If there were one group of plants that consistently fill the ranks of “fragrant choices” for backyard gardens, it would have to be that of the fabled rose bush. As far as history can go back, people all over the world have been mesmerized by the scent of this huge family of plants. This intense interest still prevails; however the task is a little more involved due to the fact that many of today’s introductions have no fragrance whatsoever. With that thought in mind let’s take a look at some of old time favorites as well as some of the newer varieties that should add a wisp of fragrance and the chance of a lingering memory! I should also add that these potential choices have a reliable history in regards for toughness and hardiness for our arid cold gardening zone.
The old fashioned Rugosa as well as newer rugosa introductions are always a good choice of plants for our particular zone. They consistently offer a variety of wonderful fragrances, plus they often times add unique and dramatic winter interest in terms of twig color and rose hip/berry presence. Many gardeners have also found them to be some-what deer resistant! In addition, most are quite resistant to damaging insects and disease. In fact they react very badly to a wide variety of chemical sprays so often associated with rosebush care.
With that valuable information aside let’s take a look at some of the fabulous varieties we have to choose from in local garden centers.
Starting the “fragrant rose line-up” would be one called William Baffin. This magnificent old timer will rise up to upwards of eight feet and fill the midsummer branches with fragrant pink blossoms. Next in line might include a variety called Therese Bugnett. Graced with summertime double red blooms it will also add wonderful winter interest of purple-red stems and glorious bright orange rosehips. Cuthbert Grant is another history laden variety with similar double red blossoms and intense early morning fragrance.
It might be important at this point to mention that many garden experts including myself would conclude that the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers could well reduce the fragrance of many types of fragrant plants. Old fashioned planting techniques including lots of organic debris, coffee grinds, and egg shells worked deeply into the soil could well provide the perfect growing soil! Synthetic fertilizers also have a tendency to shorten bloom time as well as disrupt valuable microbial soil activity.
Continuing our fragrant rose lineup I would have to include the antique variety called Morden Blush. This extremely winter hardy variety will please your senses with a spicy fragrance borne from double ivory blush blooms. Summer heat is not a problem thus it should provide a wonderful presence in your garden here on the high desert. A favorite of mine is one called John Cabot. This tough as nails, large (up to 8’) rose bush will present eye-catching dark double pink blooms off and on the entire summer season.
A quick look at some of the newer hybrid introductions might include some of the non-stop blooming floribunda types such as Sunsprite (vibrant yellow, w/ lemon fragrance), Purple tiger (purple white), and one called Hot Cocoa (dusky red). In the Hybrid Tea department such choices as April in Paris (classic pink), Double Delight (Red White), and Pope John Paul II (pristine white fresh citrus scent) would make great reliable selections. If you are in need of a fragrant climber look no farther than named varieties such as Fourth of July (red white), and Golden Showers (yellow).
The list is long and the fragrance will take you back to memorable childhood days. Take your time in making your selections and you will be rewarded with years of memory making scents and fragrances. Happy Planting…………… Doug

Oh my, how the season engulfs my time. Seems like only yesterday we were deep in the late months of winter, and now look where we are.. Heading towards summer and all it has to offer.
For timely tips…. (very short) look to the Redmond Greenhouse “Facebook”
Meanwhile out in the garden and landscape…. Deep water to encourage strong roots and healthy plants. Feed with the organic fertilizer “Cold Climate”. Healthy plants are far more resistant to insects and disease plus I do believe you will almost gain a zone of hardiness by using this type of fertilizer in conjunction with lots of organic compost…….
If you are having problems setting out your plants…. Try using a “light” floating row cover to protect against sun and wind…… It really will make a difference………
Try to keep weeds under control as they allow many insects and disease to lurk close by your valuable plants.
Control ants in the garden as they will contribute to spread of aphids………… There are many great organic products on the market to help control this early spring and summer pests…..
So sorry for all you folks that lost so many plants, trees and shrubs this past winter……….. The worst loss year I have seen in the thirty some years I have been involved in this business……….. Dang!!!!! The cause…. mild winter but DRAMATIC spikes in temperatures……. Just blew the bark right off the trees…. so to say….
Happy Spring……… have fun planting…. and don’t forget to smile across the fence……… Feels good….. Doug

As the month of May fills our early spring calendar the time to plant in our cold climate zone is gaining momentum.  From leaf type crops to root crops to cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Ahhhhhhhh the excitement and optimism is building. New plants coupled with the new products are also part of the driving force.

            If you are a just getting started in the fun and joy of backyard gardening keeping it small is my best advice. This practice allows you to use better products, have greater results, more manageable plots, and hopefully a better experience. Utilize local garden centers for their source of knowledge. Small raised beds (4’ wide by 4’ or more) will make your efforts much easier. Using potting soil, compost, and organic fertilizers will ratchet up your potential for successful yields. I would avoid native soils and manure. Our Cold Climate organic fertilizer, Azomite, and Soil Activator (Humic Acid) should be added to the soil. Building a wood frame over the raised beds and then wrapping them with our frost blanket should have you up and running. Applications of Earth Juice “Grow” will add a needed boost to all seedlings and early sprouts. If you run into disease problem try the organic “Serenade” or bugs “Spinosad” and all should be well! If you take the time to build a “Sturdy” wood trellis on the NORTH end of your raised bed you will be able to train and grow the ramblings of cucumber, watermelon, squash, and the likes.

            Lots of sun, drip irrigation, and a little patience and you are off and running…. Happy Gardening…. Doug

New ones to watch for: Sweet Pea “Villa Roma Scarlet” and Zinnia “Double Zahara Fire”. Both are Fleuroselect’s choices for 2010 Gold Medal winners. This is the first sweet pea to ever gain this recognition and we all (or should) know there is nothing like a spring blooming sweet pea. The Zinnia is a shorter growing variety but it is DISEASE RESISTANT…. Dang. Powdery mildew is always such a problem when growing this non stop summer flowering annuals. Redmond Greenhouse will do all it can to obtain these GREAT plants for local gardens.

And hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeee comees spring
I do believe it is time to plant onions, leaf crops, cabbage, broccoli, peas, and other hardy root crops. Make sure to soak peas for a few hours before sowing……….. Treat with legume inoculants for improved yields! If you have problems with root maggots in the past you my want to try Hi-Yield’s Garden dust………… It is the only product that I know of that has a label listing for that nasty garden pest.
There is still time to spray Copper spray on you peaches, lilacs, and pears. Reports have been good if you have had disease problems…….. Sure helps with poor performing lilac buds and blooms.
If you are in need of a little early spring color we have lots of pansies, violas, and other hardy flowering perennials. Our selection of summer flowering bulbs will be in next week. We will as in past years be offering some of the “Biltmore Estate” collection….. Some real dandies!
Speaking of dandies this crop of Walla Walla onions has been the best I have seen in some years. Make sure to plant in raised beds for best results. Working in additional manure free compost plus an application of our “Cold Climate” blended organic fertilizer will be an additional plus. The microbes and mycorrhizae we have added to both our garden/landscape, as well as our lawn fertilizer should aid in optimum results. And speaking of results (if I may brag on our lawn fertilizer) my son Luke’s lawn really shows the difference between organic and chemical fertilizers. His lawn abuts his neighbors and there is a DISTINCT line between the two… It is amazing! I will try to get a pic and post it for all to see.
If you are looking to add more greatness to you garden beds may I suggest you take a look at “Humic Acid” as a soil amendment. I have talked to and read more about this amazing product and I think it is very exciting………… Tomato growers you may have another organic product to add into your soil….. Keep me posted on your results.
I suppose I better not let this go on to long………… we only have so many hours in a day. Just like to keep in touch…… Hope all is well as you prepare for another GREAT growing season…………. Happy Tilling…………. Doug

Tracking the footsteps of this spring is certainly a winding trail. I don’t remember such a mild approach in the past thirty years I have live in the High Desert. I do know that an incredible number of gardeners are overflowing into the plot as they sow seeds of lettuce, onions, peas, and more. Starts of cabbage and broccoli are also finding their way into local garden soils. My oh my must we remind ourselves it is still March and our last approx frost date is the end of June!!!! Oh well me must do what we do…….. be enthusiastic and over the top optimistic….. Smile and Believe!
If you are planting asparagus make sure to take a look at some of the hybrid varieties of “all male” and gourmet selections such as “Gourmet Purple”. Work into the soil at least 12” of organic compost in combination with our organic blended “ Cold Climate” fertilizer. Possible light harvest next spring if all goes well! As you plant your strawberries MAKE SURE TO PLANT THEM IN RAISED BEDS! This practice will allow for good drainage and higher yields. Mix and match your selections for longer season harvests. Add our product “Azomite” for an additional boost of goodness. Keep all runners off the new plants and mulch with additional compost.
Over in the pond and waterfeature area you may want to add a shot of Microbe Lifts “Spring” starter package. Follow up with some PL and possible “Sludge Buster” for getting rid of that bottom pond YUK. If you need a GOOD algaecide try the Microbe Lift version. Gets rid of green water and NASTY STRING AGLEA!
Happy Early Spring….. Ready to go Veggie Starts and a ton of GREAT seed….. Doug

Son Luke has put Redmond Greenhouse on facebook…. Not realy sure how well I will manage that but I shall give it a good shot! So he says that Twitter will not be far behind……… Oh my gosh…….. moving ahead and planting on……….. Happy Early Spring…. Doug

If you saw it last year at Redmond Greenhouse you know how it works! The “Straw Garden”. A framework (4′X4′) built of straw bales, then filled with our economical organic potting soil, top dressed with our Cold Climate organic fertilizer, crab meal, Azomite, wormcastings, and a dash of Kelp meal….. ye ha… dang. In go the seeds and garden starts and the fun has just begun………….. Better give it a try…. Give me a call or stop by if you have any ?’s….. Doug

The time is now………………. With the mild winter we have had you can only imagine that it is a GREAT time to plant. Redmond Greenhouse has a GREAT selection of Spring flowering trees that are just waiting for a good backyard to call home. Plant now and the blooms will be in your yard and not in the garden center. crabapples are one of the best bets. With colors of white, pink, red, and purple it is hard to imagine a yard without the explosion of their great color. Now is the time to plant early sets of red, yellow, and sweet onions… ye ha…………. Ahhhhhhhhhh you just have love the very early days of spring…………….. Happy March………….. Doug

     Redmond Greenhouse as in past years continues to offer our unique inventory as a rental unit for Weddings and other great and grand events. Wedding planers and Special event coordinators have found this to be a very cost saving way to ratchet up many local events. In other words you can rent trees, flowering shrubs, fountains, arbors, gazebos, etc at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them. From single day rentals to special rate weekly rentals many have found this to be a great value. Turning indoor events into garden typy settings is quite easy with this cost saving program.

     Swing on by and give Redmond Greenhouse a “chat” and lets see what we can do for your Special Event