Gardens
Summer in the Garden
Over the years we have experimented with many of the broad-leafed tropicals, notably Colocasia and Xanthosoma, whose enormous, textured leaves add great drama to pots and beds. We have used several varieties of Colocasia esculenta, including 'Illustris' and 'Blackie,' as centerpieces for planters, where they provide a tall canopy above shade-tolerant annuals. With leaves up to two feet long, they also provide excellent coverage and definition on patios and in urban squares.
We were equally enthusiastic about the aptly named Xanthosoma 'Chartreuse Giant.' But it is somewhat tricky to grow, and we recently found an effective substitute in Colocasia 'Elena,' this issue’s cover plant. It combines the best traits of the two genera especially the bright chartreuse coloring it shares with the Xanthosoma.
We have planted two new begonias in the park this year: Begonia 'Dragon Wing Red' (our highlight plant), at the Southwest Porch and the ping-pong area; and Begonia 'Big Series Pink,' in the perimeter beds at Sixth Avenue and along 40th Street. The more diminutive Begonia 'Prelude Pink' returns to the New York Public Library display beds along Fifth Avenue.
- Maureen Hackett, Director of Horticulture
Summer Highlight: Begonia 'Dragon Wing Red'
The 'Dragon Wing Red,' one of several begonias in the garden, is a wonderfully easy-going plant: tolerant of sun and shade, virtually problem-free, requiring no pruning. It covers a large area quickly during growing season, and the cascading red flowers blend well with both foliage and other blooms.
Green matters
It’s the rare garden that never needs fertilizer, so many gardeners wonder, "Which is better, organic or inorganic fertilizer?" The answer is both... and neither; it depends on the circumstances. Organic fertilizers - manure, compost, bone meal, and the like - usually contain many nutrients in low concentrations, which are typically released slowly over time, which can be a disadvantage. And because they supply fewer nutrients pound for pound, organics tend to be more costly to use. On the other hand, organics may be beneficial to the soil, improving water movement, adding structure, and making the soil easier to work.
Inorganic fertilizers—often called commercial or synthetic because they undergo some manufacturing - usually have only a few nutrients, usually nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, singly or in combination. Because these are in a concentrated form, readily available to plants, such inorganics are a good choice for plants that need a particular element quickly. The nutrients are lost from the soil quickly, however, and the inorganic fertilizer may need to be reapplied several times during the growing season.
Both types of fertilizer require great care in their application. Since many of the inorganics are concentrated and very soluble, it is easy to apply too much, which can damage the plants. But some organics also can create problems: too much fresh, non-composted manure may contain harmful amounts of salt.
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Garden Notes
Download a PDF of this season's Garden Notes.