Raleigh, NC (Zone 7b)
This area has some peculiarities of its own. Our weather is wet in winter and very dry and drought prone in summer. Temperatures only dip into the 20F range in winter but can be around 100F for weeks in summer. As a result we are not able to grow cool-temperate plants very well such as Hebes, temperate ferns and himalayan plants (ie, blue poppies). Conversely, plants that require baking heat love it here provided you can keep them well drained. For example, many species of succulents, salvias, gingers, and other tropicals are very happy here all summer then spend winter in a garage or other protected area or under a thick cover of mulch. Using these methods even banana (musa) species will do quite well here.
The juxtaposition of tropicals and temperate plants opens many exciting possibilities for design. Just imagine tulips, daffodyls and anemones growing in the same beds with ginger, banana, salvia and dahlias. Textures rich in large green leaved foliage plants can be cleverly combined with phlox and daylilis, roses and iris. An expanded palette also means challenges: it is easy to end up with a jumble of plants and no rhyme or reason to the garden. But this is a challenge most of us welcome imho.
This page will grow over time and provide links to my collections, plant information pages and links of local interest to the Raleigh, NC and Research Triangle Park area plant enthusiats.
A few words about myself: I work for what (I think) is the best local small family law firm in Raleigh, Bender Law Offices. My interests include growing rare plants, international travel to famous display gardens and studying foreign languages. See a pattern? ;-)
I would love to hear from like minded folks in the Raleigh area, especially about improving the site. You can email me by pressing here.
