New Introductions for 2021 from Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.

New for 2021 Geum Tempo 'Rose'

The snow has almost melted and that has me dreaming up fresh plans for 2021. Here's a little inspiration that might help you get your own plant lists started:

New Plants for Shade Gardens 

Mixed in with all the green foliage of early spring, the golden leaves of my favourite Bleeding Heart, Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart'  looks spectacular. Though it's a favourite, I have always felt that the pink, heart-shaped flowers clash a little with the golden-yellow foliage. I was really excited to see that there is a new improvement on 'Gold Heart'. 

Bleeding Heart, Dicentra 'Ruby Gold' is the first golden Dicentra spectabilis to have true red flowers. This is definitely one I'm adding to my spring wish list!

Bleeding Heart, Dicentra 'Ruby Gold' is a vigorous perennial that forms an arching clump of golden leaves. The flowers are brilliant red with a touch of orange. Average free-draining soil is all that's needed. Part-shade to full shade. Height: 26 inches, Spread: 36 inches. USDA Zones: 4-8.

Japanese Anemones start flowering in late summer/fall when many other perennials are finished for the season. Unfortunately, they are known to spread aggressively. The tall stems that support the pink or white flowers can also flop down. These issues make this next introduction appealing. 

According to Terra Nova's website, Anemone 'Satin Doll' "runs less than other varieties on the market". That would certainly be a nice improvement! With an abundance of caution, however, I would still interpret "runs less" as suggesting that you may still need to keep an eye on 'Satin Doll's wandering ways. This could be a simple matter of carefully considering where you plant it ('Satin Doll' does well in pots, so this might be one option).

As well as being less aggressive, this new anemone is a shorter plant with a high flower count.  It also blooms early and for an extended period. I have to admit, 'Satin Doll' is tempting.

Anemone 'Satin Doll' is a compact anemone that spreads less aggressively than other varieties. This perennial has a mounded shape and glossy leaves. It blooms earlier than older varieties and for a longer period. Average to moist, well-drained soil is best. Sun to part-shade. Height: 9 inches, Spread: 17 inches. USDA Zones: 4-9.

Brunnera is a fantastic perennial for shade. The great advantage of the newly introduced 'Alexandria' is its vigour and its large silver leaves. Certainly, the metallic appearance of the leaves would contrast nicely with hosta and other shade-loving perennials. 

Brunnera 'Alexandria' is an improvement on 'Alexander's Great' that has silver-green foliage. Part-shade to full shade. In spring this perennial has a profusion of tiny blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and evenly moist are ideal conditions for this perennial. Height: 14 inches, Spread: 30 inches. USDA Zones: 4-9. 

This post is likely to get very long if I go into every plant's details, so I will simply mention that there are a number of new Hellebores to watch for this spring including the three shown here: Helleborus North Star 'Plum', Helleborus North Star 'Crystalline' and Helleborus North Star 'Garnet Falls'.

Older Introductions for Shade that also caught my eye:

I always like to include some older introductions in with the new ones. Often they are easier to find and continue to make great additions to any garden.

Those of you that have been following my blog for a while may remember that Thalictrum 'Nimbus Cloud' made it onto my wish list last year. Though are happiest in moist, rich soil, I find that Thalictrum are great plants for dry, free-draining soil in part-shade. This spring I'd love to get my hands on Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' for its sexy, dark stems. 

Thalictrum 'Black Stockings' has delicate lavender-pink flowers and lacy, fern-like foliage (Note: may not bloom until its second year). This perennial prefers moist, rich, free-draining soil.  Sun to part-shade ( if in sun, I'd suggest moist, well-drained conditions). Height: 48 inches, Spread: 24 inches. USDA Zones: 5-9.

Actea (previously known as Cimicifuga) is a must-have plant for moist, part-shade. If you don't have this plant yet, you might want to consider Actea 'Black Negligee'. It has more vigour than many other dark varieties of Actea. 

Actea 'Black Negligee' has lacy black foliage and dark stems. The bottlebrush-shaped, white flowers that appear in late summer/fall have a wonderful spicy perfume. Grow this perennial in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Sun to part-shade (if in sun, I'd suggest that moist, well-drained conditions are a must. Too much shade may lead to lighter, greener foliage). Height: 48 inches, Spread: 24 inches. USDA Zones: 5-9.

Terra Nurseries, Inc. has a really nice collection of compact (miniature), evergreen Heuchera. I could imagine these Heuchera being used in mixed containers, rock gardens or massed with ferns or hosta.

Heuchera Little Cuties 'Sweet Tart' (on the right) forms a tight mound of lime-colored foliage. The flowers are pink on dark stems. Part to full shade. Height: 5 inches, Spread: 8 inches. USDA zones: 4-9. 

Heuchera Little Cuties 'Frost' silvery leaves with dark burgundy veins. As the season progresses the foliage takes on a slight violet cast. The flowers are light pink. Full sun, Part to full shade. Height: 6 inches, Spread: 8 inches. USDA zones: 4-9. 

New Perennials for Sun

There always seem to be a few new Echinacea every year. I've picked a couple, but there are four more new introductions: Echinacea 'Giddy Pink', Echinacea 'Moab Sunset', Echinacea 'Dark Shadows Wicked' and Sunny Days 'Ruby'.

Echinacea Sunny Days 'Lemon' produces an exceptional number of yellow blooms. This is a medium height Echinacea with emerald green foliage on an upright plant. Lightly fragrant. Average garden soil works for this plant. Full sun Height: 22 inches, Spread: 30 inches. USDA Zones: 4-9.

Echinacea Prima 'Saffron' has saffron-colored blooms on a short, compact plant. Average garden soil works for this plant. Full sun Height: 12 inches, Spread: 20 inches. USDA Zones: 4-9.

Leucanthemum 'Mt. Hood' has a mounding habit and lots of flowers. Each new layer of flowers covers the previous bloom cycle.  Average, well-drained soil works perfectly. Full sun. Height: 16 inches, Spread: 16 inches. USDA Zones: 4-10. 

I have a very plain Shasta Daisy in my garden and I have to say I am not a big fan. It looks fresh when it is in full flower, but when the blooms wither and turn brown, this old-fashioned Shasta Daisy does not make a pretty picture. Could it be time for an upgrade? Yes indeed!

I like the fact that Leucanthemum 'Mt. Hood' offers great vigour and a strong rebloom. Each new layer of flowers covers the previous bloom cycle. Bonus!

Annuals- Both New and older Introductions

In terms of new annuals, Coleus and Begonias seem to be the focus for Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.  I do well with Begonias both in the garden and inside the house. I am always looking for a new one to add to my collection. This older introduction is just one of the many to choose from.

Begonia Holiday 'Snowflake' gets its name from its snowflake-shaped leaves. This is a mounding plant with foliage that is shiny, sterling silver with a mint green centre. I love the look of the branching that carries the salmon-pink flowers. Full shade. Height: 17 inches, Spread: 15 inches. 

Do you like the Begonias with foliage that swirls inward? They're certainly unique. My personal weakness is begonias with metallic leaves.

Coleus Nova 'Roly-Poly' has a compact mounding habit and teardrop-shaped leaves that are red with lime green edges. Part-shade to full shade. Height: 12 inches, Spread: 12 inches. 

There has been so much interest in breeding new forms and colors of Coleus.  Coleus Nova 'Roly-Poly' is new for 2021. 

More posts about new plants coming shortly!

A word about Terra Nova® Nurseries. They use tissue culture to propagate and grow both annuals and perennials.  Based in Canby Oregon, they have introduced over a thousand new plants to market.

As a wholesale propagation nursery, Terra Nova does not sell directly to the public. On their website, they have a handy page that will help you locate a retailer in your state or province that sells their plants (Sadly for Canadians on the East Coast and in Saskatchewan, Terra Nova is underrepresented).

Photos in this post are courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries. www.terranovanurseries.com

Gardening Trends for 2021

About this time last year, I sat down to write a blog post about trends for the coming gardening season. Who could have predicted that a global pandemic would sweep in and have such a profound effect on every aspect of our day-to-day lives? 

Here in Ontario, we emerged from that initial lockdown right around the time that most nurseries would kick into high gear for the spring season. Even though masks and social distancing made everyday errands, like trips to the grocery store, feel strange, I remember how happy I was to find myself strolling down the nursery isle on a fine June day looking at annuals that were literally fresh off the truck. That bright sunny morning, I snatched up as many plants as would fit in the trunk of my car, vowing to make a return visit to pick up a few more to round out my container plantings. 

Boy was I disappointed! When I finally made it back the following week the place looked like it had been ransacked. Most of the annuals were gone and the seed racks stood empty. Even the perennials, which I usually pick up on clearance much later in the season, had been sold out. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, while everyone was stuck at home worrying about future food insecurity and toilet paper supplies, so many people discovered a new passion for gardening. Mailorder companies and nurseries experienced record sales. 

As the CBC reported last May, many seed vendors had to suspend internet sales to deal with the backlog of orders. Canadian supplier, Vessey's Seeds, saw an unprecedented increase in sales of 450% and that's with over 80 years in the business! 

It's interesting to note that the demographics for Vessey's mailorder sales are typically consumers in the 50 to 65-year-old age group (with the second most popular group being in the 65+ bracket). In 2020, the majority of digital consumers were between the ages of 25 and 35. In other words, a whole new generation discovered gardening in 2020.

So what does 2021 have in store for us?  

Trend #1 More Backyard Food Gardens 

As we all know, the economy has taken a beating and we aren't out of the woods yet. Here in the Toronto area, our lockdown (with its strict stay at home orders) has been extended into March. Depressingly enough, there is still talk of a third wave of infections. Vaccines are rolling out at a glacial pace. 

I think it is safe to say that, in Canada at least, many of the factors that drove last year's sales of vegetable seeds and seedlings will still be in effect.  

Two books on vegetable gardening– one old, one new this spring: The Art of Vegetable Gardening by Matt Mattus from 2018 and the New Heirloom Garden: Designs, Recipes and Heirloom Plants for Cooks who love to Garden by Ellen Ecker Ogden.

New to vegetable gardening? Get inspired by Youtube gardening channels and learn some of the basics:

Garden Answer a very popular channel that needs little introduction

Growing your Greens growing vegetables organically

Epic Gardening vows to help you grow a green thumb

MIGardener Channel organic gardening in Michigan 

Lovely Greens  both backyard and allotment gardening set on the Isle of Man

Roots and Refuge Farm a small family farm in central Arkansas

A new series from Lee Valley Tools hosted by Canadian author Niki Jabbour. 

In this video, Niki talks about planning your vegetable garden.

Trend #2 Raised Beds

Raised vegetable garden beds have become hugely popular and will continue to be so this gardening season. 

It's no wonder – they elevate the humble veggie garden by making them seem tidy and organized. Raised beds also allow you to garden in a small footprint.  

The soil in raised beds thaws drains and warms up earlier than soil in the ground making it possible to get a head start on cool-weather crops like peas, lettuce and beets. Because you fill a raised beds with fresh, nutrient-rich soil, you can garden almost anywhere; on top of gravel, clay or poor soil, pavement and even rooftops.

Raised beds make it easier for those gardeners who may have trouble bending over or kneeling down to plant and weed.

Thinking of adding a raised bed? Here is a video with some design inspiration:

Trend #3

What is the"it" flower that everyone seems to want to grow in 2021? It's the dahlia. No surprise – they're showy and come in such an amazing array of flower forms and colors. 

Looking for some inspiration? Floret's newest book, Discovering Dahlias: A Guide to Growing and Arranging Magnificent Blooms.

Discovering Dahlias is available for preorder now.

Trend #4 Backyard Greenhouses and other Season Extenders 

When I watched a popular thirty-something British influencer, who usually covers fashion and interiors, excitedly give her viewers a tour of her new Hartley Botanic greenhouse I was a bit shocked.  It was hard to imagine those perfectly manicured fingernails potting up plants in her new white and red brick greenhouse. I was less surprised when she announced at least half of the space was to be set aside for entertaining (lunches for all her girlfriends –  after COVID of course).

Laura, another well-known Youtuber (Garden Answer) is about to get a Hartley of her own. The over one million subscribers to her channel will watch the installation playout this spring with wonder mixed with a little bit of green envy. (I can't think of anyone who works harder and deserves a deal on a greenhouse more than Laura!)

There is a greenhouse in my future as well– though a much more modest, scaled-down, DIY version.  It won't be constructed using old windows, as you so often see. We are going to use painted 2x4's for most of the main structure and plexiglass for the exterior.  It won't be ready for use this spring, but I hope it will get lots of use going forward.

These examples may hardly seem like the basis of a trend, but I think there is a general desire to get more out of our outdoor spaces and extend the use of backyards into the colder months.

Private garden, Toronto, ON.

Thinking of adding a cold frame/greenhouse? Watch this Garden Answer video.

And speaking of season extenders, Niki Jabbour has a new book out on the topic. Growing Under Cover is an in-depth guide on how to use small cloches, row covers, shade cloth, cold frames, hoop houses, as well as protective structures like polytunnels and greenhouses to grow amazing vegetables. 

Look for a book review and giveaway in the coming months.

Trend #5 Unusual or New Varieties of Common Flowers

Serious gardeners have always loved unusual plants, but these days just about everyone has more time on their hands to pour over seed listings looking for something different. 

All seeds are in high demand, but I see rare or unusual seeds of common flower varieties becoming much sought after items in 2021.

These are just a few flowers that piqued my own interest: Rudbeckia 'Sahra', Borage 'Alba', Orchid Cream Nasturtium.

ProCut® White Lite and ProCut® Plum Sunflowers. Pro-cut® Sunflowers are a pollen-free, single stem series that was bred for the cut flower market but might make an interesting addition to any garden. They flower in as little as 50 days.

Sunflowers are a good example of this trend. Yellow flowers are classic, but interesting options, like the two shown above, offer gardeners something a little different. 

Trend #6  The Backyard as a Multifunctional Outdoor Living Space

Money that once went into a vacation is now being poured into making the backyard a destination.  With nowhere to go, homeowners are seeing their outdoor spaces with fresh eyes. A garden is a perfect place to read, relax, exercise and dine. 

Expect sales of pools, solariums and fireplaces to continue to soar in 2021. 

Private garden in Hamilton, ON.

Private garden, Hamilton, ON.

Private garden, Hamilton, ON.

Trend #7 Earth-Friendly Gardening

I am loath to think that nature and eco-friendly practices might ever be considered "trendy", but I do think environmental concerns are important issues for most gardeners. Improving the soil, composting and using organic weed and pest controls are practices most gardeners want to follow.

Declining populations of songbirds, Monarch butterflies and bees have been dominate environmental issues in recent years. As a result, pollinator gardens have become hugely popular. 

The issue I see moving more to the forefront in 2021 and beyond is single-use plastics. At present, it's confusing which plastic pots can and can't be recycled. Black plastic pots are not recyclable, while pots marked 1, 2 and 5 on the bottom are (trying to find the designation isn't always easy). Any pots that go into the recycling bin must also be clean and free of any metal or handles. Sorting pots that wind up in recycling programs is time-consuming and therefore expensive. 

Single-use plastics are a huge issue that has nursery companies looking for creative solutions. Expect to see more discussion of the problem going forward.

Trend #8 The Cut Flower Boom

It's not surprising more people will be interested in growing flowers in 2021. When everything around you feels grim, flowers are such a great pick-me-up. Homegrown vegetables are practical. Flowers are for the soul. 

Two older books you might find at the library to inspire your floral creations: The Flower Recipe Book by Alethea Harampolis and Jill Ruzzo from 2013 and Vintage Flowers by Vic Brotherson from 2018.

I treated myself to this book at Christmas time. Canadian Christin Geall is a gardener, floral designer. photographer, writer and teacher. As one reviewer wrote, "It's floral design as an art."

Arranging what you grow is both fun and creative. Normally, we might not have the time to devote to displaying flowers, but our restless energy needs a creative outlet these days.

Trend #9 Themed Gardens

It's going to be a while before many traditional gardeners (the over 50 age group) feel comfortable enough to travel overseas. Introducing touches of faraway places into our humble backyard spaces is a way to travel without packing a suitcase. I can see themed gardens inspired by faraway places becoming increasingly popular.

For more novice gardeners, choosing a particular style or color theme gives selecting hardscaping, decorative accessories and plants a helpful focus.

The look of an English cottage garden reduced to suit a small backyard in Rosedale, ON.

A Japanese inspired pond in a private backyard.

I hope you've enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comments if any trends are inspiring your spring projects this year.