"Pastel Splendor" Itoh Peony

Fast forward to spring of 2016.  The Itoh Peony has moved to Norglenwold after spending the fall and winter in Kuusamo, both on Sylvan Lake.  The lake was out the earliest as far as available records could be found, April 15, and it seemed like a good time to move the Itoh.  We have been preparing the front flower bed and moved the Itoh on 

Sunday, April 17, 2016.  Stay posted for further growth. 

April 17, 2016

July 2014

This Itoh Peony was planted near the end of July in Benny's garden (southwest exposure).  

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July 6, 2019 First blooms of many more to come this year

July 6, 2019 First blooms of many more to come this year

July 7, 2022 (First planted in Red Deer 2014) 

8 years old now

July 7, 2022 (First planted in Red Deer 2014) 

8 years old now

Forget- Me -Nots in the Bruce Heart Gardens

These Forget-Me-Nots are growing in the Bruce Heart Gardens in Kuusamo Crest, Sylvan Lake.

July 2014

Blue Himalayan Poppy in the Bruce Heart Gardens

This seedling, the beginning of a Himalayan Poppy is seen in the "Bruce Heart Gardens" on a hill overlooking Sylvan Lake.  Growing the Himalayan Poppy can be challenging and I have been told, yet still need to verify, that the Himalayan Poppy is a biannual.

Early July 2014

Rhubarb

1. We now have eight rhubarb plants in the yard and are hoping for a good crop of rhubarb for pies, jams and crisps.

   

   The two newest plants, seen below, (July 2014) are "Canada Red".

   Click Rhubarb for a link to more information.
   

   
   

   

   1. 

   Of the other six plants, six of them are Strawberry Rhubarb (three clumped together), which is similar to the Canada Red.  The sixth rhubarb is a greener, hardier, yet less sweet variety (perhaps a German Wine).  
2. Rhubarb is a vegetable, but it is often cooked, sweetened and combined with other fruits as a dessert.  It is an ancient plant traced back to China in 2700 BC.  It was used for medicinal purposes as a laxative, to reduce fever and cleanse the body.

I have always cut the rhubarb stalks when harvesting but recently read that it is better to pull the stalks rather than cut them.  The stalks detach easily and this way doesn't leave a stump to rot.  The leaves are poisonous and should be discarded.  It is best to pull the young tender stalks, leaving three or four strong stems.