The first plant on the list is one of my favorites, Edgeworthia chrysanthaalso known as Paperbush.  This plant is in the Daphne family, but is not nearly as fickle.  Usually it blooms in mid-winter, but this year their fragrant golden yellow flowers seem to be a little late. This could be due to the persistent cold we have had this winter, normally they are at peak in mid-February.  Edgeworthia gets about 6' tall and wide and prefers filtered light in well-drained soil.

     The next plant of the list is one we have carried for years.  Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is a close relative of true yucca, and like its cousin likes prefers things sunny, hot and dry, but can take our cold in stride.  In mid summer a tall flower spike rises above the foliage reaching 3-4', and all along the stem coral flowers blossom attracting hummingbirds.

     One of this country's favorite native perennials is the Black Eyed Susan, but gardeners often wish it would start blooming earlier.  Now that wish has been granted with Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold', a day-neutral selection of the popular R. fulgida 'Goldstrum'.  It will bloom from June until October getting about 24-30" tall, preferring full sun in moist well-drained soil.

     Another native perennial is also on the list, although perhaps lesser known.  Iris cristata 'Tennessee White' was selected for its prolific blooms and ability to quickly spread.  The pure white flowers bloom in early spring.  This Iris only gets about 10" tall by 24" wide and prefers light to full shade in moist well-drained soil.

     Not to be outdone by the perennial flowers, Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is also native, but is an ornamental grass.  Its finely textured foliage is a deep green, but turns pumpkin orange in the fall.  Light and airy pink flowers bloom in early fall and have a fragrance similar to coriander.  Prairie Dropseed will reach about 3' tall and wide, and prefers full sun in soil with excellent drainage.

     The last introduction of 2011 is Narcissus 'Golden Echo' developed in Gloucester, Va. by Brent and Becky Heath of bulb fame.  'Golden Echo' is a mid-spring bloomer with golden yellow cups that melt down onto creamy white petals.  This strong grower has a wonderful fragrance and will reach 12-16" tall.

     If you ask people in our area what things love about living in Hampton Roads, I believe most of them would the closeness to water on the list. We are surrounded by it and it is a huge part of our lives. The ocean gives us pleasure when we view it, keeps us cool in the summer (in lots of ways), gives us food and gives us somewhere to play. It's funny when you look at the ocean you don't really think about how much there is under the surface. Plants, fish and other sea creatures are in abundance moving, living, eating and dying. Carrying on with their lives never giving us a thought. Yes the ocean is a remarkable thing, but you would probably be surprised at what it can do for your garden. 

     We have harvested this wet world on a small scale for things like seaweed, fish by-products, crab & oyster shells, etc. All of which give our plants needed beneficial nutrition. Products from ocean eco-systems also give our plants macro and micro-nutrients that help them to metabolize their food and sustain good cell development. These are things we never really think about but are necessary for us to have healthy plants. Let me give you some specifics on some of the most popular sea products.

* Seaweed contains over 70 vitamins and minerals and is a good source of iodine, and after applying it to your garden, the soil is conditioned to retain water. It is also releases its benefits very slowly feeding your plants over a long period.

* Fish emulsion contains phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and other trace elements. It is good for overall plant growth and helps keep harmful nematodes at bay.

* Crab and/or oyster shells add calcium to the soil and plants, balances pH and can prevent blossom end rot on tomatoes.

* Seabird guano has been used since the 1700's and is high in nitrogen and phosphorus. It is sold as slow or fast release and you can use it wet or dry.

* Who would have thought of using seawater on tomatoes? But a weak solution of about 12% boosts levels of antioxidants in the tomatoes themselves.

     These are just a few of the goodies the sea has to offer. I have many of these items in the store now and my new favorite company, Fox Farm, uses many of them in their line. So come on in and let me introduce you to the best organics around. While you are here read the ingredient list on many of these products, it looks like the buffet at Capt. George's restaurant! 

Margie Cooper