All the Dirt on Gardening

Pachysandra is a semi-evergreen ground cover that is native to the eastern US from PA to LA and is cold hardy to zone 5. It is an ideal choice for shady areas in the garden where a slow growing ground cover would be ideal. Its common names include Allegheny-spurge and Mountain Spurge. P. procumbens Since Pachysandra procumbens thrives in well-drained, acidic soil, the perfect spot is under trees and shrubs where falling leaves make the soil acidic and the trees absorb most of the available moisture. This little native groundcover is a member of the same plant family as boxwood. There are no insects or diseases that cause problems. It can be planted in masses in order to control erosion on sloping, shady banks. Another great place for Pachysandra procumbens is under shade trees where grass is difficult to grow due to lack of sunlight. The hybrid varieties are equally easy to grow and care for. Eco Treasure has more markings on the leaves than other varieties. Forest Green...

After a lifetime of growing plants for her customers, Anne Pinc knows what succeeds in our area. There will be only two more chances to buy from Pinc at the Cherry Street Farmer’s Market in Tulsa ( http://www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com ) since she stops selling at the end of May. The Cherry St. Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays from 7 to 11 a.m. on 15 th St. near Peoria St., and it is so popular that many people plan to arrive well before the opening hour. Here are some of the many plants to look for that she grows and recommends for area gardens – Pinc grows several varieties of the ever-popular Clematis vine. Clematis is generally reliable in our area, climbing fences, trellises and shrubs and blooming with white, purple, red or pink single flowers. They thrive with 5-hours of daily sun, neutral soil that has plenty of compost added and weekly watering. Shade loving Hostas range in size from miniature to quite large and have colors from deep green to bright yellow-...