Impatiens 2016 ~~ The Blight is Back

Impatiens 2017 are a "no-go" once again

This year's not looking hopeful for Bizzy Lizzies.  Last season, buoyed by the passage of time and abundant presence of these colorful lovelies in the garden center, beds were again filled with impatiens. 

All appeared positive for the first warm months, as the yard had been clear of downy mildew for over three years.  Sadly, by mid summer, the lizzies were looking less busy.  Within weeks the mildew blight had returned. 

In 2016 it's back to the reliable replacements of begonia and coleus in place of impatiens.

No worries! There are fabulous alternatives to impatiens for color in the shade garden:

What To Plant Instead of Impatiens?

Begonias Are the New Impatiens

Coleus Revisited Should I Plant Coleus Instead of Impatiens?

Impatiens Blight Disease -- Trouble In the Landscape

Bye Bye Bizzie Lizzies

It'll be a long while before impatiens should be considered for the Midwest garden.

Zone Five and a Half: Winter Interest in the Garden

Zone Five and a Half: Winter Interest in the Garden: Winter interest, the best excuse a gardener ever had. What should I NOT do in the garden this fall?  Taking a cue from Madame Nature, in s...

Shrubbery Flubbery -- Will Heavy Snow Harm Shrubs, Bushes and other Plants?

Wintry wonderings. Will the heavy snow harm shrubs and bushes? Should I remove or brush snow from the hedge?  Will snow or ice damage shrubs?  Evergreens and icy snow have a complicated relationship.  Nature can be harmful at times. 

The tall arbor vitae outside the kitchen window have taken an interesting "twist."  The unending snow this winter has bowed them over under the collective weight of pesky flakes.  During morning coffee in the warm kitchen, a debate ensued over the urgency of wading out in order to rescue the arching branches.  Coffee and warmth won out--for now, as the weather predicted is somewhat mild (by recent standards) and devoid of rain. 

Under best circumstances, the branches are loosely tied together in the late fall, which normally helps to avoid debate, and potential damage.  Last fall, life got in the way, so nature is currently getting the better of our greenery.