I have something in bloom nearly 10 months of the year. Even in the depth of winter, I have some interesting features in my garden. Now everything is practically established. In spring, I plant some annuals hear and there to keep colors going. Then all I do is tidying the garden a bit as the seasons progress. 1. Some shrubs and evergreens for structure & fall & winter interests (Coral Ember Willows, Red-twig Dogwood, miniature evergreens, yucca, American Arborvitae, Betula nigra 'Little King', Physocarpus 'Diablo', Cortinus coggygia,Oakleaf Hydrangia, Hydrangea 'Annabelle', etc.) 2. A LOT of long blooming perennials and/or with fragrance or large, bold structure/texture (Geranium 'Roxanne', large, bold hostas, Ornamental grass, MANY & MANY Clematis, Sedum, etc.) 3. A LOT Of BULBS in between everything. 2 - 3 bulbs were planted in the same hole by layering. They begin to bloom in February and take turn coming up through spring - summer - fall. 4. After planting all of the above, I then scatter leftover seeds everywhere. Examples of what are currently in bloom or offering interesting features: - Colchicum - Fall Crocus - Feverfew - Assorted Asters - Rudbeckia hirta - Rudbeckia triloba - Miscanthus sinensis (2 different varieties) - Several ornamental grass - natives & non natives - Hydrangea 'Annabelle' (Flower heads are left on the plant all winter) - Hydrangea grandiflora - Geranium 'Roxanne' 'New Hampshire Purple' - Geranium lancastriense - Roses - Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Flower heads are left on the plants all winter long) - several no name Sedum - Verbena bonariensis - Huechera 'Purple Palace' - Huechera with no name - Buddleia - Solidago 'Wichita Mountain' - Solidago 'Fireworks' - Petunia - Chinese forget me not - Can't remember what else lol

I used soft stems (green wood) cuttings. Removed the tip and left only 2 leaves on a 6 inch cutting. I sunk the bottom with leaf nodes in a pot of soilless mix, topped with a plastic cover. It was around summer since I took the cuttings when the plants were just about done flowering. Didn't need to use rooting hormones but if you feel you need them, do get the appropriate type for greenwood. They grow from both new and old wood. Old wood just takes a longer time to propagate than say green or semi green wood.

Great for bouquets! Flowers start out lime green, turn to white and then a pinky beige. Looking for flowers in trade. Doreen.

The wild species of Hydrangea arborescens has lacecap blooms. Annabelle should be the named used when the blooms resemble round balls or mophead but I often see the lacecap version called Annabelle too. To me, that is not correct but, sigh, oh well.... I kind of like this version better. Give it morning sun, afternoon/evening shade. Maintain 2-4" of organic mulch (no rocks) at all times. It is almost summer so increase the amt of water one notch higher.