A trip down to Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar, California at the weekend really gets you thinking. The season of “mellow fruitfulness” is just around the corner.  

Our wonderful Mystic Series of Dahlia from the eminent New Zealand Breeder Dr Keith Hammett were looking just superb in all their dark and mysterious glory. Going by the customers reactions they couldn’t snap them up quick enough. They were rolling out the door by the cart load, especially the delicate pink & white striped selection Mystic Dreamer.

Thanks to the wonderful work of Dr Axel Feldhoff at Innova Plant in Germany our full Mystic Series are now available as high health virus free material TC + URC’s. Please contact your favorite supplier to place your orders for the 2011 season.

Caryopteris ‘White Surprise’

Carrying on the theme of “mellow fruitfulness”, we thought you would like to see Caryopteris ‘White Surprise’ in all it’s glory in our trial garden here in Santa Barbara.

This is a super crop for later summer - early fall sales. When the powder blue blooms are simply “a buzz” with honey bees. Caryopteris ‘White Surprise’ helps to bring the wonderful wildlife into the garden.

We’ve had great results with this selection around the country. In Fall 2009 Robert was able to view this selection in the Cornell University Trials; where the plants, received super reviews from the Buffalo Plug Conference attendees.

Caryopteris ‘White Surprise’

Gaillardia ‘Fanfare Blaze’

PlantHaven is delighted to bring you ‘Fanfare Blaze’. In the same tradition of ‘Fanfare’, Gaillardia ‘Fanfare Blaze’ has all the attributes of compact habit, amazing flower performance and high health properties, this time in wonderful burnt orange tones.

Blaze has been bred by the UK Team of Realflor, Keith Lintott + Richard Read. First US liners are available from PP&L this fall with more of your favorite suppliers coming on stream in 2011.

Watch out for this crop in 2011 – This is sure to become an industry mover and shaker.

Top Tip: Dead head and feed regularly to keep plants in tip top condition.

Gaillardia ‘Fanfare Blaze’

Spring Trials 2011

With the New California Spring Trials dates being considerably earlier for 2011; we have all done a little bit of head scratching here in the office at PlantHaven.

The dates for 2011 are: March 26th – April 1st 2011.

Our Plant Project and Design Team will be pulling out all the stops to bring you as many PlantHaven unique crops as possible in full bloom and looking wonderful for these earlier dates.

This year we hope to whet your appetite with a fresh contemporary display of the US market leading Whetman Pinks Program.

Dianthus Sugar Plum

Sugar Plum is a super new addition to the Scent First Patio Series of Whetman Pinks. This selection has real presence and great retail appeal. It’s totally on trend for retail customers who want to grow their own “pickable” flowers.

This super addition brought to us by the Team at Whetman Pinks will be making its first début at Spring Trial March 26th – April 1st 2011.

This is totally one to watch in 2011.

Dianthus Sugar Plum
(‘WP08 IAN04’)

Until our next issue, have a great month.

Kind regards
Geoff, Maureen & The PlantHaven Team