Dill seeds have a robust flavor, so use sparingly. Dill leaves can be dried or frozen. Simply trim off some with scissors as needed. Dill can be frozen in little zipper plastic bags for up to 6 months. Simply take out what you need and keep the rest frozen until later. One tablespoon chopped fresh dill equals 1 teaspoon dried dill weed. *One half ounce fresh dill equals about one half cup of leaves.
Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association: Sponsored by FNGLA, the Florida Garden Select program is designed to promote the use of superior and proven Florida plants. Benefiting growers, garden centers and consumers alike, Florida Garden Select plants are ideal for most Florida gardens. Many of the selected plants can reach outside Florida and into most Southern States. Use the zone feature to locate plants specific to your growing zone. Florida Garden Select plants have been deemed superior plants for Florida’s environment by a jury of growers, horticulturists, retailers, landscape professionals and University of Florida faculty members. The program is over a decade old having spent much of the first decade as the Florida Plants of the Year program.
Dyckia (spp.) ‘Cherry Coke’ and ‘Nickel Silver’ Zones: USDA zones 9 -11 with select species having success to 8B Mature Height and Spread: 2’ - 3 1/2’ Rosette of foliage with 4’ - 5’ flower stalk(s) Classification: shrub, perennial Landscape Use: accent, specimen, container Characteristics: Like the pineapple, Dyckia are unique in being a plantable, in-the-ground bromeliad. They are believed to date back to the pre-dinosaur era. Dyckia require careful handling; they are thorny-textured with small teeth. The heavily barbed leaves radiate from a central rosette. Native to Central Brazil, there are approximately 120 known varieties. Dyckia feature varying shades of foliage with the increasingly popular ‘Cherry Coke’ variety showing deep, dark burgundy foliage with long-lasting bright orange blossoms appearing in summer. Other varieties have foliage in shades of silver, grey-green, maroon and tan. Their leaf shape also varies from long and thin, to short and fat, deeply lobed or almost smooth. The most common bloom colors are orange and yellow. Common Dyckia species used in hybridizing include fosteriana, brevifolia and platyphylla. Popular varieties include ‘Brittle Star,’ ‘Silver Dragon,’ ‘Nickel Silver’ and ‘Red Devil’. Dyckias petite blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees and orchard orioles. Dyckias are one of the most cold hardy of all of the bromeliad genera. They work well in containers and their tolerance of extreme heat makes them ideal for xeric conditions and low-water garden areas such as a succulent garden. They survive long periods without water by going dormant as they have no internal water storage tissue like true succulents.
Chestnut Cycad (Dioon edule) Zones: USDA zones 8 - 11 Mature Height and Spread: 12’ tall x 13’ wide Classification: Cycad Landscape Use: Specimen, Accent or Understory to a larger tree or structure and as a replacement for sago palms Characteristics: This slow growing, drought-tolerant Dioon edule is long-lived with stiff, upright blue-green to gray-green feathery leaves which are sharp, leathery and taper to a point. The overlapping leaves reach about 6’ and generally number 15 to 20 from a central trunk 4’ – 8’ in height. A great choice for a low-maintenance landscape, minimal water is required to sustain this plant. It grows best in partial shade and is one of the most cold hardy cycads for the south. It makes a great accent for landscapes where the flair of a palm is desired. It accents a tropical setting and is a top replacement for the sago palm, which has a similar growth habit.
Bamboo Muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa) Zones: USDA zones 8 - 10 Mature Height and Spread: 4’ - 5’ H X 5’ W Classification: Shrub/Grass Landscape Use: Specimen, mass, hedge, accent, container, backdrop Characteristics: This weeping, clumping bamboo-like, hardy grass brings interest and movement all seasons to a landscape. Bamboo muhly is drastically different than other muhly grasses due to its very fine, delicate texture. It has thin stems that reach 4’ – 6’ with airy bright-green foliage. In late fall and into winter, visually insignificant lavender-hued flowers may appear giving the plant a pale pinkish-green cast. Bamboo muhly will tolerate some drought and grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. It has underground runners that spread slowly, allowing its size to be controlled easily. The growth habit is upward to slightly arching. Bamboo muhly gives a unique and whimsical look to any garden!
Dragon Wing Begonia (Begonia x hybrida) Zones: USDA zones 9 -10; all else as an annual Mature Height and Spread: 3’ tall X 2’ wide Classification: annual/ South Florida Perennial Landscape Use: container, mass, accent, baskets Characteristics: A dramatic cross between the angel wing begonia and wax-leafed varieties of begonia, this hybrid begonia is easy to identify with its clusters of scarlet-red or pink flowers cascading from gently arching canes and its deep, glossy green foliage. Its leaves and flowers are larger than most begonias and it grows quite rapidly. The dragon wing begonia is heat tolerant, a vigorous grower, blooms non-stop from spring until frost and adapts well to landscape beds, containers and hanging baskets. The flowers shed naturally after bloom ensuring plants appear neat and clean throughout the summer. Like all begonias, it does best in fertile, well-drained, but never dry, organic soil, and benefits from a healthy feeding of liquid fertilizer applied every other week during its growing season. Dragon wing begonias require very bright light but not scorching sun to look their best. They combine exceptionally well with bold-leafed tropicals such as cannas, bananas and gingers.
Tipu Tree (Tipuana tipu) Zones: USDA zones 9b – 11 Mature Height and Spread: 20’ - 30’ tall X 20’ - 30’ wide and is typically wider than tall. It can reach 40-50’ tall/wide. Classification: Flowering Tree Landscape Use: Specimen, Street Tree Characteristics: This fast-growing, robust, drought-tolerant, partially-deciduous tree has been planted all over the world as an ornamental street and shade tree. It has striking, paper-thin, yellow-orange flowers and reddish centers which cluster in sprays among the light green, oblong leaflets at the tips of the branches. Its flowers unfold their color as the leaves emerge. At almost the same time, thin seed pods measuring 3” long by 1” wide appear. When young, this tree may need staking and corrective pruning. The Tipu tree is well-suited for subtropical climates planted in full sun and flowers best in warm summer areas out of the direct effects of the coastline. In Argentina, the lumber is sought after for use in furniture and cabinetry.
Zebra Aloe or Soap Aloe (Aloe maculata--formerly saponaria) Zones: USDA zones 8b - 11 Mature Height and Spread: 18” tall X 16” wide Classification: Ground Cover, Perennial Landscape Use: Specimen, mass, accent, container Characteristics: Strong visual appeal and a spike with a spectacular cluster of salmon-colored blooms throughout warm months makes this compact, spiny-textured succulent an interesting addition to any garden. Its spotted markings support its well-known common name, zebra aloe. The bloom spikes fluctuate in height, and can reach to 4’ – 6’ and are an attractor for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, is drought and heat tolerant, and can withstand coastal conditions with moderate salt spray. While many associate the genus Aloe for its medicinal value, this Aloe is appreciated for its showy appearance and is not generally used in a medicinal capacity. This plant is a winner for succulent gardens, tropical displays or anywhere a unique-looking plant is intended.
Giant Apostles' Iris (Neomarica caerulea 'Regina') Zones: USDA zones 9 – 10 Mature Height and Spread: 30” H X 30” W Classification: Ground Cover Landscape Use: specimen, patio container, mass, foundation planting, accent Characteristics: Touted as a new introduction from Brazil, this exciting, wide-leafed walking iris has lovely 3”– 4” wide purple-blue flowers accented by strikingly brilliant jade foliage, which assumes a more clumping and upright habit than the more common walking iris. The blooms of the iris are rippled with glowing white and exotic splashes of mauve and yellow offering refreshing color and texture. It’s a repeat bloomer, producing flushes of flowers in succession, many on the same stalks from February through August, depending upon the size of the clump. New plants grow out of the flower stalks. The weight causes the stalks to kneel down toward the ground where a new plantlet takes root. As the process is repeated, the iris slowly “walks” from its original location. ‘Regina’ is a moderate water user and will reach 4’ – 5’ tall, has a light fragrance and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates temperatures as low as 20 degrees. Pair ‘Regina’ with other purple, yellow, white, or ruby-colored plants and blooms for a breathtaking display of color!
The National Garden Bureau All-American Selections (AAS): All-American Selections New Flowers and Vegetables for 2010: AAS winners are selected from many new cultivars, based on performance in the garden, as well as in the greenhouse. Although no plant offers a guarantee of success in an individual garden, the AAS winners have proven themselves worthy over a broad range of growing conditions. Try these new selections alongside your old standbys so you'll have a means of comparison. AAS winners should be available through local garden centers and mail-order catalogs this spring. Every year, the National Garden Bureau announces All-America Selections, or AAS, winners, cultivars that a network of independent judges across the country find superior. All of the cultivars are new and have never been sold. AAS was started in 1932 to give gardeners a heads-up of what to look for in spring. Four plants -- one flower, two vegetables and one fruit-- impressed the judges enough to get the nod for 2010.
Gaillardia 'Mesa Yellow' is the first hybrid blanket flower bred for compact growth habit and prolific flowering. The early, 3-inch daisy-like flowers are excellent for cutting but will attract butterflies if left on the plants. The plants form a neat mound, reaching up to 2 feet in full sun, perfect for containers and limited-space gardens. Recommended spacing is 12-18 inches.	Snapdragon 'Twinny Peach' is a unique, double-flowered snapdragon in a blend of peach tones -- soft shades of peach, yellow and light orange. The plant produces abundant spikes in full sun, which are excellent for cut flowers. The compact plants (to 12 inches) will continue to flower all season with good heat tolerance in the AAS Trials. Recommended plant spacing is 6 inches
Viola 'Endurio Sky Blue Martien' was selected for its unique spreading/mounding and vigorous garden performance. Fall plantings will continue to bloom well past frost and will come back again for an early show of color in spring. It can also be planted in early spring and will provide a bounty of sky-blue blooms well into summer. The plants form neat spreading mounds up to 6 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide, perfect for edging garden beds, window boxes and hanging baskets. Recommended spacing is 10-12 inches.	Zinnia 'Zahara Starlight Rose' offers a new bicolor rose-and-white blossom and good resistance to heat, drought, leaf spot and powdery mildew. The mature plants reach about 12-14 inches tall and wide and are covered with 2.5-inch blooms all season. Recommended spacing is 10-12 inches.
AAS winners are selected from many new cultivars, based on performance in the garden, as well as in the greenhouse. Although no plant offers a guarantee of success in an individual garden, the AAS winners have proven themselves worthy over a broad range of growing conditions. Try these new selections alongside your old standbys so you'll have a means of comparison. AAS winners should be available through local garden centers and mail-order catalogs next spring.

Design Staging


class 13	class 14	class 1

Tina reports on

The Growers Choice Award - Information on this new Horticulture Award pdf format

Lots of folks are still confused by what is dwarf, miniature or naturally small horticulture so here is an article to help "un-confuse" them...Tina shares "Horticulture for the Petite Flower Show" pdf format

Tina and Gina joined together to bring us the Design Program at the 2007 DS Convention in Atlanta.
View the start and completion of 7 designs with commentary from the Designer and the Horticulturist.

Rose: 2010 Roses of the Year