Black Tupelo

Black Tupelo

 The Black Tupelo is a tree that is not often found in the Landscape. And after further investigation I found out through Dirr Hardy s Book that the tree is not a easy transplant so it has been less commonly used. This one here on the Campus of Western New England University had little trouble with any type of transplant shock. We did how ever plant it at a very good time of the season and it was well watered for the first three or four years. I think if nursery men and woman can find a way to cultivate this specimen to the retail market we will see a lot more of them. You can notice the dark green leafs with a tip of red. It has brilliant fall colors as well with florescent orange, yellow and scarlet. And often times transit to maroon. A smaller leaf size makes fall clean up easier and the tree can grow from 30 to 50 feet high and as well as 20 to 30 feet wide. Often times we groundskeepers will take an easy path to shade and go with a Acer ( maple ) or a Oak. But if you can find one of these new shade trees, I would go for it, you will be impressed with it's colors. 

Cleome ( Sparkler Bush )

  Cleome is a great summer annual and sometimes re seeds it self the following year. Many call it a sparkler bush and is a great addition to the garden for the Fourth of July. It can also be called spider plant for the way it grows like a spiders legs. The more you dead head off the dyeing blooms the more blooms and thicker plant you will have in just a short period of time. I like to call this plant false pot plant. On more than one occasion I have noticed people mistaken about what the plant is and think it is pot. Can be grown in full sun.

Salvia "May Night"

 Salvia ( Nemorisa )  is a vibrant plant that has purple spikes on it blooming in May. You can prolong the blooms by pinching back faded blooms. This plant is very hardy and can with stand any New England condition we have. Parking islands and street spaces are a perfect fit. Is a great compliment to other perennials in the landscape. 

Jake and Jordon at the Memorial Number 0ne at Carol Ann Street

Jake and Jordon are trying their golf game on Pa Pa's front yard pitch and putt. Done the old fashion way it the push reel mower. Great to see Union Rags win the Belmont. The owner of I'll Have Another made the right decision and not running the 2 leg winner of the triple crown. It would have just been awful for the sport. A very sad day for Springfield with the loss of Police Officer Kevin Ambrose. He did hero's work for 36 years and died making the ultimate sacrifice, protecting the public.

P.S. Flag Day is Thursday June 14.