Katrina's Picks 2009
ARGYRAMTHEMUM LaRita LIME
Argyranthemum LaRita Lime is a hit! A certain amount of horticultural snobbishness prevents the wider cultivation of the simple Chrysanthemum, just because they are easy to grow – they figure high in the “kiddies garden” – folks feel it beneath them to grow them. What a mistake! To try to get the discerning public to purchase this group of plants the “powers that be” gave it a name change from the plain old Chrysanthemum to Argyranthemum. (More exotic sounding, “Don’t you know”) LaRita Lime Argyranthemum is one of the 
latest results from a huge Selecta breeding program. Masses of smallish lime nearly double flowers appear on long stems, perfect for cutting. If there ever was a fashion flower then this is it. Dead flowers must be removed to promote new flowers to be produced, whether grown in containers or in the ground this plant will reach over 24 inches in height and will bloom until a hard frost.
PETUNIA RAMBLIN' NU BLUE
If you are wondering why did Katrina pick a common old petunia? This petunia is anything but common, and in truth it was not the first on the pick list, but when she looked at how many times she put this into baskets and
containers it must be a great choice. The Ramblin’ series of petunias is produced by the same people that developed the Wave Petunia. So you know that it will be fantastic. An abundance of 3-inch majestic royal blue flowers, cover the entire plant all summer season. The Ramblin’ series of petunias are not as spreading as their Wave cousins, probably only up to 3 feet, but are still well suited for containers and baskets. Much like all petunias, they require a full sun exposure and deadhead the finished blooms so new flowers will be produced. Fertilize once a week with 20-20-20 and refer to the “General Care of Containers” in “Ask An Expert” on this web site.
PLECTANTHUS PURPLE
Plectranthus Purple, (aka Tin Soldier) is one of the best shade plants we sell. We use it in almost every shady hanging basket and container.
Decorative dark green leaves with deep purple veining on top give way to a beautiful reverse of amazing grape purple. But wait for the surprise of stunning lilac purple flowers that appear in spiky stems that sit above the leaves. This plant can be brought inside for the winter months and is perfect as a low-light houseplant; it then can be put out again in the spring. The best part of this plant is the very little work it takes to have a great looking container. No fertilizer is required and it will let you know when it is dry, with wilting leaves. A perfect “bachelor” plant for the person starting out gardening and has a shady corner.
CHRYSANTHEMUM PALSODUM
Chrysanthemum Paldosum “Snow Lady” is a superb bedding plant, flowering from early spring to a hard frost with a minimal amount of work. Snow-white petals on bushy mounding plants surround gorgeous yellow-centres. Hundreds of these showy white flowers are easy to grow even with studied neglect these plants should produce something good. Plant in a garden bed about 5 inches apart in a full sun to part sun location. Grown at Vale’s Greenhouse since 1976, it is truly one of the best bedding plants that customers ask for by name.PIXIE FUCHSIA
Pixie Fuchsia, is truly a great find. While on
holiday in Vancouver in the early 90’s Katrina picked up this charming little plant and it has been a wonderful addition ever since. The first point to note about this beautiful plant is that it is completely different from your typical everyday fuchsia. Dainty tiny pink flowers about ½ inch long, grace this bushy plant that is unusual and highly ornamental. Soft green serrated leaves gives this fuchsia a cushion effect, of about 10 inches tall. Perfect for the container that sits in the morning sun.
PHEASANT GRASS
Pheasant Grass, “Anemanthele lessoniana” is one of the best annual grasses, and will take your breath away with its beauty. This grass 
forms a dense tussock of arching fine textured foliage that glows red-gold and orange with a hint of pink (like a pheasants feathers) in the late summer/early fall. The added bonus of this plant is that it looks great all winter. The sturdy wind resistant stems keep their shape all fall and winter long. Frost clings to the dried leaves to make an ever-changing work of art. When the Chinook winds blow, the honey brown stems make a beautiful waving accent. This was a very easy choice to be added to Katrina’s Pick list. When put to the vote all staff wanted this grass to be on the list. “We just love how it looks in the sunny container.”
ASSORTED SUCCULENTS
Assorted Succulents; Aeoniums, Crassula and Echeverias make up this huge assortment of succulent plants. To the
average gardener it just does not matter what genus they come from, they are justly popular, beautiful and easily grow. Fleshy leaves forming rosettes in a wide assortment of attractive geometric designs can be chosen in a huge range of colours, from rich black, to forest green to sunset pink. Some have stems, others are stemless so that they lie close to the ground. They are easily grown and many make excellent houseplants. This entire group of attractive and useful plants love a sunny container. These noble plants will be the envy of your neighbourhood.