by GardenLover | Oct 18, 2015 | Gardens to Drive
It’s an Apple Wonderland.
By Debra Knapke
Early morning apple picking is a tradition in our family. This morning it’s Winesap (more properly Staymen Winesap) harvest-time. I am convinced that the poisoned apple in Walt Disney’s Snow White was modeled after the beautiful red and shapely Winesap.
Winesaps, Cortlands and Macs (MacIntosh) are the apples of my youth. Memories surface while I am in the orchard: picking apples with the neighbors, and running up and down the rows – to the dismay of our moms, making pies and applesauce… this falls under the heading of the “good ‘ole days.’
A ‘Winesap’ that will not be going in the pie
As my husband, Tony, and I were driving out to Lynd’s to pick, I jokingly said, “I wonder what I will learn today about apples.”
As it turns out, a lot. First, there were some new cultivars to try. Below is ‘Crimson Crisp’, a beautiful apple that tastes similar to a Jonathan with underlying complex flavors. Interesting…
‘Crimson Crisp’
But the apple that blew my socks off was ‘Trail Delite’, a hybrid developed by Mitch Lynd and named last night. Imagine a blast of pear that settles into tart apple with hint of sweetness that lingers in your mouth. This is not a pretty apple; it is quite russeted. Important point: russet apples tend to be more resistant to pests and diseases and if I have to choose between pretty and natural disease
‘Trail Delite’ — a trail blazer in flavor
resistance, I will go with the latter every time.
We were lucky to find Mitch Lynd and I started asking questions about both hybrids and was treated to a wealth of apple history and lore. At the checkout, we were able to talk with Dick Lynd, and I asked more questions. Tony and I discussed what they told us all the way home.
One point that I kept hearing in my head: you have no idea what we have here in our orchards — amazing flavors and textures. I can’t wait…
Young trees at Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Pataskala, OH
Note from Debra: I did not correctly identify one of my apple muses: Dick WANDER (not Lynd) is in charge of apple production at Lynd Fruit Farm and to paraphrase Mitch Lynd, “he is among the most competent apple growers I have known.”
by GardenLover | Jul 10, 2015 | Gardens to Drive
Travelogue: Lily Fest 2015
By Debra Knapke and Teresa Woodard
Debra’s observations:
Undaunted, Teresa negotiated Little Cola Road, a narrow road that was purported to be a two lane road on the last leg of our trip to Lily Fest 2015 near Logan in Ohio’s scenic Appalachia country. Fortunately, most cars were going to Lily Fest, so we had few passing encounters. When we left, we had many more passing encounters. I’m not fond of tiny cars, but I would have greatly appreciated being in a Smart car!
After parking, we walked down the path with our guide Sheri Quick. Sheri not only led us to Lily Fest, but she introduced us to Bobbi Bishop. She and her late husband Bruce started Lily Fest in 1992 as a small event to show off their gardens. Bruce’s spirit still guides the festival, and his gardens are an inspiration to Midwest gardeners.
So, what did I find exciting?
Daylilies of every kind! My current favorite type is the spider form. Below is a spider-form daylily peeking through the leaves of a variegated giant reed grass (Arundo donax ‘Variegata’)
The gardens are a tapestry of green punctuated by blooms and varied-colored leaves. The bursts of color are balanced by the calming textural contrasts as evidenced below.
The art! Artful pieces are scattered throughout the garden. Below is a simple composition of shovels upended in the garden and painted. It is a subtle installation.
Many of the artists represented in the gardens were present in the booths that lined several pathways. I recognized some crafts people from other shows, but was happy to discover new adornments and ideas for the garden.
At the end of our visit, we passed one of the ponds. Visitors were sitting on benches and listening to the soulful flute music of Mark Thunderwalker Camden while viewing this rhapsody in pink: lotus, flamingos and a dusky Japanese maple.
Oh, I did find some chocolate, which is a must at any festival.
Teresa’s observations:
At Lily Fest, there’s a wonderful sense of community from the volunteers that helped us park cars to the greeters at the front gate to all the gardeners that volunteered for weeks prior to make the grounds so lovely.
Like Deb, I also appreciated the selection of juried artists including many with lily-inspired pieces — lily glass sculptures, lily stone statues and lily ironwork. 
Lily Fest is also filled with plenty of garden whimsy from these kitschy garden pants to this charming cottage.
And, of course, we came to see the lilies!
Visit Lily Fest this weekend or check out these other upcoming Midwestern flower festivals:
by GardenLover | May 27, 2015 | Garden profile, Gardens to Drive
Check out this season’s garden tours for a bounty of inspiration.
By Teresa Woodard
This summer, garden gates across the Midwest will open to welcome guests for tours. In search of inspiration, I attend several tours and walk away with a list of ideas and renewed motivation to spruce up my own garden. Here are several don’t-miss tours.
What’s your favorite garden tour?
by GardenLover | Apr 30, 2015 | Gardens to Drive, Happenings
Bring on the Bonanza of Plant Sale Treasures
By Teresa Woodard
The plant-buying frenzy is about to begin, and there’s no better place for one-of-a-kind plants and great gardening advice than a public garden’s plant sale. Besides, the sales generate significant income for botanic gardens, arboreta and plant societies.
There’s a month-long series of sales throughout the Midwest. Many feature auctions, pre-sale party nights, workshops and book signings. To get first dibs on plants, check out the pre-sale events typically offered to members. No doubt, the membership privilege is well worth the $25-$50 annual dues.
Also, come with questions. Many of the volunteers have first-hand experience growing the plants for sale. So, don’t be afraid to ask for their favorite tomato plant, native shade tree or miniature varieties. The only danger is you may end up with a trunk full of wonderful plants.
Here are a few favorites:
- Secrest Arboretum Plant Discovery Day and Sale, Ohio (May 2)
- Adena Mansion’s Heirloom Plant Sale, Ohio (May 2-17)
- Inniswood Volunteer’s Plant Sale, Ohio (May 2-3)
- Wegerzyn Mayfair Plant Sale, Ohio (May 2-3)
- Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association’s Annual Plant Sale (May 2-3)
- Chadwick Arboretum Plant Sale, Auction and Gardening Fair, Ohio (May 7-9)
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens Plant Sale with the Pros, Wisconsin (May 8-9)
- Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society Annual Native Plant Sale and Auction (May 9)
- Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Plant Sale (May 9)
- Missouri Botanical Gardens Spring Wildflower Sale (May 9)
- Bernheim Arboretum Bloomfest Plant Sale, Kentucky (May 16)
- Holden Arboretum Plant Sale, Ohio (May 16-17)
- Dawes Arboretum Plant Sale and Garden Fair, Ohio (May 18)
- Wisconsin Herb Society’s Herb Fair (May 25)
by GardenLover | Apr 15, 2015 | Gardens to Drive
10 Don’t Miss Stops at the New Riverfront Location
By Teresa Woodard and Michael Leach
From fabulous table settings to window boxes to jaw-dropping display gardens, the Cincinnati Flower Show’s long awaited rebirth in a new venue won’t disappoint. The horticultural magic is as powerful as ever.
Set in white-tented splendor in a downtown riverfront park, the show blossoms between the wide, brown Ohio River and condo and office towers. The colorful oasis caused our jaws to drop more than once as we wandered Tuesday morning with wonderful hosts Kevin O’Dell and Marie Huenefeld. The event opens today and runs through Sunday, April 19.
Here are 10 things we suggest you see or do:
1. Cincinnati landmarks interpreted in elegant table settings. For instance, Fountain Square suggested in frothy, white orchids spilling from a multi-tier container. The focal point in this tent is a small dining table with crystal chandelier overhead that looks like a magazine cover shot.
2. Less elaborate but no less appealing are the window boxes and hanging baskets played out in visually appealing — and practical — combos of plants. In the same vein are containers and miniature gardens.
3. Shopping is back, too. Be sure to check out Vintage Revival’s jewelry from beloved china patterns.
And of course you can buy plants of the most unusual nature and favorites, too.
We also spotted a different take on garden flamingos — a small stone for the body, and black wrought metal outlining legs, neck and head. Not for everyone, but they brought a smile.
4. Display gardens in all sizes and styles, from a penthouse terrace to a Findlay Market of yesteryear, complete with antique wooden boxes, bare, clear light bulbs and seedings in tiny peat pots. One tent features display gardens created by Cincinnati horticultural stops including world renown Spring Grove Cemetery, which shows off some of the plants it has introduced to the horticultural market.
5. Pigs flying and otherwise can be found in all shapes and sizes, a natural for a city once nicknamed Porkopolis due to the number of slaughter houses. See if the kids can count all the pigs they see.
6. Children will find programs just for them and planting opportunities. There’s a display inspired by a rooftop garden at school near the heart of town.
7. Plenty of learning opportunities with guest speakers including P. Allen Smith and Jon Carloftis.
8. Impossible to miss are really big containers of pink petunias hanging from poles and sitting atop posts. These plants, donated by Proven Winners, give the park a festive, party atmosphere.
9. Inspiring garden ideas including our host’s own garden design.
10. A post-event plant sale
by GardenLover | Jan 13, 2015 | Gardens to Drive
Go Buckeyes!
