The weather has been downright tropical around here lately in New England, and working in the garden has been an absolute joy this past week. Yesterday I finished weeding the area in front of the potting shed and planted a few packets of cottage garden type seeds. Hollyhocks and white sunflowers for height, pink, red and orange poppies for color, and 2 short rows of strawberry corn along the fence to harvest in the fall.
So far the only blooms I’ve seen in this area are peach colored dwarf bearded irises and daffodils. I have identified 2 peony plants and possibly some day lilies, but it will be fun to see what pops up in the garden over the next few months.
Okay, garden sleuths, are you ready for this week’s round of name that mystery plant? As I’ve mentioned before, I have not been much of a flower gardener in the past {I’ve always been more of a team vegetable kind of person} but I seem to have inherited a floral oasis, and I need help identifying the plants so I can draw up a proper garden map of our property. Any suggestions you have would be helpful.
Mystery Plant #1 – Dicentra ‘King of Hearts’
I can’t help but want to shake this flower every time I walk by. I keep hoping the blossoms will ring like a bell or something.
Mystery Plant #2 –
Mini hydrangea? The flowers or so tiny though and the branches are really thin.
Mystery Plant #3
This was found in the overgrown {future} corn patch area. I’d hate to pull it out…. Maybe I can transplant it?
I’m going to miss cherry blossom season.
We have Lily of the Valley!
And about a zillion and two hosta plants.
The only problem is, I’m afraid to clean up around the hosta plants because I don’t want to mistake a perennial plant for a weed. It’s painful to see the 3 large flower garden beds in such a state…. But I don’t know what else to do besides play the wait and see game.
Is this a weed? Because the beds are filled with this plant!!
Darrrrling. The peonies are almost ready to bloom. I am planning to serve afternoon tea to celebrate {with the proper assortment of pastries and finger sandwiches of course} just as soon as I can pick a bouquet for the kitchen table. It’s going to be lovely. And I’m totally looking forward to it. I might even put on a dress. And now that I think about it, maybe I should find a proper hat to wear to my peony party as well.
Meanwhile…. back at the Money Pit, as soon as the weather warmed up the wood contracted on the aging plant holders attached to the side of the potting shed and left my little pots of lettuce in peril.
Mr. Handyman said the wood {which had been held together by glue} had to go and suggested we move one of our giant galvanized tubs in it’s place. Which of course I think is a fantastic idea and just as soon as I can get the wood cleaned up and painted, we’ll do.
If you’ve ever had to pull weeds out of pea gravel or along brick paths than you know what an incredible pain/time sucker it can be. We had been using a product called Caseron back in Washington for years until it became hard to find, and then we switched to a product called Noxall and it seems to work just as well. I like it because once you spread it around the problem areas, nothing and I do mean NOTHING will grow there for at least a year.
We aren’t big on chemicals, and don’t use anything but compost in our vegetable garden, but I have no problem using Noxell to keep the weeds at bay in pea gravel or walkways. So if you are looking for a similar type product, you might want to give it a try.
I think you all know about my disdain for rhododendrons, and maybe you even know that I can’t stand juniper bushes as well. But in addition to giant rhodies and junipers, we had a giant {4’x20′?} holly bush growing alongside the house. Which, I’m sure was lovely when it was a mere 2′ high and manicured. But we aren’t holly people. Not one bit. We are the snooty boxwood type. So we pulled the giant holly hedge out and are planning to install a new hedge of dwarf boxwoods in it’s place.
Buying a new {to you} home can be tricky. Especially when there are established shrubs and trees on the property the homeowners before you planted but you have zero interest in. Some people think you HAVE to keep them, or move the plants to another spot on your property. But sometimes they’re just too big to move, and chopping them down and turning them into wood chips is the best {and easiest} solution.
Gardens, they’re kind of a personal thing don’t you think? I say, GROW WHAT YOU LOVE, because after all, you are the one who has to maintain your property, cut the flowers, pick the vegetables and cook the dinners. And in my book, time spent doing something you love, is time well spent.
Wishing you the happiest of Wednesdays…
~Mavis
Mary3M says
I think taking out the holly will be a mistake. YOu will want it come Christmas time – especially since you are into the New England atmosphere. Probably too late but I would have transplanted it to a far corner of the yard. Loving your upbeat posts (ever since you left the HOA). But honestly have never heard of the NE baked beans Saturday supper. And a FANTASTIC place in Essex Mass is Woodman’s. Amazing seafood!
Alison says
Where there is one holly there is more if it’s like my yard…. I’m not a fan of holly either – we got rid of about 10 hollies, and still have at least 10 here (only 1/2 acre). Juniper must be the worlds most hideous plant. I also ripped all of ours out when we moved in!
Carrie says
I had a giant holly tree that the previous owners shaped like a mushroom…. GAG! I prefer them to grow their natural way. It was blocking sun from my veggie garden so it had to go. We removed the tree and two years later I am still cutting off new growth where the stump is.
Anne in VA says
Mystery plant 1 looks like Bleeding Heart. Plant #2 looks like Snowball bush. Love both of them. The snowballs will turn from that wonderful green to white soon.
I think the foliage you show in the hosta beds looks like a coneflower or some similar hearty blooming flower.
Love the adventure of waiting to see what blooms next!!
Connie says
Mystery Plant #3 is a Honeysuckle. 80% certain.
Shari Harniss says
That’s what I was thinking, Connie. I guess we’ll see soon enough!
Kim O'Dongohue says
I believe that is honeysuckle as well, how lucky to have a pink one. If it smells luscious it’s probably definitely honeysuckle!
Julia Park Tracey says
That’s what I was going to say. It will be heavenly when it blooms. Keep it!
Connie says
Yes, it will!!
Dori says
Yes, it’s Honeysuckle.
Emily E. says
Yep, I agree, honeysuckle!
Kathleen says
I think that mystery plant # 2 is an Oak Leaf Hydrangea.
Debby says
I agree with the Oak Leaf Hyrdangea.
Dori says
Not an Oak Leaf. Their blooms are not round and the blossoms are looser and kind of triangular. It’s a snowball bush.
Jade says
Agree on the snowball bush!
Gwenn says
Yup, there are several in my yard. The variety we bought grow 12 feet wide…..in a few years we will have an amazing hedge.
Jeanie says
Yep just planted three of them to make a screen against my fence and it looks just like that.
cat says
Mystery plant #1- not sure, it’s pretty.. bleeding hearts usually look like mini hearts and the stems are arched versus straight up.
Mystery plant #2 is definitely a hydrangea of some sort..
Mystery plant #3 is a honeysuckle! I love them, they smell great when they’re flowering but they do grow quite large depending on the type.
Julie K Whitmore says
Bringing peonies inside is risky business. They’re usually full of ants.
Sandy says
Ants. Ants. Ants. No peonies in my house. Because: did I mention ants?
Diana says
Give the blooms a good, long, cool water rinse under the faucet. Gently shake to remove excess water…let the blooms rest on a paper towel for a bit. Plop them in a vase and you should be good to go.
UpstateNYer says
Agreed. A nice bouquet on the back porch table would be nice though.
Jeanie says
I fill the sink with water and then dunk the heads to shake out the ants. It usually works great. The peonies are hardy enough to take the dunking, I always keep mine in a peony hoop so they don’t lob over. They are usually so heavy.
Kristina says
I am totally digging your mystery plants posts! It’s neat finding out what they are, especially since they seem exotic to someone from California, where we can’t grow the same plants.
Ellen says
Arizona here…totally understand! 🙂
Rebecca in MD says
I agree with others that mystery plant #1 is a bleeding heart http://www.perennials.com/plants/dicentra-king-of-hearts.html.
To avoid bringing ants inside with your peony blooms, you can dip the flower heads into water or give the plant a good squirt with the hose before cutting the blooms and bringing indoors. I think peonies are the most beautiful flower of all.
Envious of your Lillies of the Valley – – – sooooo beautiful. I am trying to get some started this year.
Mavis Butterfield says
Excellent!
Michele says
As much as I hate to see the Rhody’s go I totally agree to keep what you love. I would have loved to see pics of the property in all its glory from before to compare to your vision when it’s all done! Love seeing all the progress.
Em says
Thanks for the Noxall recommendation.
Loving the plant identifications.
E in Upstate NY says
Agree with honeysuckle for plant #3. Pull out your lilac jelly recipe and use honeysuckle blossoms instead. Wonderful!
Honeysuckle, the bush, which you have, easily transplants. Dig it up, move it and water some to get reestablished. Give it an Army style hair cut [severe] post replanting.
Hummingbirds love honeysuckle, so plant it someplace safe for them and so you may see the lovely birds when it blooms again. It’s another spring plant that you want to trim once a year, and immediately after blooming. Any later in the summer you will lose next year’s blooms.
Peonies: Cut a few flower buds with long stems. Put them in water and place in back of your refrig. Change water every few days. After the plants stop their bloom, pull out the buds and warm them up and continue enjoying peonies in the house. This is how florists keep their peony blooms for use out of season.
Terri says
Many honeysuckle varieties are invasive. You’ll want to identify the variety before moving it elsewhere.
Susan says
The first plant looks as if it may be Dutchman’s Britches family. I had a wild version that bloomed early spring in WV and watched for it every year!
Nancy from Mass says
I think they are dutchmans breeches!
Laura says
I just cut the peonies and put in a vase. Place it outside on the picnic table for several hours. I like to pick in the am and bring in around dinner time. The ants mostly crawl out and you don’t have to do anything special. I tried the dunk in water method and it didn’t drown the ants, but it DID make a huge watery mess. YMMV.
Good luck!
Laura says
Also, the dicentra looks a lot like a columbine, but not sure if those grow in your neck of the woods. Always fun to uncover new goodies! I would have kept some holly just for wreaths and fireplaces for Christmas, but I like holly to look at, not to bump into (ouch!). Tomato, TomAHto.
Carrie says
I love these posts! Your garden bed looks amazing!
Sue Everhart says
#2 is a viburnum. Great old fashioned shrub.
Emily E. says
Hi Mavis, your potting shed looks amazing and it’s HUGE!!! I love the simple grapevine wreath on the door and your plans for plantings around shed sound perfect. I hope that once you get the potting shed situated the way you like that you will give us a tour of it! Ok, mystery plant #1 is bleeding heart and #2 is probably lantana which is great for feeding and attracting butterflies and pollinators. Not sure about #3. It looks like you have a lovely shade garden established there. I think the last mystery plant is a weed. I love seeing the progress in each of your posts!
Kaia says
I’m with you on peonies, rhodies, and juniper! And your garden area is looking so good, and cute!
Libby says
Your vegetable garden is looking great!
Often holly was planted in front of windows as a deterrent to burglars – shrub size not tree size!
One caution about the Noxall be careful about using too close to a well. I would love to use on my driveway, but the well is nearby.
Stacie says
I’m no help on your mystery plants, but I am so jealous you have peonies. They’re adorable! Also, I LOVE the little flower bed in front of your potting shed, it’s so cute!
Lissa says
Would love to see the layout of the garden sometime….I don’t think #1 is a bleeding heart. We have several and they don’t look the same.
Meg C says
I agree with the other poster who said mystery plant #1 is Columbine. It’s a great self-seeder but spreads so if you don’t want it or don’t want too much, pull it out before it goes to seed. Also, birds/squirrels and the like are great and randomly gifting Columbine to flowerbeds LOL.
The one everyone thinks is Oakleaf Hyangdrea may be a weed _ I suddenly have a lot of that same plant growing in my beds where, previously, nothing has ever been planted. :-/
Thank you for sharing your journey, it’s so much fun to keep up with!
Robin says
Mystery plant #1 reminds me of Dutchman’s breeches.
Another option for killing weeds growing on pavement/gravel is vinegar. I used it to kill weeds in sidewalk and driveway cracks. Like Noxall, it’s non-selective so it kills everything it touches. I was always afraid to use anything granular (weed killer, weed & feed, etc.) because I read that birds will sometimes eat it.
Marie says
Agree with using warm vinegar! I’ve even drug our outdoor camp stove outside, boiled water with it & doused all of the weeds. Time consuming but so much more environmentally suitable for me. Agreed, well location is a concern as well as other water lines that could be contaminated. Water knows no boundaries!
Gwenn says
Vinegar, Epsom salts, a bit of Dawn and water = great mix for killing weeds that is pet safe and budget friendly.
I am in jealous awe of your veggie garden. It is so amazing.
Julia Park Tracey says
I have to say it’s best to avoid putting out poison of any kind. Noxall sounds like a poison. I wish you’d reconsider.
Lace Faerie says
I feel the same way. I have vowed never to use any herbicides nor pesticides. I will not poisen my Mother Earth! My land is a blessing and I consider stewardship of said land a high priority.
Let us not forget that when Roundup came to market, we were told that it became inert when it came in contact with the soil. Now, we all know what bullshit that was!! Then again, medical doctors used to tell us that smoking tobacco strengthened our respiratory system!!
My Nana, Mama’s grandmother, always said ‘ants open the peonies’. I saw on a Martha Stewart program that if you cut your peonies first thing in the morning when the are still closed but showing color, you could wrap them in damp papertowels, then plastic wrap and then into a brown paper bag to keep them in darkness, they would keep for 3-4 months in the coldest part of your fridge. Then you could enjoy them a bloom or two at a time till almost summer time! I’ve never tried it as I enjoy them so much and don’t have a multitude of them.
I am, however, in agreement with you Mavis. Burn all hollies! I had an anaphylactic reaction that put me in the hospital after trying to add them to my wreaths one year. I hate junipers, too. Smell like cat urine to me. My cousin married into a family that raised junipers for gin production. She said it took her years to be able to walk the fields without gagging.
Julie says
I’m admiring the picture of your vegetable garden and thinking that if I had a yard like that and a garden like that here in the mid-Atlantic, I’d also have a yard filled with grateful deer.
Tracy says
Oh Mavis! Please, please, please don’t use Noxall. Noxall, and so many other products like it are so toxic. Many have been proven to be carcinogenic and ALL are toxic to our water tables. Please reconsider this. Instead, invest in a very inexpensive garden blow torch on a stick. Amazon has many. They’re genius. Attach a small butane tank (lightweight) and just wave it back and forth over the weeds in your gravel, between patio flagstones, whatever and the weeds literally melt within minutes, die overnight and don’t come back for weeks. You don’t have to “burn” them, just expose them to the superheat for half a second and it kills them in a few minutes. It’s fantastic, does no harm to the environment, to poor Lucy, or you. If you have well water, you should never use Noxall again. Ever. Google it and read! The torches are inexpensive to buy, super cheap to operate and last forever. I even use them on my woodchip paths, on my stone walls, and patio, and can do the whole property in about 15 minutes.
Rachel C says
That’s such a good idea! My husband and I bicker about weeds and chemicals all the time – he likes chemicals and I don’t. If I got him a blowtorch I think he’d have a blast (pun intended!) killing the weeds!!
Ann says
Also, torches are fun!
Em says
Thanks for this idea. I will probably try it instead of Noxall.
Leanna says
My hubby LOVES his torch.
Lissa says
You would get to play with FIRE! That sounds like ever so much more fun!
Carrie says
We have a torch. It works okay. Hubs nearly burnt my raised beds down the first time though! You have to use it at least once a month. It’s more fun than pulling weeds, which I hate! I’d say it works about the same as using vinegar.
Karin says
Thanks for the idea about the torch! I’m going to try that. I gave up using weed killers many years ago after I learned how terribly damaging they are to the environment.
Shanade says
Mystery plant #2 is a viburnum commonly called a snowball bush. They are beautiful and very hardy. They only bloom in the spring and the flowers really have no scent. Mystery plant #3 looks like a honeysuckle. Smells amazing but can be very invasive if you don’t keep it under control.
Keralee says
#3 definitely honeysuckle. I second the vote for flame weeding! It is addictively fun if you have even a smidge of pyromania…so much so that your HH might happily take on the task.
Lucy could be harmed by the poisons in Noxall. You walk those paths with shoes, she does not. My dog got liver toxicity just from walking on a public sidewalk where someone’s poison lawn pellets had overflowed. They are NOT safe. If you love your dog, please reconsider.
Linda says
I can’t get over how quickly your veggie garden looks fantastic. All your tilling is paying off.
I think honeysuckle is correct, and the leaves on the one everyone is identifying look exactly like the leaves on my “pompom” bush, but I suppose it could be hydrangea.
I DO NOT think the other picture is bleeding heart.
I picked peonies, hung them upside down (your greenhouse area would be great for this) until they dried. Now I have a nice bouquet of dried peonies! But save some to have fresh (tho they do have ants – but what are a few ants among fleas and ticks?
Tammy says
I had some of those “bleeding hearts” in Michigan! They bloom from spring to fall. So pretty and dainty! They are great for filling in areas and also you can split the plants.
Kathy says
The last plant could be asters, great for fall color bees and butterflies
Jade says
#2 looks exactly like my snowball bush…
Emily says
#3 looks like honeysuckle. It’s considered invasive in most areas. I vote pull it!
Also thank you for the validation that it’s ok to remove established shrubs. I have felt a bit of guilt removing some just not right for me but large and well established shrubs from our new yard. I took out the world’s largest burning bushes that would rival your holly and replaced them with two dwarf apple trees and a bench. I’m loving the new set up even if it will be a few years before it looks established.
Cheryl says
Well crap, I was going to Google to see if Noxall was okay for doglets, so much for that idea!
Richelle says
Mystery plant one is definitely a type of dicentra (bleeding heart). I have one that is very similar. This one could be burning heart or less likely, fire island.
Susie says
Love reading all of your posts about your new home and garden! I keep wondering though if you are still in touch with the previous homeowner to ask him/her about some of the mystery plants & trees in your yard? I suppose some people wouldn’t want to be bothered after they move, but if they are plant lovers like you & took such pains to plant certain plants on their property, I would think they’d love to be asked. Perhaps they know who they sold their property to and follow you now here?! It just seems like the easiest way to find out answers to your questions.
Leslie says
I think #2 is a variety of snowball bush, but I forget which one. Have been reading up on different varieties of viburnum lately, and really digging them! I was disappointed that snowball bush flowers don’t do well in a vase though. The stem/branch is just too soft.
ANTONELLA GIULIODIBARI says
Mistery plant #2 is VIBURNUM OPULUS
Annie from VA says
Hi Mavis,
I was wondering if you would like to do an Iris swap? I have some beautiful pale pink, purple, blue, batik bearded Iris’s that I would love to trade you, for some of your peach colored Iris’s. I can provide pics if needed.
Kitty says
I think the weed you have everywhere is a self seeding POPPY. Just saw some yesterday at the Arboratum.
I have pix, but don’t see where I can add them here.
Patti says
I’m not sure what #1 is, but I don’t think it’s a common bleeding heart, #2 I agree with the snowball viburnum crowd, I had it at my last home, and #3 I agree with honeysuckle. We lived in New England for 10 years and when the long winters arrived, I was glad to have the green of holly and rhododendrons. They were great to clip and use the greenery to decorate for the holidays, but I agree, you should grow what you love not someone else.
Denise Soderlind says
Why don’t you pull the grass it will look better and loosen the soil anound the hostas. Hang in there it’s worth the wait.
Denise Soderlind says
I would trim back that snowball into a pleasing shape after it blooms and goes to seed.
Katie says
Junipers are the worst shrub ever. That is all.
Patty P says
Mystery plant 2 is a snowball bush. It should fill out. I keep mine trimmed to about six foot tall or else it takes over my front corner of the flowerbed and meshes with the redbud tree. The snowball bush reminds me of the snowball bush my great aunt always had at her house. It died about twenty years ago, but luckily when we moved into our house about 15 years ago, there was a beautiful one established.
Crystal says
#1 Bleeding Heart
#2 Snowball Bush
#3 Honeysuckle
Tracey says
oh, my good lord, did you ever walk into paradise when you found this place! I am astonished! Every.Single.Day.
kathy says
Peonies and Snowball bush flowers look adorable when arranged together. Very old fashioned and rustic. They will look gorgeous in your house. 🙂