Plant of the Week - July 1, 2008

SEXY SALIX

Shrubby willows are featured in Loomis Creek Nursery's 4^th of July Shrub Sale (see details below).

Salix purpurea 'Nana' (Dwarf arctic willow) in Loomis Creek border - right side of photo

So what is so sexy about willows, you ask? My shortlist of answers:

1. Quick growth  – particularly in moist soils. 2. Gray-green to silvery variegated foliage that enlivens borders. 3. Flexible stems (some with a twisted, corkscrew habit) offering good wind play. 4. Colorful bark & fuzzy pussies for winter/early spring interest.

Loomis Creek currently stocks Salix purpurea ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Arctic willow), S. chaenomeloides (Japanese pussy willow), Salix ‘Hakuro Nishiki’. Happy gardening, Bob Hyland, www.loomiscreek.com 

Now taking propagation orders for Salix ‘Swizzlestick’ + S. alba ‘Britzensis’ (coral bark willow). Minimum: 10 with down payment. Inquiries: info@loomiscreek.com 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

July 4, 5 & 6 – Loomis Creek’s 4^th of July Shrub & Annual Sale; 25% off shrubs, 50% off annuals

July 12 – Hidden Gardens of Spencertown; 4 private gardens open at the height of summer glory with plant sale by Loomis Creek Nursery. 518-392-3693; www.spencertownacademy.org