The joy of new snow-drop (Galanthus) cultivars

Galanthus 'Livinia' http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/plants/10619528/10-beautiful-double-snowdrops-to-try.html?frame=2812825

Spectacular new lavender 'Phenomenal'

Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal' Lavenders and catmints are really hot right now, and every season brings exciting, new cultivars. Check the outstanding features of this new lavender from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 'Phenomenal.' "With over 30 years of herb and vegetable growing experience, Peace Tree Farm has never seen a lavender as excellent a performer as 'Phenomenal'. One of the hardiest lavenders seen throughout Europe and the United States, 'Phenomenal' has exceptional winter survival, as it does not have the winter die back that other varieties like Munstead and Hidcote commonly demonstrate. Lavender 'Phenomenal' has also shown tolerance to extreme heat and humidity, and is resistant to common root and foliar diseases. Most commonly popular for its silvery foliage and consistent growth with uniform, mounding habit, 'Phenomenal' has an elegant flower presentation and fragrance, perfect for fresh and dried arrangements and oil uses. Both ornamental and edible, Lavender 'Phenomenal' is a deer-proof variety that can be enjoyed in the garden and in the home year-round." Available Spring 2015 from Peace Tree Farm: http://www.peacetreefarm.com/

You're invited to become a Wintertyde "early adopter"

Wintertyde is a new season that The Green Man invented to ease the transition from Christmas to early Spring. (Precedents exist for new season and holiday creation.) Wintertyde runs January 7th through March 6th each year. Wintertyde has its own protocols for celebrating this useful mini-season. Become a Wintertyde early adopter. For additional information, visit our website at www.wintertyde.blogspot.com

Fall inventory plant sale at Plant Delights

- 2014 Fall sale - 20% Off "We've just completed our fall inventory and as often seems to happen, some of the coolest plants didn't sell in the numbers that we'd hoped so we're left with extra inventory…the nature of offering so many non-mainstream plants. Consequently, and because we need space to propagate and pot new plants for spring, we're offering those over 150 plants at 20% off. The sale plants must be ordered by midnight Sunday November 2, 2014 and scheduled to ship or be picked up no later than Friday November 7, 2014. Quantities are limited on some items, so sale prices are only valid while current stock lasts." - See more at: www.plantdelights.com

White hyacinths adds elegance to the Spring landscape

White hyacinths add grace and elegance to the Spring landscape. Yes, for greatest effect do not use in straight lines but rather juxtapose them in odd-numbered drifts with other Spring perennials. Then, use white only, and avoid other colors. Also, consider white grape hyacinths, and, of course, Galanthus, snow drops. Finally, recall that 'Mount Hood' is a spectacular white narcissus to use. "Hyacinthus Carnegie Densely packed, white flower spikes touched with cream have that captivating scent. Interplant 'Carnegie' with ‘Blue Jacket’. Over centuries of breeding to increase the size, abundance, and color range of Hyacinth flowers, one thing remained the same - their rich perfume. Modern varieties can look a little stiff if they're lined up in the garden, so spread them around, combining them with Pansies and shorter Tulips, such as 'Rosanna'. Plant the bulbs in full sun and rich, well-drained soil that stays warm and dry in summer when the bulbs are dormant. Order extra to enjoy indoors in winter (we provide full instructions for forcing cold-hardy bulbs)." Available from www.whiteflowerfarm.com

Peony 'White Towers" mediates colors

Elegant and useful, 'White Towers' makes the perfect color mediator in your peony bed. Use between colorful peonies to make colors 'pop' and to enhance appreciation of the subtleties of each of your color cultivars.

Available now from www.whiteflowerfarm.com

Hydrangea 'Blue Billow' adds understated charm to the landscape

Hydrangea 'Blue Billow' $38.95 each - 3 for $92.85 Save 20% When You Buy 3 "The versatility of this singular shrub is matched only by its hardiness. One of a species of vigorous Mountain Hydrangea, this Lacecap variety has the distinction of blossoming in conditions ranging from deep shade to full sun. The flowers maintain their metallic blue color in most every soil, regardless of pH."

Available from www.whiteflowerfarm.com

Check out the "Sparkling Species Tulip [Web] Special" at John Scheepers

Species tulips bloom early and are hardy. See what else is new and exciting at John Scheepers www.johnscheepers.com

Black tupelo 'Wildfire' adds new colors to your autumn

The Green Man recommends highly this new cultivar of our native tree black tupelo. This tree's fall color change is possibly the most spectacular of all trees, and the intense and varied colors add greater aesthetic charm to the landscape panorama:

Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire' Photo courtesy: Saunders Brothers Nursery Black tupelo is for larger sites as it needs room, and it looks especially good in groups of 3. Provides a contrast with maples as the reds and oranges are different. Plant along with 1 Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' for a spectacular autumn leaf-change display Available from www.saundersbrothers.com right here in Virginia.