I have to admit, like most gardeners, that many of the plants that I find are either found in a nursery, garden center or on the pages of a gardening magazine or book.  The Knock Out Rose is one that I saw in a Fine Gardening magazine and after seeing the plant, it has been put on my must have list.  This is surprising in itself since I am not a big rose fan.  I mean, I love them in a garden but since they are not my favorite flower, I tend to move away from them and move towards flowers and plants that I love.

The reason why I love the Knock Out Rose is simple.  It is a “Knock Out” with its dark foliage providing a breathtaking backdrop of deep green, which deepens to a dark purple in fall, for this fast growing shrub rose.  The flowers themselves are brilliant colors and you can find this rose in red, pink, blush and rainbow (pink with a yellow center) and sunny (white with a yellow center).  The rose comes in single or double blooms.

Although the color and shrubbery is wonderful, the main draw for me over this flower is the fact that it is fairly hardy and requires very little care.  Generally, you only need to prune in the spring, provide it with proper care, i.e. water, fertilizer, and that is it.  The plant does the rest right down to the deadheads.  This rose is also very resistant to black spots.  The bush itself is very hardy and can survive in Zones 4 to 10.

I honestly do not believe that you can find a rose that requires such a low amount of fuss and have as much glory with a full shrub filled with brilliant blooms.  There is nothing that I find that would deter me from purchasing this rose for my garden, well except space but I can always make more of that.

Sirena Van Schaik

Related posts:

1. Plant of the Week: Camellia
2. Plant of the Week: Cyclamen
3. Five Red Rose Varieties for your Garden

For this reason, I have found ways to alleviate some of the cost of my happy growers finger when I am at the garden center and thought that I would share them with you.

1. Timing:  Although I am usually chafing at the bit to get growing sometime around mid-April (I know way to early) I will force myself to wait until the planting season is almost over.  This can mean that the plants you are getting are not as great in quality but if you find a good garden center, you probably won’t have this problem.  If you wait until early June, you will still have lots of time to get your flowers in and you will also be able to cash in on some deals.  One of my favorite growers offers half off the second annual, the last week of May.  This can usually equate to less cost but usually for me it equates to more flowers. (Hey, I never said my method was solid.)
2. Starting Small:  I know that perennials can really add a lot to gardens and it is often very hard to wait for a small plant to grow large and lush.  Many gardeners will purchase the larger plant so they have more coverage right from the start but plants grow very quickly and there really is no need to start with a 60 dollar plant when the exact same plant, although smaller, starts at 14 dollars.  You will find that you can save money or as in my case, add more.
3. Return Trips:  Go to the garden center, see what they have to offer and then leave.  If you find a great deal, as I did with a braided Hibiscus this year, pick it up but if the prices still seem high or there isn’t anything that catches your eye, don’t bother shopping. You might drive the garden center crazy but it will give you time to plan, decide how many plants you need and what you want exactly.  When you are ready to buy, usually when that sale is on, you can go back, fill your wagon and leave without overspending.

I know that I should probably have a few more tips on saving money at the garden center but it really only comes down to the last three.  To stay on budget, you could bring cash so you don’t over dip into the bank account but it is up to you.  Another money saving tip is to never bring kids with you to the garden center.  This is the one advice tip that I never follow and I can usually add on a good dozen plants that the kids just had to have.

Happy Gardening!

Sirena Van Schaik

Related posts:

1. Size Of Garden Supply Center Not Important To Good Harvest
2. What Is An Organic Garden Center?
3. Deals On Gardening Supplies Helps Cut Food Costs