Aug. 15 Column: Friends of Manito Fall Plant Sale
I’ve got great news for Inland Northwest gardeners: the Friends of Manito fall plant sale will take place on Saturday, Aug. 21! And not only that, the format will be just like the good old days. You won’t have to make an appointment and the plants will be organized on tables out in the plant sale yard. That’s the topic of today’s garden column, which you can read in The Spokesman-Review: Friends of Manito’s fall plant sale offers lots of options – no appointment necessary. (or you can read my column underneath the video below)
The fall plant sale features perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs, houseplants, and home and garden decor. In my column, I highlighted several drought-tolerant perennials and grasses that would make great additions to your landscape. As you might imagine, I’ve been thinking about how hot and dry it has been this summer. I’d like to add some attractive and tough new plants to our gardens here. Perhaps you’ve been thinking along the same lines.
The sale will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., just east of Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory on Spokane’s South Hill. Be sure to check out their plant list so you can strategize ahead of time! The nice thing about their list is that you can look for plants with specific attributes such as drought tolerant, deer resistant, fragrant, winter interest, colorful foliage, attracts hummingbirds, or attracts pollinators.
I will be selling and signing my new book, The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook, during the plant sale. I will be there from 8 a.m. to noon (and possibly longer depending on how busy it is). My table will be located next to the Master Gardener table, where you can ask your gardening questions. I hope to see you there!
In my newest video, I demonstrate the first step in pruning your tomato plants so you will get as many ripe tomatoes by the end of the season as possible. I’ll do a follow-up video in two weeks to show you the second step, and a video on the final step a few weeks after that.
And here is my garden column:
By Susan Mulvihill
For The Spokesman-Review
Plantaholics, rejoice. The Friends of Manito have brought back their traditional fall plant sale where you can shop for plants without needing an appointment. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 21). The plants will be moved into the sale yard, organized on tables in the categories of sun, grasses, shrubs/vines, edibles and shade – just like the good old days.
In addition to the above categories, the sale will also feature houseplants and home and garden décor. Plant sale co-coordinator Gabi Tilley is really looking forward to the event.
“I love the excitement that people have for Manito Park and the plant sale,” she said. “They’re excited to see plants that are new to them. We have a nice variety, many of which are blooming now.”
After this year’s extreme heat and dry conditions, it’s likely many gardeners will be adding drought-tolerant plants to their shopping list. Fortunately, there will be plenty to choose from at this sale.
Three beautiful, water-saving and sun-loving ornamental grasses caught my eye:
The foliage of ‘Blackhawks’ Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) puts on quite a show by transforming from green to purple in late summer, to almost black in the fall. It will grow 4 to 5 feet tall and is hardy to zone 3.
‘Blond Ambition’ Grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) is more petite at a height of 2 and a half feet and features gray-green foliage and golden flowers that are held horizontally above the leaves. It is hardy to zone 4.
‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is attractive throughout the season but positively glows in the fall with its golden, feathery plumes. It tops out at 5 feet in height and is hardy to zone 4.
Looking for more color? Here are a few drought-tolerant perennials to brighten your landscape:
‘Superba’ big betony (Stachys macrantha) features dark green leaves with scalloped edges and light purple flower stalks. The plants grow 1 and a half to 2 feet tall, are hardy to zone 4 and prefer full sun. I’m growing these in my small rose garden and they are really sweet plants.
‘Honeysong Purple’ Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis) has a lot going for it. The vivid purple flowers bloom from midsummer to fall and attract pollinators. The plants have dark-green foliage and grow about 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide. They are also deer-resistant. Hardy to zone 5, they do best in full sun.
If you’re looking for contrast, consider ‘Drops of Jupiter’ ornamental oregano (Origanum). Its chartreuse foliage makes it stand out in a landscape while the mauve pink flowers add beauty. These plants are both heat and drought tolerant, they attract pollinators and resist deer browsing. Hardy to zone 4, the plants grow 2 feet tall, prefer a sunny setting and are easy to grow.
Proceeds from the sale will fund projects in Manito Park and support the many free educational activities that The Friends of Manito offers to the community throughout the year. Friends of Manito members will receive a 10 percent discount on their purchases.
Susan Mulvihill is author of “The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook.” She can be reached at Susan@susansinthegarden.com. Watch this week’s “Everyone Can Grow a Garden” video at youtube.com/susansinthegarden.
IF YOU GO
Friends of Manito Fall Plant Sale
When: Saturday, Aug. 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: The plant sale yard just east of Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory, 4 W. 21st Ave. More information.
Check out this gorgeous daylily (‘Elegant Candy’) that will be at the sale! Wow.
