One of the most striking new flowering shrubs for 2000 is Rhododendron "Lemon Lights". This glowing azalea sports lemon yellow flowers with rich golden throats. Another creation from the University of Minnesota, so you know it's going to be hardy. Zones 4-7. (http://www.waysidegardens.com)
A new rose named "Vermont Verite" displays hardiness to -46 degrees F without protection. A shrub rose with clear pink semi-double blossoms, it blooms heavily in early summer. Though rather pricey at $21.95 each, it's an exclusive from White Flower Farm. (http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com) and may be worth the expense if the photos in the catalog are anything to judge by.
Park Seed (http://www.parkseed.com) offers 12 pages of new introductions for 2000. One of the hardiest new perennials is hollyhock, "Peaches 'n Dreams". A fluffy double Alcea with peachy yellow blooms, this new twist on the old-fashioned cottage garden favorite thrives in zones 2-9.
Parks also offers a striking new Polemonium called "Brise d'Anjou". The foliage of this variegated Jacob's Ladder strongly resembles a Boston fern with creamy edges. Add lovely stalks of violet blossoms and you've got a handsome and dramatic plant. Zones 4-7.
Thompson & Morgan (http://www.thompson-morgan.com) also displays several pages of new plants for 2000, many of them exclusives. Most are annuals, but two perennials are worth noting. A new oriental poppy from seed, "Coral Reef" is a T & M breeding breakthrough. The large papery coral pink blooms flower over a longer period than other poppies and resist flopping over. Zones 3-9.
Another T & M exclusive, Delphinium "New Zealand", is the result of an 11 year breeding program. This new variety resists powdery mildew and black spot, making them a better companion plant roses that other less resistant delphiniums. Ranging in color from bright blue through soft pinks to pure white, this hardy flower is worth trying from seed. Zones 3-8. Please note, delphiniums need darkness to germinate, so be sure to cover seeds completely and firm soil around them.
A dainty new Monarda aptly named "petite Delight" sports rosy pink flowers on foot tall stems. A Burpee (http://www.burpee.com) signature plant. Zones 4-9.
A few new vegetables should also be noted because their early maturity makes them suitable for northern New England gardens. The corn "Legend", a very sweet yellow type matures in only 68 days, and cucumber "Cool Breeze" matures in just 45 days. Imagine having cukes ready at the same time the lettuce starts coming on! Both are available from Park Seed.
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