My first four months at Wellfield have been great; working in the Gardens has helped me to re-familiarize myself with a whole world of landscape plants I haven’t worked with in quite a few years (most of my time had been spent growing native plants and heirloom vegetables for farmers markets). I have realized I’ve missed out on some pretty neat developments in the ornamental plant world. As I reconnect with cultivars and make plans for the Gardens, I’m often curious about new varieties being introduced to the market. Here are a few new plants available for 2021/2022 that you may enjoy, as well.
This NON-INVASIVE Artemisia has fern-like foliage to add texture to sunny and partially sunny areas. It’s a perennial in Zone 5.
Begonia ‘I’Conia Scentiment Peachy Keen’
These begonias are scented! Plus a beautiful creamy orange color. They are annuals in Zone 5, and also work as container plants.
Bright pink flowers with dark foliage and only growing 3’ to 4’ tall? I’ll take it! This beauty is a perennial in Zone 5.
How cool is this sedum? It has dark, almost black, leaves with flowers with red centers that bloom in the fall. It’s a great perennial in Zone 5 and can be left up year-round to provide food for the birds and winter interest in the landscape.
The vibrant red foliage on this caladium really caught my eye! It’s an annual in Zone 5, but can be adapted as a houseplant.
There are also some really neat Shasta daisies and vibrantly-colored Monarda and Heuchera ready to hit the market. After reading through various sites, I came across an observation that dark foliage is on trend for the coming year. Personally, I think dark foliage serves as a great accent for just about any planting. On a side note, I do want to mention that the 2022 Perennial Plant Association (PPA) Plant of the Year happens to be Schizachyrium scoparium (a native) and its cultivars. Go figure!
This article (https://gpnmag.com/article/eye-popping-annual-introductions-for-2022/) was really interesting to peruse for ideas.
As far as garden styles are concerned, 2022 doesn’t disappoint. Look forward to seeing more native plantings, water gardens, and overall “welcoming” outdoor spaces for entertaining and enjoyment for people of all ages, with more focus on children’s gardens in the future. Vegetable gardens, including patio and balcony gardens, look like they’ll continue in popularity. I would use the term “sanctuary” to describe the intention behind the designs. I’m excited just reading about the possibilities! Here are some of my favorites I’ve come across in my research.
Water Garden that ALSO Benefits Wildlife
I hope you enjoy looking through these articles and “fantasy garden designing” as much as I do! I used to make collages out of the pictures in my mail-order catalogs to tide me over until Spring, but Pinterest boards are my new favorite thing. Whatever you choose to do to be creative in the wintertime, enjoy the rest from a hard year’s work in the garden.
Mary Wojcik, Horticulturist