Benjamin’s Musings

Flowers

Who hasn’t looked at flowers in bloom and wished for them to last a little longer?  Every year when the individual flowers bloom I have this thought again.  As I watch my yard filled with azaleas and rhododendrons I always think how nice it would be if I could keep myself surrounded by this color for a longer period of time.  My prayers have been answered.

It was about two years ago that the Encore Azalea was first introduced.  I was so excited that I went and purchased two right away and have been enjoying them ever since.  This year I plan to purchase two more Encore Azaleas so that I can enjoy the lovely flowers for a much longer period of time. 

The Encore Azaleas are available in 23 different varieties and begin blooming at the same time as the other azaleas in your yard.  The big difference with the Encore is that when the blooms fade (referred to as the first act), new shoots begin to grow and buds form.  The Encore’s second act begins when these new buds open, usually in mid-summer.  This process continues into the fall when the frost will temporarily stop future growth.  Next Spring, however, the entire process begins anew and the plants, once again, furnish the beautiful flowers I love to see in my garden.

I have found that these new ever-blooming plants (hydrangeas, roses and azaleas) have enabled me to have the colorful yard I have always wanted without the hard work generally associated with a successful garden.  I have decided to give one of these plants to each person on my Mother’s Day List.  I really believe that they will all find pleasure in owning these ever-blooming plants as they can be enjoyed throughout the entire summer season.

In these days of everyone being so busy, yard work naturally takes a backseat to other tasks.  With these new plants spread among existing landscape they require no additional work but provide a wonderful place for relaxation.