January 12, 2012 – 10:08 am
- ‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass
Now that winter is here – finally – we can think in terms of winter. Now is the time to look around at your garden, at gardens of others, in parks, around commercial buildings – anywhere you see plants that catch your eye. We need to plant in the growing season with winter in mind.
Ornamental grasses have become one of my favorite perennials since they offer so much – for such a long time. You cut these down in the late winter – early spring depending on the weather – and they then start their new growing season. After 6-8 weeks – you will again see your ornamental grass and you will be enjoying it for 10 months! Amazing for perennials in Minnesota!
‘Karl Foerster’ – officially known as Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is a stunning example of ornamental grasses. This grass will reach a height of approximately 5′ once the blooms come out in mid-summer. The spread is only about 2 feet in diameter. The blooms are a soft beige tone and once opened up – will be almost white and feathery. We have found this grass to have excellent standability after snows here in Minnesota, bouncing back to continue to delight the gardener.
They make excellent background plants with shorter perennials in the foreground and also can provide a natural fence of sorts. Tolerating partial shade – reed grasses tend to flop and bloom less if not in full sun. This variety of ornamental grass will adapt to moister soil conditions but do best planted in well drained soil conditions. Karl Foerster was named the perennial of the year in 2001 by the
Perennial Plant Association. To be selected as perennial of the year, a plant has to demonstrate the ability to grow in a wide variety of situations, multi-steason interest, availability and more!
This picture was taken in our meadow last winter. You can see the beauty of the grass against the snow, and beyond is our collection of dogwood and flame willow with their red to orange stems giving the winter landscape a pop of color! We’ll have ‘Karl Foerster’ available come spring! Start making your wish list now!
Visit our
Perennial Plant List on our Plant Page to see a listing of all of the perennials we’ll have available this year!
September 1, 2011 – 2:47 pm
Where has the summer gone? Fall is just around the corner as our spring bulbs came in yesterday! Tulips, daffodils, crocus, allium and more! Spring bulbs need to be planted in the fall and go through the cold winter and will delight you next spring! 
August 10, 2011 – 12:25 pm
Heidi Brosseau - our retail manager submits the following blog.
Now is the time to refresh your baskets, beds and planters!
Are your containers looking a little tired? Did your baskets fizzle in the summer heat? Maybe you have lots of green plants and not a lot of color in that perennial border this time of year. Dress them up & refresh them! Add some seasonal color & fall beauty to your planters, beds & borders with plants perfect for late season displays. Here are some of our favorites!
Minnesota Hardy Mums: They are finally here everyone. Come and get ‘em. Bright eye catching colors on dense compact plants. Perfect for filling those empty spots and containers.
Asters: A late season surprise. The first Asters are just beginning to open their daisy style flowers. These hardy perennials will be blooming until hard frosts come. Providing a reliable wave of color in the fall garden. Excellent mixed with Mums and Kale.
Grasses: Whether you go with an annual or a perennial variety it doesn’t matter, you’re going to add graceful, elegant movement and color to your plantings. Many varieties have both showy plumes that appear late summer to fall as well as brilliant fall color.
Sedums: Beloved by butterflies and gardeners alike! These are the “tough guys” in the Minnesota garden. Reliable and vigorous these succulent plants add wonderful texture with their thick leaves as well as a multitude of foliage colors and variegation. They like to build up a little suspense, making us watch their forming buds all season long before finally showing us what they can do. Read More »
Landscape plants are much like pets and humans in their need for some tender loving care during major heat waves and long dry spells. When provided with enough, but not too much water and nutrition people, pets and valuable landscape plants will do well even under extreme heat stress.
New plantings are especially vulnerable until they have extended new roots into the surrounding soil. While balled and burlapped trees and shrubs can do well with one or two good waterings per week during their period of establishment – 1 to 2 years – trees, shrubs and perennials that were purchased in plastic nursery pots can dry out and be severely damaged in just one or two days in hot, windy and low humidity conditions.
The reason potted plants dry out so quickly when placed into your landscape is that potting soil is formulated to drain and dry out quickly to avoid root rot while they are in the pots. They also dry out quickly when planted in your yard that is until new roots have grown out into the soil surrounding the planting site. This can take from 6-12 weeks, depending on how compacted the soil is.
If the tree, shrubs or perennial receives aggressive root pruning prior to planting to completely shred any matted roots on the outside of the root ball, AND if there is lots of loose, unpacked soil filled in around the root ball, the rooting out process can happen much much faster. Allow water and gravity to settle the crumbly soil around t he shredded root ball rather than packing the loose soil.
For more details on precision watering you can check out our instructions page on watering. Keep in mind that most trees and shrubs purchased in nursery pots will need a little water everyday the first 4-6 weeks, every other day the next 4-6 weeks, and every third or 4th day until a year has passed (take the winter off from watering). Do not allow the hose to trickle on the plant. You will have no idea how much water you gave it, and you may drown the plant.
Successful planting can be done even in a heat wave if you give them enough water, but not too much water on a daily basis. Keep ‘em happy and keep ‘em hydrated!
“Colorful fun with Coneflowers”
The ‘Summer Sun’ is bright (too bright apparently) and so are the Coneflowers here at the nursery. We ‘Hope’ you’ll stop in under this ‘Summer Sky’ and treat your’ gardens to some ‘Tomato Soup’, with ‘Mango Meadowbrite’ and ‘Hot Papaya’ on the side. Wash it all down with some ‘Vintage Wine’ at ‘Sundown’. Put on a little ‘Elton Knight’ and ‘All that Jazz’ while you gaze up at the ‘Ruby Stars’ in search of the missing constellation ‘Magnus’. All around ‘Pixie Meadowbrite’ s and ‘Pink Poodle’ s only ‘Red Knee High’ sway to the music until ‘Sunrise’.
“What was in that ‘Vintage Wine’ anyway?
Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on a few of these ‘Irresistible’ coneflower varieties or you’ll have ‘Green Envy’ for sure.
The people that breed these beautiful plants must be a lot of fun to work with. What creative names! Many gardeners are familiar with, and very fond of the popular Purple Coneflower, but these newer varieties with their delicious, imaginative and sometimes silly names have really extended the color pallet, unlocking the creative spirit in many. Reds, oranges and yellows, pinks, purples, whites and even green flowers are held up by sturdy stems. Some varieties will produce a more classic single daisy style flower while some have double flowers that produce a pompom effect. Coneflowers begin to bloom midsummer and keep going until fall, especially with some occasional dead heading. They are a magnet for butterflies while in bloom and for song birds when they set their seeds. Compact varieties will maintain a height at or under 24” while taller varieties bob on the breeze at closer to 2½ to 3’. They love full sun and would prefer to be planted in loamy well drained soil but will grow in heavier soils with proper drainage. Once established they are tolerant of heat, cold, and drought. A wonderful addition to the perennial border, cutting and wildlife gardens. Don’t miss out on all the colorful fun!
Heidi Brosseau, our retail manager, submitted the above blog post. Well done – Heidi!
Lazy Summer Daisies
A classic symbol of summer, daisies have a way of bringing back memories from our past, of our loved ones, and of course helping to create some memories to be cherished for years to come. Have you had the good fortune to receive a fist full of pure white single daisies? Maybe you were the little one holding up that bouquet with pride. I will say it has been far too long since I have sat down to braid a daisy chain myself. Every year when the ‘Becky’ Shasta Daisies (AKA: Leucanthemum superbum ‘Becky’) come into bloom it seems like an excellent idea and they beckon me to pause.
This year not only do we have ‘Becky’ Shasta Daisies with their large, pure white single flowers and vivid golden centers but a new twist on our old favorite, Leucanthemum superbum ‘Sante’. ‘Sante’ brings an element of fun to the garden with its unique double petals. It has a frilly or even fuzzy appearance with again, the same golden yellow centers. If you have ever tried to make it patiently through a round of “loves me, loves me not” you should try it with one of these double daisies. Perhaps the outcome is more accurate with all those extra petals to pluck through.
Now for the dirt on Shasta Daisies…Sturdy stems support their large flowers from late spring to early fall, with regular dead heading. An excellent choice for butterfly and cutting gardens or in open more wild garden settings. They prefer full sun and will tolerate heavier soils, provided there is adequate drainage. Varieties range in mature height from about 15 to 36 inches. ‘Becky’ was the 2003 Perennial Plant of the Year. Heidi Brosseau – Retail Manager – submitted this article.
An old standard like a faithful friend – the Achillea or Yarrow is a sun worshiping perennial. The blossoms just burst this week and provides a palette of color! Yarrow enjoy the full hot sun, can tolerate poorer soils and hot, arrid conditions. You can use these as a cut flower in arrangements and once the flowering is past, they can be cut back and will blossom a little later in the summer. They are great for naturalizing in mass plantings and will attract butterflies, too!
The varieties pictured here are Tutti-Fruitti Pomegrante, Apricot Delight, Paprika, Moonshine and Pretty Belinda.
Visit our Perennial Plant List on our Plant Page to see all of the perennials we have available.
- Gold Heart Bleeding Heart
Each spring I walk around my hosta garden and admire each plant – at least a thousand times – and say to each one – you’re my favorite. Yes – it is allowed to talk to yourself in the garden – because you are actually talking to the plants! However – when I get to my Sweet Woodruff and Gold Heart Bleeding Heart in early spring – it’s hard to not really make this your favorite.
What have I observed? The Gold Heart Bleeding Heart seems to go longer into the summer before going dormant. Even after the flowers have long since gone away – the foliage still stays nice and golden much longer into the summer. The Sweet Woodruff (Gallium) is a groundcover, and they will keep spreading out. I know this, and in the spring – I need to pull them away from where I don’t want them to spread. The emerald green of their leaves with their dainty white flowers makes the extra effort so worth it!
We have both of these perennials available at the nursery. Our hosta selection is awesome as well as they make great companion plants.
Praying Hands Hosta has been named the 2011 Hosta of the Year by the
American Hosta Society. We are especially excited about this award this year, as the person who discovered Praying Hands and registered it with the AHS, is Gerald Williams who lives here in Northfield and is one of our loyal customers! On Saturday, June 11th, we will be hosting the Rochester, Mn hosta club – Shades of Green for a tour of our nursery. We thought that there would be no better time to honor our friend Gerald Williams than to do a little celebration when we had a hosta group present. At 1:30 pm on Saturday June 11th – we will be doing a presentation for Jerry at which time he’ll share with us his discovery of this unique and beautiful plant. We also are pleased to have Mary Schier, editor of the
Northern Gardener Magazine
Praying Hands Hosta
- a publicaiton of the Minnesota Horticultural Society- present and will also share a few thoughts. The public is invited to this special celebration. The Shades of Green Hosta club has also been invited to a private tour of our hosta garden which is exciting to us as we love to share our hostas with others.
We are proud of our hosta offerings to our customers with over 150 varieties. Some are the old standards and others are harder to find. We encourage all hosta lovers of all knds to stop in and check out our hosta selection.
Flower of the Diana Remembered Hosta
In honor of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, we are offering a ONE DAY ONLY SPECIAL on the Royal Wedding Papaver (Poppy) and the Diana Remembered Hosta. On Friday, Apri 29th, receive 25% off on the purchase of either one or both of these plants.
The flowers of the Royal Wedding Poppy are almost as beautiful as the soon to be Princess Kate. The above link will share information from the Perennial Resource at Walters Gardens. The Diana Remembered Hosta – named in memory of Prince William’s Mother, Princess Diana, is one of my favorite hosta. It is a large hosta with this incredibly gorgeous white flower and is very fragrant.
Come in on Friday, April 29th, for your 25% discount in honor of the “Royal Wedding”
Cardinal Red Columbine
A perennial for a host of settings. Aquilegia are an old fashioned perennial who’s hardiness and vigor have withstood the tests of time. Often found in cottage gardens or eclectic perennial borders, this easy to grow spring bloomer lends itself to woodland and shade gardens as well. A good choice as a specimen or en mass planted amongst spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils. The spurred flowers are both unusual and showy, with colors ranging from vibrant jewel tones to soft pastels in late spring to early summer. As cut flowers they can have quite a long vase life of up to 2 weeks or a bit more. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but fortunately not rabbits. Some varieties like ‘Leprechaun Gold’, have a brighter golden leaf, adding more interest to this classic perennial. Aquilegia prefers loose, average to rich, well drained soil. Full sun to part shade is acceptable, but light shade sites will give you the longest bloom. Don’t plant this one in heavy or water logged soils, it won’t grow.
Aquilegia – Columbine
Full Sun to Part Shade
About 18″-24″ and 18″ wide
Rabbit resistant
Zones 3-9
What should you plant with this delightful perennial as companion plants? Try Brunnera, Dicentra, Paeonia, Dwarf Delphiniums, Geranium (Cranesbill), Iris, Forget-me-Nots
Heidi Brosseau, our retail manager, submitted this article. You’ll find this Columbine and more available now.
April 22, 2011 – 10:55 am
Open Easter Sunday!! Our late spring has delayed alot of the fun in the garden, but it’s going to be a beautiful day and we’ll be here from 10 am to 4 pm. We have a full selection of trees, shrubs and perennials along with a nice assortment of annual 4-paks, veggies and even some herb planters.
Just for Easter Sunday only - we’ll have an Easter basket filled with plastic eggs containing a surprise discount for the day. Come in and pick an egg for a extra-special eggciting discount! Hop on in – we’ll be here. Discounts will be from 10% to 15% and are applicable to any plant material! (even plants that are on sale!) Discount applies only to plant material – no hardgoods, mulches or bagged product.
Lenton Rose
The Helleborus or coming called Lenton Rose is a stunning spring perennial. In areas farther to the south – it provides a wintertime flower show. The flowers appear to be nodding on the ends of the outstretched stems. Long-lived and easy to care fo, you will find the Lenton Rose in a pleasing array of colors. This perennial is called an “evergreen perennial” with dark green foliage. Don’t cut it back in the fall – you can simply prune away foliage that didn’t like the winter. The flower buds do set in the fall. Grows in part shade to full shade- 18″ to 24″ tall - you will find this woodland perennial growing in less than desirable soils but it does prefer evenly moist, well drained loamy soil. It doesn’t like disruptions so plan ahead on where you would like to place this harbinger of spring! Varieties are available for Zones 4 through 10. We have a several different varieties available from $10.99 to $14.99.
My Lenton Rose posed nicely yesterday morning while I worked on removing the leaves from the garden. We have had this perennial planted here for about 6 years now and each spring is the first to present its flower show.
Virginia Bluebells - Spring 2010
- Just waking up
The flowers of the Virginia Bluebell – (Mertensia virginica) has to be the most beautiful shade of blue. Each spring, I marvel at this incredible color. This springtime Minnesota wildflower grows in southern Minnesota, and will reach a height of 10″-24″. You’ll find these growing in shady areas, in clearings and along the edges of deciduous woods. They will also do well in wetter soils. The flower buds start out pink and turn to this blue as the flowers bloom.
Here at the nursery, we started to wake our perennials up from their winter slumber this past week, and the picture at the left shows how much they have grown in just a weeks time. The photo above, is the Virginia Bluebell that I have in one of our gardens at home. As with most wildflowers – they go dormant early on after blooming, so by mid-summer – it’s all just a memory until springtime comes again. In looking closely at the picture to the right, you will notice that some of my hosta are just getting going which is an indication of the early blooming of this wildflower.
We have a limited supply of Virgina Bluebell available at $10.99.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’™The 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year! May we introduce you to The Perennial Plant Associations’ selection for “Perennial Plant of the Year”, Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ PP13859 CPBR1799! Well, that’s what it officially goes by, but we like to make things a bit more personal here at Knecht’s. Let’s call him ‘Jack Frost’.
