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Knockout Roses Beat Begonias |
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Home > What's New > Caramoor Blog > Knockout Roses Beat Begonias
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May 25, 2010
I spent the past weekend gardening, which for me means planting whatever perennials I can scrounge by dividing existing plants or purchase on sale at Home Depot. I dig, plant, water, and then hope and pray that they survive.
Caramoor’s horticulturalist, Clifford C. Dickson, takes roughly the same approach; only he substitutes knowledge and hard work for hope and prayer. He and his assistant, José Cardenas, scrounge around Caramoor’s greenhouse, working with whatever plants are left over from the May plant sale. Their bargain hunting ranges from the most upscale area nurseries to more pedestrian places like Home Depot.
While my gardening philosophy springs from laziness, Cliff’s approach evolved out of necessity. He and Jose maintain about a dozen distinct garden spaces and countless borders—in addition to a greenhouse full of potted plants. With a limited budget and acres of ground to cover, Cliff must apply his artistry within the strict confines of economic restraint.
This year Cliff is adding a rose called “Blushing Knockout,” which he plans to plant in the center beds of the Sunken Garden. These pink perennials will replace the begonias and other annuals that Cliff and Jose usually plant each spring. Unlike the begonias, which need to be replanted each season, these Knockout Roses promise to flower all summer long, year after year, which will save both time and money in subsequent seasons. An added benefit: the dense blooms smell wonderful! Come check it out—you’ll be amazed to see how much two people can accomplish.
Christina Horzepa, Caramoor Contributor
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