This Week in Wildflower Gardening

Discussing our Bulb Selection for this coming fall, we decided on adding a new category. This year, for the first time, we have arranged with our Dutch importer to send us a group of the large perennial irises called "Bearded" or German Iris. The choices were tough, since there are so many beautiful varities, but I think we have a great group. These valued perennials arrive from Holland in August only, so are shipped out that same month...earlier than tulips and daffodils. If you plant some, they'll have plenty of time to develop roots before winter, and then be all ready to give you big tall blooms next year in late spring. The one in the photo is called "Fashion Fandangle", and is a rather rare pastel pink. Take a look at them all which include glamorous bicolors, true blues, and more. North American wild iris are different species, and we'll have those next year for spring planting.

I've been asked to speak at Internet Retailer Magazine's big 2005 Conf. and Exhibition which begins June 6th at the Hyatt. There's a really impressive group of speakers, and I'm flattered to be among them; the conf. chairman tells me it's now sold out with 1000 attendees, but if you'd like to attend, go to InternetRetailer.com and perhaps there's still some space. From the list it appears I'm representing small busineses in internet retailing since the likes of Macys.com, Lillian Vernon, Amazon.com, etc. dominate the speaker list. It's time these big boys (and girls) learned about the joys of wildflower seeds, don't you think?

Our spectacular Great White Trillium are opening at last, even though the leaves are not fully out on the trees above. In some years, we've seen snow on the trillium blooms, but with or without snow, they mean spring is finally here, border to border, coast to coast. Enjoy!