WEB EXCLUSIVE:
Winter's garden feigns quiet slumber. In reality, though, it's
catapulting the New Year into four seasons of floral profusion. As the
first petals face the world, the landscape begins its progression of
nonstop color.
The Southern spirit of each season can be captured in a dominant shade.
Right this minute, white flowers abound. In spring, the world erupts
with a flurry of pink. Summer's cool blues offer a reprieve from heat,
and the first hint of gold promises autumn's onset. Now and in the
coming months, we will celebrate each one in its time, explaining how
you can keep your world blooming throughout the year.
Primroses
Creamy vanilla primroses bundle uncomplicated charm
and innocence in the petals of a flower. The Upper South enjoys these
happy plants as perennials under trees and shrubs. The rest of us
appreciate them as seasonal potted plants.
Primroses prefer cool weather and damp soil. If you choose to keep them
indoors, find a chilly windowsill, and water the soil as it begins to
dry. Outdoors, they snuggle into containers and thrive, provided they
don't suffer a hard freeze. Again, moisture is key. For the longest
bloom time, peek down between the petals in search of buds when buying
plants; you'll be rewarded with several months of easy-care flowers.
Pansies and Violas
Facing winter without flinching, these
flowers are tenacious against cold, undemanding, and endlessly cheerful
with snowy white blooms. New crops appear in stores for immediate
planting and last willingly through spring's unpredictable behavior. To
really appreciate your flowers, fill containers, and keep them close to
entries and paths you pass by frequently. Pick them in copious amounts
for indoor bouquets; this encourages new buds.
Candytufts
These flowers drift across the landscape in clouds
of whiteness. Plant them on the edge of a walkway, or let them tumble
over a wall. Their drought-tough nature makes them the perfect choice
for a chronically dry spot.
Camellias
If there's a belle of the winter ball, pearly white
camellias preside over the season. These iconic Lower and Coastal South
flowers personify timeless elegance. In these areas, they require
protection from hot sun--especially their roots. Plant them under the
canopy of tall shade trees or on the north side of your home. In the
coldest regions, indulge in one as a container plant. Keep it away from
harsh winds, and move it into a garage when a freeze is predicted. It is
worth every moment of fuss to see this magnificent flower unfold.
Crocus
Like kids on Christmas morning, crocus appear long
before we expect them. In the Upper and Middle South, these bulbs
naturalize in the garden. Translucent, tissue-paper blooms perch above
the still-cold earth and stretch for warmth on sunny days. These early
risers also take to containers, so you will find them coaxed into bloom
in garden shops.
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Nurseries produce blooming containers for immediate enjoyment. Find the
best selection for your particular locale, take them home, add them to
your collection of winter pots, and then plant them in the garden for
future years. This perennial ground cover's profusion of flowers also
signals that winter is winding down.
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"Winter Whites" is from the January 2008 issue of Southern Living.
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