Combining Daylilies with Daffodils

Growing daylilies with daffodils is an easy combination to grow and enjoy. After the daffodils have bloomed, then the management of the unsightly yellow and brown foliage begins. When planted closely together, the daylily leaves emerge and cover-up the daffodil aftermath. White Flower Farm has been advertising such a combo for at least 10 years. However, their package contains 24 daylilies and 100 daffodils to cover 100 square ft. for about $120. The smaller garden can have a similar impact with four daylilies and two dozen daffodils.

For a designer display, I recommend sticking with one variety of daylily and daffodil. This fall, I'm working with Lady Elizabeth daylily on the farms of two friends. So you can see them from afar, I'll be choosing some large cupped daffodils. And as both plants draw closer, you'll have a more seamless display for over five months.

Image: White Flower Farm

We're in Zone 6, Really!

Just got off the phone with Scott Kunst of oldhousegardens.com. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, based on 10-year trends, they believe we are now in zone 6. Scott owns an heirloom both company in Ann Arbor, MI and his sexperience validates this. I'll let Al Gore speculate why this phenomenon is happening. But this is great news for Kansas City gardeners. I know you're probably not getting too excited considering the Easter freeze, but that's not going to stop me from experimenting with plants from the traditional zones 6.

Hollyhocks and Foxgloves

Plant a biennial one year and the scattered seeds will bring forth many generations. So it got me to thinking, if you scatter some packet seeds in the fall you'll probably get great plants next spring. So on the farms of the few friends , I'm going to scatter hollyhocks and foxgloves to see what happens.
Happy Lights hollyhocks are superior to the old barnyard strains with excellent rust protection. And Pam's Choice foxgloves have been on my short list for many years. Hopefully I'll have some glowing pics for you in the spring.