GRASSES GROUNDCOVERS VINES

BAMBOO BLUESTEM FESCUE Believe it or not, is actually a member of the grass family. This fast growing is well Blue Heaven Little Bluestem Elijah Blue Fescue (Schizachyrium scoparius ‘Blue Heaven’)—A (Festuca ovina var. glauca ‘Elijah Blue’)—Low known for all the tall woody stems it produces. It selection introduced by the University of tufted grass with fi ne, silver-blue foliage. Needs can be an amazing landscape addition, creating Minnesota with dark blue to burgundy summer well-drained soil and full sun. Height 6-10”, quick screens and privacy as well as providing foliage, changing to red to purple and violet in spread 8-12”. attractive evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage the fall. Taller, more upright selection. Height to enjoy. Bamboo has long been known as an 3-4’, spread 24-30”. agressively spreading plant, and while that can FOREST GRASS still be the case with certain species, non-invasive, Carousel Little Bluestem clumping-type bamboo selections are now All Gold Japanese Forest (Schizachyrium scoparius ‘Carousel’)—A becoming more readily available and are off ered dwarf selection introduced through the Chicago Grass below. Once established, bamboo requires very Land Grows program. Rounded habit with (Hakonecholoa macra ‘All Gold’)—A bright, little care and has very few problems that bother superior resistance to lodging in the winter. Great small grass selection that does great in the it. Of course, it is well known that panda bears fall color that includes copper, pink, tan and dark shade. Bright yellow foliage. Leaf coloration is love to eat bamboo, and they have been known to orange-red. Height 24-30”, spread 24-30”. best in light shade. Height 12-18”, spread 18-24”. devastate small plantings, but that has not been proven to be a signifi cant problem in this part of Red October Big Bluestem FOUNTAIN GRASS Kansas. (Andropogon gerardii ‘Red October’)—Green to blue-green foliage through the summer, Annual Purple Fountain Mountain Bamboo occasionally with red highlights. Foliage changes ( rufa)—Originating from the mountains to a stunning burgundy-red to scarlet-red in the of , this is a cold hardy species with a Grass fall. Amazing! Height 4-6’, spread 2-3’. ‘Rubrum’)— clumping, non-invasive habit. An attractive plant (Pennisetum setaceum Outstanding ornamental purple foliage and with a mature size that fi ts a little bit easier into a Smoke Signal Little Bluestem foxtail blooms. Makes a large, attractive clump lot of gardens. Grows best with afternoon shade. (Schizachyrium scoparius ‘Smoke Signal’)— in one season. Although this plant technically is Height 6-8’, clumping. Blue-green foliage changes to red-purple late in a perennial, it is not winter hardy enough to make the summer and on into fall. Height 3-4’, spread it though our winters, so treat as an annual. One 18-24”. of the best! Height 3-4’. A 2003 Pride of Kansas Selection. Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Black-seeded Fountain Grass (Schizachyrium scoparius ‘Standing (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’)— A Ovation’)—Foliage is blue cast with reddish tips. handsome form with long black plumes of fl owers Sturdy, upright stems. Brilliant fi ery red to maroon in the fall atop dark green foliage. Looks great fall color. Height 2-4’, spread 18-24”. incorporated into perennial borders. Height 2-3’, spread 2-3’. Twilight Zone Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparius ‘Twilight Zone’)— Burgundy Bunny Fountain Iridescent silvery mauve-purple highlights starting Grass in midsummer that turns purpler as fall arrives. (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Upright, narrow growth. Height 3-4’, spread 18- Bunny’—This little sport of ‘Little Bunny’ has 24”. green foliage, highlighted with fi ery red later in the summer and fall. Attractive “bunny-tail” plumes DROPSEED late in the season. Height 12-18”, spread 12-18”. Prairie Dropseed Dwarf Fountain Grass (Sporobolus heterolepis)—A very tough native (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’)— Yellow-Groove Bamboo prairie grass. This is a slow-growing, small species Probably the best of the fountain grasses and (Phyllostachys aureosulcata)—This is a with rich emerald-green foliage throughout the defi nitely the most popular. Handy short habit vigorous running type bamboo, useful for summer changing to golden-yellow to orange in makes it useful in a variety of settings. Showy, screening. Dark green, semi-evergreen foliage the fall. Sweetly fragrant fl owers rise above the bottlebrush-like fl ower spikes adorn the plant and golden bamboo stems. Easy to grow, but foliage late in the summer. Height 2-3’, spread through the late summer and on into the winter. give it space because it will spread! Height 10- 2-3’. Height 2-3’, spread 2-3’. 15’+, running.

www.SkinnerGardenStore.com 34 Fountain Grass REED GRASS SEDGE (Pennisetum alopecuroides)—A very popular grass with showy, 5-7” long, bottle brush-like Avalanche Reed Grass Blue Zinger Blue-gray Sedge plumes late in the summer. Creates a wonderful (Calamagrostis acutifolia ‘Avalanche)—A (Carex glauca ‘Blue Zinger’)—An attractive eff ect. Looks great as a specimen or in mass variegated form of ‘Karl Foerester’. Bright green small plant with very thin, grassy blades of blue- plantings. Height 3-4’, spread 3-4’. foliage is accented with wide white centers. gray foliage. Prefers moisture but will tolerate Flower stalks rise impressively above the foliage drier soils. Spreads slowly over time. Height 12- Karley Rose Fountain Grass and are topped with pinkish-green fl owers 18”, spread 12-18”. (Pennisetum orientale ‘Karley Rose’)—An maturing to golden seedheads that last through elegant selection with beautiful rose-purple the summer. Height 4-5’, spread 2-3’. NEW!—Cedar Sedge fl owers rising above rich green foliage. Height 2 (Carex eburnean)— Hair-like leaves. 1/2-3 1/2’, spread 2-3’. spread slowly to form a fi ne- textured groundcover under trees, shrubs, Little Bunny Fountain Grass and other dry shaded locations. Semi- (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’)— evergreen. Height 2-4”, spread 8-12”. Smallest of the fountain grasses reaching only 10-12” tall. Makes a small mound of soft green topped with cute little “bunny tail” plumes. Height Fox Red Curly Sedge 10-12”, spread 12-15”. (Carex buchananii)—An unusual plant with a unique “ever-brown” appearance. Very narrow GIANT REED GRASS leaves remain cinnamon-brown throughout the year. Makes a unique specimen for the garden Giant Reed Grass unlike anything else you will come across. (Arundo donax)—A bold, giant grass with Excellent for winter eff ect. Height 18-24”, Spread bamboo-like canes and long, drooping, gray-green 2-3’. leaves. Foot-long fl owers in late season. Height 10-14’, spread 4-8’. NEW!—Palm Sedge (Carex muskingumensis)— The glossy Variegated Giant Reed Grass green leaves branch out from the main (Arundo donax ‘Variegata’)—A variegated stem similar to a palm tree. Native to form of this giant of a plant. Leaves and stems wooded lowlands, it does best in slightly are striped creamy-white, creating an explosion damp soil in shade. Makes an excellent of color in the garden. Spring growth is most groundcover, and thrives in clay! Plant vibrantly colored, fading through the summer to one foot on center as a groundcover or yellow-green. Absolutely stunning! Height 10- use individually as a foliage accent plant. 14’, spread 4-8’. Height 2-3’, spread 2-3’.

GRAMA GRASS NEW!—Pennsylvania Sedge Blonde Ambition Blue Grama (Carex pensylvanica)— Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils Grass in part shade to full shade. Prefers loose (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Bonde Ambition’)—This is loams in dry soils in sun-dappled part an attractive selection of one of our native prairie shade. Most sedges prefer moist to wet grasses. Unique fl ower spikes are attached at soils, but not this one. Plants spread by right angles to the stems and individual fl owers rhizomes. Plants may self-seed in optimum resemble mosquito larvae, giving rise to another growing conditions. Height 6-12”, spread common name, “mosquito grass”. Purplish fall 6-12”. color. Height 2-3’, spread 2-3’. NEW!—Texas Sedge Karl Foerster Reed Grass (Carex texensis)— The shiny deep green (Calamagrastis arundinacea ‘Karl Foerster’)— PAMPAS GRASS foliage is 3-6” long and semi-evergreen. Upright, narrow habit. Showy, narrow, spikey In late spring dainty green fl ower spikes (Saccharum ravennae)—This is one of our blooms start out pink in mid-summer, turn golden are displayed above the leaves. Plants most popular selections, and has been used tan in fall. Looks great in mass plantings. PPA occur in part shade to partly sunny moist in Kansas gardens for many years. Quickly Perennial Plant of the Year 2001. Height 4-5’, or dry sandy woods. This sedge has develops into a very large plant topped with large spread 2-3’. showy plumes late in the summer. Gives great great landscape potential as a woodland year round interest. Height 8-12’, spread 4-6’. groundcover and is a natural as a lawn SEA OATS alternative. Height 6”, spread 12”. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)—Bamboo- like grass with light green leaves and showy, pendulous, oat-like seed heads. Blooms are excellent in arrangements. Height 2-3’, spread 12-18”.

35 www.SkinnerGardenStore.com Variegated Japanese Sedge Little Zebra Grass SWITCH GRASS (Carex morrowii ‘Aurea Variegata’)—A bright (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Zebra’)—Similar to and showy selection with vivid golden-yellow and Porcupine Grass but with a smaller growth habit. Cheyenne Sky Switch Grass rich green variegated foliage. Does best in soils Green grass blades are banded with bright golden- (Panicum virgatum (Prairie Winds TM))—Upright, that don’t get too dry. Height 12-15”, Spread 12- yellow. Attractive pinkish-copper fl ower plumes blue-green foliage that takes on deep wine-red 18”. late in the summer. Height 3-4’, spread 3-4’. highlights in early summer. Airy, burgundy red, cloud-like plumes top the foliage in late summer. SILVER GRASS Maiden Grass Burgundy foliage in the fall. Height 2-3’, spread (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)—A very 1-2’. Adagio Silver Grass popular form with narrow leaves and a graceful (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)—Slender, “fountain-like” habit. Showy plumes emerge Dallas Blues Switch Grass silvery foliage forms a compact, graceful clump. late in the season to add to the display. Great (Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’)—Steel blue Silvery-white blooms are held well above the for winter interest in the landscape. Height 5-6’, foliage topped with pastel-mauve fl ower heads in foliage in the fall. Height 3-4’, spread 2-3’. spread 4-5’. the fall. One of the best for blue color. Extremely hardy selection. Height 6-8’, spread 3-4’. Autumn Flame Grass Morning Light Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurascens’)—Very (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’)— Hot Rod Switch Grass upright, almost vertical habit. Green leaves take Graceful, fi ne-textured, clumping grass with (Panicum virgatum ‘Hot Rod’)—Blue-green on a bright orange-red color in fall. Magenta- pastel green and white variegated foliage. foliage takes on a deeper burgundy to maroon colored fans appear early, maturing to white. Feathery plumes in fall. Height 4-5’, spread 4-5’. color through the summer. Compact form with Height 3-4’, spread 2-3’. a good vertical habit. Great color! Height 3-4’, Porcupine Grass spread 2-3’. Cabaret Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’)—A popular, (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Cabaret’)—Copper wide-bladed variegated selection. Bright green Northwind Switch Grass colored plumes appear in late summer. Wide leaves accented with yellow bands. Stands more (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’)—Sturdy, ribbon-like leaves have creamy-white centers. erect than Zebra Grass. Height 6-8’, spread 3-5’. upright growth with steel blue stems and olive- Height 4-6’, spread 4-6’. green foliage. This is a taller-growing selection Red-Silver Silver Grass that can reach 6’ in height over the course of Dwarf Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Rotsilber’)—The the growing season. Use in mass plantings for (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yaku Jima’)—A compact emerging fl ower plumes are a dramatic metallic- screening, privacy and background plantings. version of Maiden Grass. Dark green, delicate red before maturing to a silvery-white color. Height 5-6’, spread 2-3’. blades form a graceful, vase-shaped clump. Slender fi ne-textured foliage forms a vase shaped Early bloomer. Height 3-4’, spread 3-5’. clump. Height 5-7’, spread 4-5’. Shenandoah Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’)—A tough Graziella Silver Grass Variegated Silver Grass selection of one of our native prairie grasses, this (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Graziella’)—This (Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus)—An old- is one of the few red-foliaged grasses available form is similar to Maiden Grass, but with a few time garden favorite. Brightly colored, wide-bladed that will survive our winters. Foliage is tipped with improvements. Silvery plumes late in the season selection. Leaves are creamy-white, striped with deep, blood-red highlights and seed heads share are held well above the foliage making a more green. Tolerant of light shade. Height 4-6’, spread the same color late in the season. Wonderful dramatic display and fall color is a wonderful 4-6’. reddish-purple fall color. Height 3-5’, spread 2-3’. burgundy-bronze. Height 5-6’, spread 4-5’.

www.SkinnerGardenStore.com 36 AJUGA LIRIOPE Variegated Liriope (Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’)—Same as Bronze Ajuga Big Blue Liriope the green Liriope but with yellow and green (Ajuga reptans cvs.)—A low, dense, fast (Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’)—Broad, dark green variegation. Height 12”. growing perennial creeping plant. Excellent for strap-like leaves. Small, light lavender fl owers are covering ground in shady places. Will tolerate borne on 12-18” spikes in summer. Plant in full to PACHYSANDRA sun if well watered. Blue fl owers in early summer. partial shade. Height 12”. Foliage is a dark bronzy-purple. Japanese Pachysandra Creeping Liriope (Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Carpet’)— EUONYMUS (Liriope spicata)—Dark green, grass-like leaves Evergreen groundcover spreading by rhizomes. throughout the season. Produces grape hyacinth- Excellent groundcover for shade. Prefers acid soil Purpleleaf Wintercreeper like fl owers in the summer. Spreading habit and abundant supply of organic matter. Height (Euonymus fortunei var. coloratus)—Very makes this a good groundcover. Very tolerant of 6-8”. popular groundcover plant. Dark green foliage tree root competition and shade. Height 12”. creates a dense cover through the growing season. Leaves then stay on the plant through Silver Dragon Liriope VINCA the winter, changing to a plum-purple. Height (Liriope spicata ‘Silver Dragon’)—Dark green, 12-18”. grass-like leaves with a bright white variegation. Vinca Minor Spreading habit. (Vinca minor)—Shiny, dark green foliage with IVY blue fl owers. Grows fl at on the ground. Makes Silvery Sunproof Liriope an excellent groundcover for shady areas. English Ivy (Liriope muscari ‘Silvery Sunproof’)—White Evergreen and very hardy. Height 6-8”. (Hedra helix)—A very hardy evergreen vine, variegated form that does well in full sun or great for use as a groundcover. Glossy, dark shade. Lavender fl owers stand above foliage. green foliage throughout the year. Requires Height 12”. shade. Height 4-6’.

Planting Groundcovers Use this table to help estimate how many plants your site will need.

Inches Between Plants Sq. Ft. Area 100 Plants Will Cover No. Plants Per Sq. Ft.

4” 11 sq. ft. 9.0 6” 25 sq. ft. 4.0 8” 44 sq. ft. 2.25 10” 70 sq. ft. 1.45 12” 100 sq. ft. 1 15” 156 sq. ft. 1 per 1.56 sq. ft. 18” 225 sq. ft. 1 per 2.25 sq. ft. 24” 400 sq. ft. 1 per 4 sq. ft.

37 www.SkinnerGardenStore.com Gardening Grid Start here with a sketch of the area you wish to transform!

61 www.SkinnerGardenStore.com LAWN CARE & TURF TIPS BEST!—Fertilome All Seasons TIP!—Granular applications of Lawn Food Plus Crabgrass these broadleaf weed killers and Weed Preventer should be applied to wet (Prodiamine), 16-0-8—with trace foliage and then watered in elements. Season long control a couple of days later for with only one application. Best maximum eff ectiveness. if applied early in the spring, so try to have is down NO later than DISEASE CONTROLS early April. (Fungicides)—Preventative applications work best, and they will be a lot cheaper. Don’t forget TIP!—All of these applications to water all products in according must be thoroughly watered in to label directions. before they are eff ective.

WEED KILLERS Fertilome F-Stop (Myclobutanil) (Post-emergent Broadleaf Weed Controls)—Apply weed killers when LAWN FOODS weeds are actively growing. Fall (Fertilizers)—Go light on fertilizer in applications typically provide best the spring, do not apply any during CRABGRASS PREVENTERS control but treatments can be made the summer and then hit it hard in (Pre-emergent Weed Controls)— throughout the season as long as the fall. That is when your lawn will Apply crabgrass preventers early in temperatures are appropriate. benefi t the most from your eff orts. the spring. Make sure you have it down by the time the Redbuds are Fertilome Lawn Food Plus Iron, 24-0-4 with trace elements and blooming (approximately mid April). BETTER—Fertilome Weed- extra iron for greening -Early Out—This is available in both a Fall—Apply around Labor Day. BETTER—Hi-Yield Turf & liquid and a granular formulation. Fertilome Winterizer, 25-0- Ornamental Weed & Grass Liquid applications generally 6 with trace elements— Late Stopper (Dimension), no work the best. Use with Hi-Yield Fall—Apply between Halloween fertilizer—Season long control Spreader-Sticker. and Thanksgiving. with only one application. Will Fertilome Green Maker, 18-0- also kill germinated crabgrass BEST!—Fertilome Weed Free 6 with trace elements plus 5% that has not gone beyond the Zone —Great for harder to kill Iron— Late Spring— Sometimes two to three leaf stage. Useful weeds. More eff ective at wider used as a late spring application. for late spring applications (late range of temperatures than Contains slow release nitrogen April to early May). Also great as other products. This is available that will feed into your lawn into a weed preventer in landscape in both a liquid and a granular early summer. beds. formulation. Liquid applications work the best.

www.SkinnerGardenStore.com 62 FertilomeNew Lawn Starter, 9-13-7 with trace INSECT CONTROL elements—Seeding/Reseeding—Ideal for using Only treat if you have a problem or really anticipate one. at the time of any seeding, reseeding or sodding Keep in mind that some products are most eff ective on project. insects in the turf canopy (things like ants, chinch bugs and fl eas) and others are most eff ective on insects in the soil (grubs!). TIP!—If you fertilize only once a year, do it around Labor Day. If you fertilize twice, do it around Labor Day and Hi-Yield Turf Ranger—Turf canopy insect control (ants, then again around Thanksgiving. fl eas, chinch bugs and others) Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone II—Soil insects (grubs) Natural Guard Grub Control—Soil insects (grubs)

Tip!—The best grub controls need to be applied before you have a problem. Use the following application timing for best control. Mid May to mid July—Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone II July to mid August—Natural Guard Grub Control

TURF TIPS • FALL is the most important time of the year • Most lawn applications need to be watered in when it comes to cool season lawn care. following the application.

• A thick, healthy lawn, maintained at the right • Preemergent herbicides need to be applied mowing height is your best defense against BEFORE weeds come up; postemergent weeds. herbicides are used to kill weeds AFTER they have already established. • If you choose to irrigate, more thorough, less frequent waterings are typically the best. • Plant only the highest quality grass • Read the label on lawn products BEFORE you seed. Cheap seed will frequently have a apply and then FOLLOW those instructions. lower germination rate and is commonly contaminated with troublesome weed seeds. • Granular applications can stain pavement. You don’t want to intentionally plant weeds! Always sweep or blow off patios, driveways, sidewalks and streets after applying.

63 www.SkinnerGardenStore.com Gardening Numbers

Coverages Bark Mulches Peat Moss 3 cu ft will cover 1 cu ft of compressed peat moss will cover 36 sq ft 1” deep 12 sq ft 2” deep 18 sq ft 2” deep 12 sq ft 3” deep Rock 9 sq ft 4” deep 1 cu yard covers 120 sq ft 2” deep 1 cu yd of mulch will cover 100 sq ft 3-4” deep 1/2 cu ft covers 2.5 sq ft 2” deep

Our Promise to You… We will do as much as we can to help you achieve success. We are very selective about that plants and gardening products we offer because we know that strong, healthy, well-adapted plants and quality gardening products are critical for success…but great products alone, won’t build great gardens. We also have a team of gardeners and horticulturists to answer questions and offer advise…please use our expertise! We can help you pick the right plants, choose the right products, and do the right things to give your new plants and your gardening projects, the best chance for success. Your success is important…to both of us!

Plant Guarantee… Now for the fi ne print…because there’s always fi ne We offer guarantee on many of our Trees and Shrubs. print! If, after proper planting and care, those Trees and Vandalism, neglect, animal damage, winter injury Shrubs you purchase at Skinner Garden Store fail to or other “Acts of God” are not covered by this live, we’ll help you get a replacement. Store credit will guarantee. Those issues are beyond our control. be issued to you, equal to the purchase price of the Trees and Shrubs planted in raised planters or original plant. That credit can then be used towards containers are not covered by this guarantee. the purchase a replacement plant of your choice. This guarantee is for Trees and Shrubs as indicated Your sales receipt will show you the original purchase by your sales receipt. It does not cover annuals, price. It will also indicate if your plant is covered by perennials, tropicals, houseplants, vegetables or this guarantee. Just check the line directly below the certain Trees and Shrubs we consider to be marginally plant name. If it says, “Guarantee”, then it is! If that hardy. Seed and sod are not guaranteed. line is blank or says something to indicate that is not Labor is not guaranteed and a planting charge will be guaranteed, then it’s not. The sales receipt is required assessed for the installation of any replacement plant. for all replacements. This guarantee is for store credit equal to the original If you have any questions about this guarantee, just purchase price only. No cash refunds will be given. let us know. Likewise, if at any time you have questions We will issue store credit to replace a guaranteed about caring for your new plants, please ask. Your tree or shrub once. The replacement plant is not gardening success is important to us! guaranteed. www.SkinnerGardenStore.com 64