Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine

Read all about perennials and landscape trees and shrubs in the ONLA publications "Perennial Plants for Ohio" and "Landscape Plants for Ohio." The descriptions and photographs of plants were provided for these publications by the OSU ENLT Team along with other industry plant lovers. These full-color publications are available at [ Buckeyegardening.com ] for $5.00. Click on "garden store" and then "ONLA plant guides." ONLA members can purchase these in quantities at a reduced price at [ onla.org ] .

*PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK. HARDY BULBS - Harbingers of spring are beginning to pop up in some form or another in Ohio landscapes as the snow fades. Spring-blooming bulbs are a wonderful addition to any bare spot in the garden and are a welcoming site after a long dreary winter. Common hardy bulbs include daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, and crocus; however, there are numerous other hardy bulbs that should be considered. Winter aconite, for instance, is one of the first to bloom, with the bright, vivid yellow flowers appearing at the top of a 3-6" plant. Another easy to grow plant is Scilla or squill. There are about 80 different species of this plant and the flowers are blue, white, or purple and are bell-shaped. They are great for massing and along the woodland border. Another wonderful naturalizing bulb is Leucojum or spring snowflake. Similar to lily of the valley, the white blooms appear nodding on 9-14" stems and are fragrant. Look at the landscape and determine those bare spring areas that would benefit from a fall planting of bulbs and make note of this.

*WOODY ORNAMENTAL OF THE WEEK. WITCHHAZEL (Hamamelis spp.) These plants have finished their bloom in most of Ohio except for the northern parts. One of the earliest plants to bloom, witchhazel has really cool blooms that resemble shortened versions (1-2" long) of streamers from New Years' eve party poppers. Colors vary according to the species as does the fragrance. Most of the hybrid species bloom in the winter and early spring while native species bloom in October and November. Plants can grow from 8-10' and are rangy shrubs for the most part. Popular cultivars include 'Arnold Promise', 'Jelena', and 'Diane'. Witchhazels prefer a slightly acid soil and perform quite well in the shrub border or along the edge of woods.