Today, December 2, 2022, AGC members gathered to create lovely Christmas wreaths and centerpieces. It was a fun and creative occasion! Thank you Gena G for hosting us, and a special thanks goes to the Ashland Parks for providing us with a wonderful variety of greens.
Ashland’s new Japanese Garden is open daily, located in Lithia Park.
Photos by Lynn McDonald, AGC Member
Plant Name: Polygala fruticosa
Common name: Dwarf Sweet-Pea Bush
Plant type: Evergreen Shrub
Height: 3 feet
Spread: 3 feet
Bloom Time: Spring-Summer
Flower Color: Vibrant, purple-magenta, pea-like flowers
Sun Exposure:Full Sun to Part Sun (4-6 hours)
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
Water Needs: Moderate
Attributes: Green-Gray Foliage, Attracts Pollinators, Nectar-rich flowers
Firewise: Status unknown
Note: Only Hardy above 20 o, NOT a perennial in areas where temperatures drops below 20o, but in Zone 8A it will typically recover.
Uses: Flowers for Cutting, Long Bloom Season, Repeat Flowering, Showy Flowers, Container Plant, Perennial Garden, Cottage Garden, Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens
Native to: South Africa
Oregon Native: NO
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-10
Photo by: Joanie Kintscher, Past President AGC
Report by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Board Member
Dwarf Ilex verticillata
Proven Winners®: Little Goblin ® (female) Little Goblin Guy® (male)
Ilex verticillata are dioecious meaning they are male or female plants. A male plant is needed for female plants to produce berries. One male plant can pollinate up to 10 female plants. Male plant must be planted within 50 ft of female plants, plus the male’s blooming time must align with female’s bloom time.
Common Name: Winterberry Holly
Plant type: Deciduous Dwarf Shrub
Height: 3-4 feet Width: 3-4 feet
Bloom Time: Late Spring
Flower Color: White (small)
Exposure: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours)
Firewise: Yes- Low flammability, 6 feet of structure
Soil Requirements: Prefers rich organic acidic soil, but will grow in average garden soil.
Water Needs: Moist Areas
Attributes: Vibrant Red Winter Berries; Important food source for American Robins; Winter Interest; Slow growing; Blooms on old wood
Uses: Bioswales, Wetland habitats, Native gardens, Bird habitat, Rain garden, Firewise garden, Wildlife gardens, Cutting garden, Container planting, Floral arrangements.
Native to: Eastern North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a-9b
Photos by Lynn McDonald, AGC Member
