After two intense days of planting giant bamboo (Phyllostachys bambusoides), Tom and I are taking a little vacation. So I’m washing off the mud and getting away from computers, and heading for Atlanta to get away from the garden.

We ARE going to a Joan Baez concert in the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but we won’t even look at the plants. Well, we may stop at Perimeter College to see the amazing fern collection that Dr. Sanko built. Then we have tons of crinums to dig on Saturday, so it looks like our vacation may be for just one night, but we’ll have some much-coveted time together in the car.

What’s Looking Good in the Garden

Talinum Kingwood Gold (Jewels of Ophar). This is an annual in the north but a great seed-in perennial here. Youll happily pull out all the extras. In full sun it usually grows 18-24: high and bears tiny diamond-shaped purple flowers that open in the afternoon.

Thelypteris kunthii (Southern Fern) makes great sea-like masses of soft leaves. This spreading fern is drought tolerant and lives in deep shade. At Moore Farm in Lake City, I have some that has been planted for 5 or 6 years and now is a vigorous clump over 3 _ feet tall and running out in all directions. With more water, this deciduous fern can tolerate more sun than most. Its 18 fronds are bright to medium green and turn a soft bronze in the fall. It does great in wetlands or a water garden habitat as well.

Amonsia hubrectii (Blue Star) For a look similar to a fern with a mass that you just want to dive into, this granny-smith-apple-colored thread leaf plant is just the ticket. Grow it in sun or part shade.

Warm Weather Plants

Calamagrostis brachytricha Korean Feather Grass has a killer fragrance just like the inside of an old cedar closet or cedar chest. Its flowers are vertical up to about 3 feet, and its leaves curve up and then back to the ground. Spread is usually 2 to 3 feet. Its pink-tinged flower plume appears in late summer and blooming can carry into the late fall. A clump forming ornamental that can find a place in any garden.

Lagerstroemia Lipan (Crepe Myrtle) You always need a stunning crepe myrtle to arch out from behind a wall to complete the picture of a summer perennial border. One of my favorites for size and perfect pink/lavender flower is this one that reaches only about 25 feet tall. Watch for lichens on the trunks that can indicate root problems and consequent slow growth. Its brownish/red exfoliating bark is as beautiful as its flower.

Crinum Pink Trumpet is just opening now. The giant crinums wait for hot weather, and this is one of the most giant with flowers to 9 long. Those flowers are just starting to emerge now and will last for the next two weeks or so.