News from Made in the Shade

2018-05-22	Pond plants have arrived.... Oxygenators, Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, Hardy Water-Lilies and more. Waterlilies can be grown in any container that is at least 15" deep and make a real showstopper on your patio. As a bonus....they don't need to be watered all the time.
2018-05-01	Berries everywhere.... Strawberry, Raspberry, Current, Jostaberry, Gogi Berry, Haskcaps, Blueberry, Grape, Rhubarb (and Asparagus roots) are all available now.
2018-05-01	Plants are coming out of the greenhouses ready for planting. We also have a large quantity of overwintered well rooted perennials. These are prime stock and much sought after by knowledgeable landscape designers.
2018-04-16	First workshop of 2018 on May 5th at 10:30 am. Topic will be spring maintenance and planning.
2018-04-12	All the planting is done....now we wait for it all to grow. The small native woodland plants are eager to flower and so dainty.
2018-04-06	Many Catalogue items have been updated...Greenhouses are filling up and now we are waiting for some warmer temps!! Opening April 20th.
2018-03-01	Just waiting for plants to arrive then we will fill the greenhouses......We are late with new catalogue items this year, we will post here once we get it all working. For now most of the old catalogues give a good indication of what we will have.
2017-10-10	Extended season... due to the warm weather combined with the late arrival of the bulbs we will be open until the end of October Mon-Sat 9:30 to 4:30
2017-10-10	Camassia bulbs give these wonderful blue spiked flowers in Late May / Early June. They are about 60 cm (2 feet) tall and our patches last for about 3 weeks. These bulbs are very long lived with patches planted 20 years ago still flowering well every year. The foliage can easily be hidden by planting with a late flowering perennial such as Black-Eyed Susan or Asters. Deer resistant. Bulbs available now, or in pots come spring.
2017-08-30	New Article about Garden Renovation as well as re-formatting some articles that were PDF's.
2017-08-28	What great weather for planting! Cool nights, plenty of rain and plants on sale!
2017-06-29	Rose floribunda Intrigue, Baptisia australis
2017-06-20	Still lots of wonderful plants. We have added some trees at the request of many clients....as well as a good selection of shrubs.
2017-05-13	Plants are coming out of the greenhouses, everything is ready to go.....Miniature Hosta looking wonderful, and the cool weather has kept the bulbs in our gardens fresh and long lasting......
2017-04-19	Bet you thought this was a Hosta but this is an exciting new Hemerocallis (Daylily) named Golden Zebra....spectacular variegated leaves and gold daylily flowers similar to Stella D'Oro. Limit one per customer.
2017-04-19	Hosta White Feather....pale Hosta need more sun than darker Hosta as they lack chlorophyll. Later in the season the leaves will develop some green areas.
2017-04-19	Marsh Marigold doubles great for that marshy damp location
2017-04-19	And 5 days later......
2017-04-19	Hemerocallis Lies & Lipstick Echinacea Butterfly Kisses Peony Charles Burgess
June 27, 2016	Summer already.....Just finishing our yearly inventory count. 1400 Hosta in 118 varieties. Over 500 Varieties of other perennials and shrubs in stock.....for roughly 10,000 plants (we keep making more so it is hard to keep track!).
May 3, 2016	Spring is here!! After a slow start it seems spring might finally be here!! Plants are coming out of the greenhouses.
July 25, 2015	Summer time and living on the river is great for thousand island cottagers..... We delivered the Spruce to the dock....the rest was up to them.
June 23, 2015	Still lots to see at Made in the Shade. The primula in the picture is Victoria Laced, and going strong. Primulas like cool locations with regular water. They winter well for us in our gardens. The Hosta collection looks great, and selection in most varieties is still good. The rain has filled the ponds to overflowing. This Sunday will be the final workshop, with pond construction and maintenance on the agenda.
June 3, 2015
	These two pictures of our Ornamental Rhubarb were taken about 3 weeks apart, May 10th and May 27th. This giant perennial likes a part shade location, and prefers to be kept moist. Ours is 7 years old.
March 13, 2015	Just about to get planting! The bulk of the spring order has arrived and next week we start planting. Working in the greenhouses is so fun this time of year.
Nov 9, 2014	The Eastern Ontario Hosta Society (EOHS) had a photo contest this fall. I have put together a page showcasing some of the great photographs entered in the contest. For more information about the EOHS contact them by email.... easternontariohostasociety@gmail.com
Nov 6, 2014	After our best year ever, with great sales growth we are ready for whatever winter brings us....All plants protected for winter, orders placed for spring.....Time to start planning for another great season. Thanks to all our wonderful customers!!
Aug 1, 2014	If you thought Hemerocallis (Daylilies) only came in ditch orange, think again. Daylilies come in stunning colours, and flower for most of the summer....still lots in stock.
July 31, 2014	The Alpine Scree Garden we started last fall, is really rewarding us with some terrific displays. These 3 types of thread leaf Coreopsis have been blooming for all of July and just don't seem to be stopping. All 3 varieties wintered well after being planted in late fall. The new hybrid Coreopsis do not produce seeds the way the old varieties did, and so they are welcome additions our collection. Coreopsis 'Mercury Rising' (Red) Coreopsis 'Sienna Sunset' (Burnt Orange) Coreopsis 'Zagreb' (Yellow)
June 24, 2014	Echinacea collection is strong this year, with some different colours to choose from. Other plants in bloom now include; Hemerocallis (Daylilies), Oriental Lilies, Siberian and Ensata Iris, Salvia, Roses, Campanula, Geraniums, Trollius, Aconitum, Astrantia and so much more. Echinacea p. Eccentric
June 24, 2014	How to plant a Yucca......use cable ties or string to collect up the leaves. This prevents damage to the Yucca flower from handling (and protects the planter from sharp leaf tips).
June 24, 2014	Orchids at Purdon Conservation Area. http://mvc.on.ca/places-to-see/purdon/ Last week we made a pilgrimage to see the wild Orchids. Well worth a visit every couple of years. To get there travel to Perth then turn north off Hwy 7 onto Hwy #511; follow it through Lanark village. Travel about 5 km north, turn left onto Watson's Corners Rd.; follow it for 12 km watch for signs. Turn right onto concession Rd 8 and travel 3 km. There is a good boardwalk which allows you to walk right into the wetlands to see the 1,000's of Cypripedium regina (Showy Orchids) along with other orchids, pitcher plants and much more. Mosquito repellant might be needed, although the breeze kept them off the day we were there. We will be bringing in a very limited number of Showy Orchids in the fall. Please contact us if you are interested in reserving one. sales@mitsperennials.com
June 3,2014	We also do windows!! Thanks to Lynn and Tia who each produced works of art for our windows.
June 3,2014	Lots of wonderful plants still available. Some of the plants just coming in to bloom now include; Prunella, Salvia, Iris, Hemerocallis (Daylilies), Astilbe, Tradescantia, Astrantia, Clematis, Van-Houtti Spireas, all of the Roses including Climbing, Hybrid Tea, Floribunda and Explorers. Tree Peony 'Shima Nishiki' in bloom.
April 27,2014	Catalogue pages are mostly up to date. The nursery is open for the season. The plants are growing well, and are ready to be planted any time now. The aptly named Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule 'Spring Fever Red') on the right are in full bloom and so vibrant! Drop in for a taste of what spring should be like! We kind of went crazy ordering so there are 26 types of Echinacea this year, 13 are new varieties. There are 24 varieties of Hemerocallis, 18 are new varieties. 14 new Hosta varieties and much much more to see.
April 2014	All four greenhouses are full of plants now, the bad weather caused a delay to the start of our potting season, but everything is quickly catching up, to be ready for the spring planting season. Look for updates to the catalogue page in the next week. Opening day is April 20th!!
Nov 24,2013	Where did the time go? Lots has been going on, including the building of Greenhouse4, as well as a large growing area beside it. This will allow us to grow more plants come spring. Current numbers look like we will grow about 13,000 new perennials, grasses, shrubs and roses in 2014.
Oct 2013	Greenhouse 4 can be seen in the background. It will be a cool and dry growing space during the summer, for certain drought loving plants. In the spring we will use it for the shrubs, roses and daylilies, none of which need to be kept very warm. Production work will also be moved to this area.
Fall 2013	We have sold out of so many varieties this fall!! Room for lots more next spring. Lots of new Echinacea, Hemerocallis and of course Hosta.
Fall 2013	We are very excited about the new pond at the back of the property. It will be used for trials of pond plants, over-wintering waterlilies, and also just for the pure fun of having a pond! Lots of wildlife have already been attracted, including a visit from a local Heron and a large population of frogs. (Less after the Heron visit.)
Sept 2013	The Eastern Ontario Hosta Society invited Laura to speak at their September meeting, and gave her this spectacular cutting board! If you enjoy collecting Hosta and want to meet with other collectors, this is a very nice group. As more information becomes available about this new group we will keep you posted. Next meeting will be in the spring of 2014. Contact easternontariohostasociety@gmail.com for more information.
Aug 1, 2013	Did you know we sell Ornamental grasses? We have large quantities of high quality ornamental grasses available.
May 11,2013	Things have been busy at MITS, with all sorts of beautiful plants needing care. The Pumila (short) Iris have been particularly pretty and spectacular.
March 20, 2013	The first round of planting was just finished when we got yet more snow...Conditions were perfect so we made a snow-lady, complete with Made in the Shade pink dress. The greenhouses are full, with lots of new items, including a good selection of Itoh Peonies, Tree Peonies, lots of Hosta, Daylilies and so much more. Opening day is April 20th but visitors are welcome Mon to Fri 9-5 if you just need a dose of growing things. Weekend visits should be arranged by email.
Feb 1,2013	Hard at work on the new on-line Hosta Catalogue. Planting will start next month, so we are busily figuring out where we will grow the 7,000 plants we have ordered. Look for lots of Ornamental Grass in 2013.
Dec 7, 2012	Thanks to all our great customers for another terrific season. We are hard at work preparing for the 2013 season, with plans for more shrubs, of course new Hosta, some Itoh Peonies and more.
June 8, 2012	We carry a good selection of flowering shrubs, including Spirea, Potentilla, Barberry, Hydrangea, Weigela.
May 15, 2012	Lots of new and different perennials, everything has benefited from the warm weather.... Arisaema speciosum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) at right (at least 2' tall). Phyllitis scolopendrium (Hart's Tongue Fern) at far right. Primula veris (cowslip primrose) below...the nicest scented perennial.
Sept 1,2011	What's in Bloom; In the Shade....Actea (Bugbane), Chelone (Turtlehead), Ligularia, Plumbago, Thalictrum. In the Part Shade ... Japanese Anemone, Summer Phlox, Black-Eyed-Susan In the Sun.... Russian Sage, Sedum, Joe-Pye Weed, Helenium, Heliopsis, Buddleia, Roses, Chrysanthemums, Oenthera (Sundrops) and more. Photo Thalictrum splendid
June 20, 2011	What's in bloom; In the shade... Clematis, Perennial Geranniums, Goat's Beard (Aruncus), Bowman's Root (Gillenia), Meadowsweet (Fillipendula), Medowrue (Thalictrum flavum...yellow!!), Coral-Bells (Heuchera), Astilbe, Columbine, Rodgersia, Lamium, Primroses. What's in Bloom: In the sun.....Roses, Peonies, Seaholly (Eryngium), Lemon Drops (Oenthera), Salvia, Cinquefoil, Dianthus, Yellow Baptisia and more.
May 28, 2011	The new pond at the front is working very well and is now stocked with Water-Lilies, Pickerel Lilies, Miniature Bullrushes, Marsh Marigolds, Water Hyacinths and Water-Lettuce.
May 28, 2011	Rain Rain Rain.....and a visitor to the nursery. This painted turtle came through right beside the patio behind the house. Perhaps it was trying to get to drier land? Certainly it was at least 500 ft from anything remotely resembling a pond. All the rain we have had this spring has made for lots of lush growth on our plants...and very little watering needed.
May 19, 2011	What's in Bloom. Brunnera are still going strong, as are the primula's. The Aubrieta's and Arabis (Rockcress) are pretty and the Moss Phlox is starting. The Anemone blanda we potted up has been blooming for over a month now, and the Cammasia are about to bloom. The late tulips we planted in the front garden are spectacular and loving the cool weather. There are lots more varieties in bloom to see when you visit.
May 19, 2011	So many new plants!! So much rain!! Among the plants which have not made it in to our on-line catalogue are; All sorts of new varieties of Primula (candelabra, cortusoides, denticulata, x polyanthus 'Wanda', pubescens, veris and vialii), May-apples, Waterlilies, Water-Hyacinthes, Fruit Trees (including some nice 4 in ones) , Grapes, Currents, Blueberries and many more.
April 29, 2011	Open for the season. Greenhouses are stuffed, with lots of new varieties to choose from as well as old favorites. In blom now are Hepaticas, Brunnera, English Bluebells and Trilliums as well as many more just about ready to flower. In the gardens the daffodils are just starting their display, and the scilla, chinodoxa crocus and other small lawn bulbs are putting on a wonderful display. The four year old in the picture was enjoying herslf in a sea of Scilla in her backyard this week.
April 1, 2011	Just 19 days till opening! New plants are growing in all 3 greenhouses, with lots of exciting new woodland plants as well as new varieties of Hosta, Clematis and shrubs. Last fall we doubled our greenhouse space, so the perennials have lots more space to grow. The garden show at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour was a great success, with lots of familiar faces visiting the booth over the three days.
Feb 1, 2011	This Redbellied Woodpecker is one of the regular visitors to our winter birdfeeders. We also get Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers on a daily basis. Last winter a Pileated came to visit, but the photo did not turn out. The Red-Poll's are also visiting this winter, along with the usual Chickadee's, Nuthatches, Gold-Finches and of course a mob of Blue-Jays.
July 19, 2010	Daylily Photo Catalogue now on-line. Look for Echinacea and Hosta Catalogues coming soon.
May 26, 2010	Japanese Tree Peony in bloom in the garden. Spectacular!!! This is a Paeonia suffruticosa 'Shimadaijin' (Island Minister) blooming in my garden today. It was planted two years ago. The flower is about the size of a cereal bowl. The tree peonies prefer a location with good light but some protection from the hot mid day sun. They will slowly grow to waist high. A beautiful specimen for your partially shaded border. There are still 4 left for sale, hurry though, they won't last long!
May 22, 2010	Victoria Day Weekend! This is traditionally the weekend your frost worries are over and a great time to get out in the garden. Most of our new stock is out of the greenhouses and ready to plant. The irises are blooming like mad, and it's all much more stunning in person. We're open 10 to 6 all weekend.
April 20, 2010	Greenhouse 2 is full of plants for the sun, as well as some spillover shade loving plants. Hosta First Frost on the right is this years Hosta of the Year, and this photo taken on the 18th shows how big and full the plants are already.
January 24, 2010	Getting Ready for Planting. During the winter we prepare for spring planting. On of the chores is getting pro-mix down into greenhouse #3. As you can see, we like to combine work with play, using our wheel-barrow sled. This is also the time of year we make the new catalogue and do our planning for the coming season. Plans are in the works for a booth at the up-coming Garden Show in Kingston, March 5-7.
October 3, 2009	October is great month for Ornamental Grasses. They provide interest through the fall and all winter long with their tall stalks and plumes. Many perennials are still going strong in October with vibrant blooms to brighten your garden. Come in and see the display stock blooming now -- we're open 6 days a week until the end of the month (except Thanksgiving Weekend). The foliage on many plants like this Brunnera lasts well into the fall with sharper contrasts under the greyer fall skies.
May 17, 2009	The new Made in the Shade Perennials Inc. web site went on-line today, so watch this space for news about what's happening at the nursery, which plants are blooming this week, and what's on special.

What's New at Made in the Shade