Editor's Note: As January comes to an end, splendid thoughts of spring become inevitable – especially for green thumbs throughout the city. To kick off our new Guest Blog Series, Master Gardener Judy Moskoff shares her top-notch tips on growing gorgeous gardens in the St. Louis area.
Many gardeners, like myself, have started counting the days until we can expect the last killing frost. In the St. Louis gardening area (Zone 5), we can expect this to be around April 30.
This is important for several reasons.
1. Most seeds are sown inside between 6-8 weeks before the last average day of frost.
2. I need plenty of time to order the seeds.
3. At some point, I have to put away the Christmas decorations.
Ignoring #3, I’ve already started #2. I have also justified the mugs of hot chocolate I drink while perusing the seed catalogs because I know we gardeners will work it off in spring.
Almost all of my plant material is purchased through local nurseries. I know my clients benefit from having plants that are proven for our area, but – being a risk taker – I do purchase over the Internet or through a catalog for our own garden.
Here are three companies that have not disappointed:
1. Chocolate Flower Farm
5040 Saratoga Road, Langley, WA 98260
Marie and Bill (and their dog Naughty Nellie) carry a wonderful variety of dark foliage plants, chocolate candles and chocolate soap. They even have hens laying “chocolate” eggs. I have ordered from them for six years and have found that the service goes above and beyond. Sign up for their emails and newsletters.
Heuchera ‘Brownies’
2. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
2278 Baker Creek Road, Mansfield, MO 65704
If you are looking for heirloom plants, this is heaven. Their pumpkins and squashes are of special interest, and the best part of this company is the short drive to Southwest Missouri. (We are the Show Me State).
Our friend Randy grew these tomatoes. Striped Roman, Woodle
Orange & Golden Monarch.
3. Brent and Becky’s Bulbs
7900 Daffodil Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061
Plenty of bulbs can be planted in spring for late summer and fall bloom. The photo below shows some of their spring blooming selection in our front beds. I’ll be ordering more from this company!
Temple’s Favorite Tulip and Monal Jonquil
Enjoy the down time, and get ready for spring! Visit my blog at agardenershome.blogspot.com.
Happy gardening,
Judy Moskoff
agardenershome@gmail.com
Missouri Wildflowers Nursery
Superior quality native Missouri plants and seeds at an excellent value. Request a catalog via mowldflrs@socket.net or 573.496.3492.
Topher Jaworski moderates the LinkedIn.com group, St. Louis Native Plant Garden and Landscape Network.