First catalog arrived

My first printed garden catalog of 2017 — from White Flower Farm — has arrived and an order has been placed. For the last few years I waited too long to place my order thus missing out on Eryngium giganteum (below), aka "Miss Willmott's Ghost." But no more. The ghostly sea holly will grace my garden from now on — as it's a re-seeding biennial.

While I was paging through the WFF catalog I came across a Radler rose with a double Wisconsin provenance that might be of interest to midwestern gardeners, and perhaps others as well. Bill Radler is a national treasure who lives just outside of Milwaukee. If you grow roses you know him as the breeder of the famed Knock Out® Roses.

Radler released his first one in 2000 and the rest, as they say, is history. His Knock Out® Rose is the "most commercially successful rose of all time," according to a 2014 story on UrbanMilwaukee. Radler's roses got their name from their behavior: non-stop blooming, disease resistant and almost maintenance-free.  

His latest lovely creation (above) is named in honor of another treasure: "Milwaukee's Calatrava." (below). The flower has a citrus scent and its soft white color made me think of all the marble in the Santiago Calatrava-designed addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The flower blushes when the weather turns cold.

In Mark's photos you can see the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the Museum’s vaulted, glass-enclosed exhibit space. According to the museum's website, the Brise Soleil — which has a wingspan comparable to that of a Boeing 747-400 — is "unprecedented in American architecture." 

It is a gorgeous piece of work and amazing to see in person. The museum has a terrific permanent collection and highly-regarded changing exhibits and is worth visiting for that alone. But the Brise Soleil makes a visit even more of a special event. There's a brief YouTube video of the Brise Soleil in action here.

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Already ordering flowers. That is getting a good start on the new gardening year.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Lisa — ​For three years I've waited too long to order that Eryngium. It says it self-seeds so I hope I don't regret it down the line.

[Loree / danger garden]

I envy you, your catalogue shopping. I just can't rationalize the shipping charges since we've got so many wonderful nurseries all around.

[Linda from Each Little World]

​Loree — As you know last year I was ordering from nurseries in northern California and the PNW which have things that are harder to find around here. Plus, the longer one gardens the more one goes looking for the usual. Not just any Hellebores or Epimediums or Erythroniums will do! I am going to mostly concentrate on ferns, bulbs and shrubs in 2017 assuming I have any room left.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Ah, yes! Time to start shopping! I do have several shrub selections planned, to replace non-native invasives. I also plan to, again, grow many annuals from seed. Thanks for sharing the Calatrava info and the Brise Soleil video. Awesome architectural treasure! I think I will take a field trip over there when the weather is a little warmer. Cheers!

[Michelle]

I had no idea the Knockout Rose was bred in the Milwaukee area.

Your pictures of the MAM are quite timely as we are headed there tomorrow. My 4th grader is working on a school art class project to earn a trip in May to the Art Institute in Chicago. I was pushing for a visit over break to the MOWA to see the David Lenz exhibit before it is over , but you can't compete with the Calatrava architecture in the mind of an elementary student, so MAM it is.

I waited too long for a certain variety of basil,last year. Thanks for the reminder to get on the ball.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Michelle - So much great art at MAM. We love the outsider art. So quirky and personal. Have fun.

[Peter/Outlaw]

The first plant order is a sure sign that spring is on the way. Looks like a gorgeous rose and it's namesake is amazing. Thanks for sharing that sparkling jewel of your region. Awesome!