THE SCOTT ARBORETUM’s Garden Seeds

Could you recommend a tree for me?

Friday, October 29th, 2010

“Could you recommend a tree for me?” is a question I am frequently asked.  I routinely follow the question with one of my own.  “Where will it go?” The tried and true adage of “right plant, right place” is particularly applicable to tree selection.  Are you planting in a small courtyard, or looking for a towering shade tree?  It is often said that we don’t plant trees for ourselves; we plant them for our grandchildren.  It takes decades for a tree to reach its mature height.  Careful planning can insure that the variety selected will be beneficial for both you…

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Plant of the Week – October 25

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Rhododendron [Autumn Amethyst TM] = ‘Conlee’, found blooming in the West Garden, is an evergreen hybrid rhododendron. photo credit: J. Coceano

Oxydendron arboreum , a small, native, deciduous tree rarely reaching 60 feet, has a wonderful fall foliage display alongside Parrish Hall. photo credit: J. Coceano

This annual pepper, Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’, is  grown in the Scott Entrance Garden for its dark foliage and red and black peppers. photo credit: J. Coceano

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Seed Propagation of Cornus florida

Monday, October 25th, 2010

The glossy red fruit, called a drupe, of Cornus florida is rapidly disappearing from our native dogwood. This fruit is a favorite of our feathered friends and furry tree climbers (squirrels) and is simple to propagate. The drupe of Cornus florida is a great seed for beginning propagators to experiment with as well as a simple project for experienced propagators. The biggest challenge is collecting the fruit before it is eaten by birds and squirrels.

Cornus florida is our native flowering dogwood producing beautiful flowers…

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