Devon Cottage (TM) Rosie Cheeks

I started with a 8"Proven Selections Award Winning Devon Cottage (TM) Rosie Cheeks (Dianthus hybrid) carnation.  These carnations are perennials and come back the second year with twice as many blooms.  Blooms from spring to through summer. (above) My Rosie Cheeks in bloom in July.

Growing Tips: Rosie Cheeks prefer full to partial sun and grow 10" - 14" tall.  Water every other day or daily if weather is really hot. For best results, fertilize or feed every couple weeks.  Remove dead blooms to encourage new growth.

Perennial Tips: This is a perennial in zones 7 -11.  Before winter, remove all dead blooms and cover base of plant with hazelnut shells. 

Day Neutral Strawberry Tribute

I started with a 4" starter Tribute Strawberry from Al's Garden Center.  This particular variety fruits very sweet, large fruit. They are so naturally sweet, you can eat them right off the plant without sugar.  Most berries require lots of light over long days, Tributes set fruit without regard to the length of days and nights and continues fruit production from June until frost. (above) My Tribute Strawberries, about 2 days before it's first harvest.

Growing Tips: Tribute Strawberries prefer full sun and water as needed.  They should be planted 18" apart and grow 6" - 8" tall, they are great for pots.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest when the berries are a bright red all the way around.

'Americana Violet' Zonal Geranium

I started with a 6" 'Americana Violet' Zonal Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) from Al's Garden Center.  I planted it in full sun in a cedar planter box (above, in June 2010).  This annual produces very bold, fuschia colored flowers on top of dark green foliage that will bloom through Summer, great for containers or planters.

Growing Tips: Geraniums prefer full or partial sun and water 2 - 3 times per week until established.  They grow to about 10" - 12" tall and should be grown as an annual.