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Digging Dog Nursery
a mail order plant nursery
on the Mendocino Coast of California
p.o. box 471
Albion, CA 95410
phone:
(707) 937-1130
fax:
(707) 937-2480
web site by
Garth Hagerman
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Calluna (Heather)
at Digging Dog
Including Calluna vulgaris varieties Wickwar Flame, Sister Anne, Robert Chapman, County Wicklow, & Corbett’s Red
Calluna
Heather
Callunas’ tiny, scalelike leaves range from deepest green to silver, gold and bronze, with some changing color after a frost. Flowering from mid-to-late summer in cool whites, pinks and purples, the small, bell-shaped flowers are frozen in graceful repose on one-sided spikes. Heathers are marvelous fresh or dried. Calluna vulgaris ‘Corbett’s Red’ 
Named for the Oregon nursery where it originated, this reliable American cultivar offers striking crimson flowers that nearly obscure its low mound of handsome greenery. ‘Corbett’s Red’ is a compact, spreading Heather whose richly hued blooms can be partnered with Spiraea ‘Magic Carpet’.
Blooms August–September. Size: 12" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Corbett’s Red (S-0601)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘County Wicklow’
During a visit to Ireland’s Wicklow mountains, Miss Meta Archer first spotted a handsome, low growing medium green heather that seemed worthy of introduction way back in 1925. ‘County Wicklow’ has survived the test of time; It’s renowned for both its beauty and vigor, and acclaimed by the American Garden Society as “one of the finest double pink cultivars.”
A parent to ‘Kinlochruel’, this compact Heather offsets summer’s heat with a verdant bushy base and composed, six in. tall, shell pink racemes.
Blooms July–September. Size: 10"–12" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris County Wicklow (S-0626)
SOLD OUT!
Email me when this plant is available Calluna vulgaris ‘Dark Beauty’
With full bodied colors similar to a fine Pinot Noir, this enticing beauty queen flaunts the darkest hued flower of all Callunas. Deep red buds reveal showy and plentiful, semi-double dark cherry blooms that shade to ruby amid a good-looking, compact darkly green silhouette. Earning Holland’s prestigious Gold Medal award, ‘Dark Beauty’ will beckon you to her side whether she’s poised in the rockery, along a pathway or in a container.
Blooms August–October. Size: 8"–10" high x 14"–16" wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Dark Beauty (S-0654)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Firefly’
Renowned for entertaining the richest, most vibrant brick-red foliage, ‘Firefly’ never fails to snap us out of a gray, winter-day funk. Splendid warm shades ranging from salmon to terracotta imbue the foliage the rest of the year, while deep mauve flowers festoon its upright, compact frame in late summer.
Awarded Britain’s coveted AGM award, this vividly colored heather merits a choice niche in your garden.
Blooms August–September. Size: 18"–20" high x 0" wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Firefly (S-0653)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Kinlochruel’
Without a doubt, this AGM winner plays host to the most lovely double white flowers in the genus. Slowly opening, tiny buds reveal long, downward curving frosty blooms, illuminating the fine textured, bright green foliage that possesses a mounding habit, and in winter, bronze dipped tips.
Blooms July–August. Size: 16" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Kinlochruel (S-0008)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Martha Herman’
Forming a dense low mat of showy bright green foliage, ‘Martha Herman’ is outstanding as a foil or accent with other Heathers and Heaths. Snow white flowers and horizontal spread are the icing on the cake. A real find!
Blooms July–August. Size: 12" high x 2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Martha Herman (S-0009)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘October White’
Offering a clean and classic look out in the garden, this Calluna’s frosty white spires are highly valued by florists inside as well. Later to flower than most Heathers, the elegant fall blooms are showcased against handsome deep green foliage on upright branches. Counterpose its pert stance with
Acaena saccaticupula’s low-lying, silvery blue leaves.
Blooms September–October. Size: 16" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris October White (S-0576)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Pat’s Gold’
‘Pat’s Gold’ celebrates tidy bright golden foliage all year long. Intensely colorful and steeped in opulence, her upstanding compact habit is painted with fiery orange and rich mahogany tones, while pretty pale lavender blooms offer pastel summertime shades. Create a lively display by planting multiples amid green-leafed Callunas or Ericas, and we promise you won’t be disappointed for inviting her into your garden.
Blooms July–September. Size: 15" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Pat’s Gold (S-0430)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Robert Chapman’
Bedizened with golden foliage in spring that bronzes during the warmer months, asserts orange highlights in fall and for a Christmas time display radiates red tinges, ‘Robert Chapman’ is a year-round carousel of color. His glowing dense habit supports stiff stems arranged at varied heights and come summer, abundant soft lavender-pink blooms.
J. W. Sparkes just might have been contemplating this celebrated heather’s zealous display when he named it after his friend, Charlie Chapman’s hard working son.
Blooms August–September. Size: 18" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Robert Chapman (S-0627)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Silver Knight’
Heralding handsome woolly gray foliage throughout the year, this knightly cultivar is yet another J. W. Sparkes introduction. Colder weather paints violet tinges on the leaves, while late summer finds upright branches studded with purple flowers near the tips. Plant ‘Silver Knight’ amid deep green companions such as Calluna vulgaris ‘Dark Beauty’ and Erica ‘Rackliff’ and a captivating contrast is yours to enjoy.
Blooms August–September. Size: 20" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Silver Knight (S-0180)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Sister Anne’
Bursting with lush growth in spring, ‘Sister Anne’s gray-green foliage contrasts nicely with its shell pink flowers. A winter chill will add a hint of purple to the foliage. This Heather is a dense mounding ground cover for lining walks or filling rocky nooks.
Blooms July–September. Size: 6" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Sister Anne (S-0011)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Spring Torch’
New foliage growth blazes orange-yellow, maturing to deep green, with medium pink flower spikes on a loosely mounding form.
Blooms July–August. Size: 20" high x 2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Spring Torch (S-0013)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Wickwar Flame’
With so many upright and horizontal stems, this Heather has an especially wild appearance in its youth. When it matures, however, it develops into a dense, tight mound of unusual foliage: burnt orange-yellow on the upper half and lime-green below, where it is protected from the sun.
During the winter months the color intensifies, making the shrub appear almost as though it’s on fire. During the summer, the color spectrum is extended with lavender- pink flowers blooming along the upper portion of the stems.
Blooms late July–August. Size: 15" high x 2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Wickwar Flame (S-0177)
Each $6.50
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Calluna vulgaris ‘Winter Chocolate’
A delightful melding of warm colors, ‘Winter Chocolate’ is a year-round standout in our Heather garden. Radiantly cloaked with chartreuse, chocolate and golden hues for winter, spring's new growth brings creamy salmon red tips. As the days grow longer, the foliage coloring broadens to a pleasing range of oranges, pinks and yellows, toned by bright greens. As if this isn’t enough, soft lavender blossoms just about smother the plant in late summer.
Blooms August–October. Size: 12"–20" high x 18"–2' wide; hardy to zone 4. Calluna vulgaris Winter Chocolate (S-0470)
Each $6.50
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Latest News
DIGGING DOG NURSERY ***Specials & Events***
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A VALENTINE GIFT THAT GROWS ON YOU!
Choose from a stunning collection of
PINK, PURPLE or WHITE BLOOMING PLANTS
from Digging Dog Nursery!
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GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS
~~SPECIAL VALENTINE OFFERS FROM THE DIGGING DOGS~~
~ 15% Discount on $100 or more worth of plants that
are available now. Orders must be shipped no later than March 2nd
to be eligible for the discount!
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~ 10% Discount on Gift Certificates of $100 or more.
$100 worth of plants for only $90!
(don't forget one for yourself--cash it in on your Spring order!)
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Use code: ”Valentines2010”
& place in the “comment” box on the online order form.
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Sale runs from now through February 27, 2010!
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*** Plant orders must be received no later than February 6th
to be delivered by February 14! ***
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Gift Wrapping for Selected Plants
Valentine’s Day Special Gift Wrap:
If you'd like to select 3 or more of the plants mentioned in Deborah’s Diary, below, to be sent as a Valentine's Gift,
we'll wrap them in silver paper with red ribbon and pack them with a sprinkling of festive red shredded paper. A gift card by Marsha Mello will also be included. Just put "Valentine 2010" in the “comment“ box on the online mail order form, along with the sentiment you'd like us to include.
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DEBORAH’S DIARY:
FOR A COLORFUL VALENTINE’S HOLIDAY
Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for remembering those we love near and far. We hope you'll peruse our selection of intriguing plants. They can be nurtured indoors and then planted in the garden as soon as the frost has disappeared. Next year on Valentine’s Day, your loved ones will still be enjoying this exquisite gift that will keep on growing.
PERENNIALS
Cyclamen
These versatile, easy to grow perennials make an appearance for Valentine’s Day with marbled foliage and dramatic blossoms. After pointed buds rise from established tubers, glorious blooms, composed of five reflexing petals, emerge. Clusters of lustrous heart-shaped leaves etched with pewter, persist all winter, dying back in late spring. Fanciful, pretty-in-pink flowers dress up Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Rose Pearls’s marbled, glistening greenery. Interplant with white-blooming Cyclamen hederifolium ‘White Pearls’ for a marvelous vignette. Blooms from October through November, grows to eight inches and is hardy to Zone 5.
Pulmonaria
One of the earliest plants to bloom, the urn shaped flowers can be picked in February. Easy-to-grow Pulmonarias prefer cool, moist soil. A refined inspiration for those shady spots, Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ will make a great Valentine’s gift. Periwinkle blue flowers that fade with shades of pink stand up to 8 inches above handsome, evenly silver-blotched foliage. Planted en masse, it forms a noninvasive ground cover in a shaded rock garden. Blooms mid-February through May and is hardy to Zone 4.
Bergenia
Bergenia’s are known for the fine, firm foliage mass and Saxifrage-like, waxy flowers that justify their presence in the garden. Great, glossy and nearly evergreen leaves are a handsome backdrop for dense heads of lovely spring blooms that rise on stalwart, red-tinted stems. In winter the leaves become tinged with burgundy, perfect for a Valentine’s remembrance. Bergenia endures neglect, poor soil and some drought. We suggest Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, distinguished for the pure white color of its mature blossoms, its amazing floriferous nature, and leafy robustness. It blooms from April through May and stands 12-15 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 4.
Eucomis
Eucomis belongs to the Lily family and calls tropical southern Africa its home. Pineapple Lily prefers warm, sunny nooks with mulched, well drained soil and protection from excessive winter cold and moisture. In colder areas, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ makes an excellent plant for a favorite container. The burgundy-red, semierect rosette of strapping, waxy leaves appears more green as the weather warms. Crowned by a pineapple-like cluster of leaves, the densely set starry flowers populate thick, cylindrical maroon spikes. The purple blossoms display unique greenish tones adding dramatic highlights to arrangements. It blooms from late July through September, grows over two feet tall and is hardy to Zone 8.
Allium
Alliums or ‘Ornamental Onions’ are embellished versions of the common culinary bulbs. Prospering in a sunny, well drained site, these pest resistant Alliums add flair to the garden, a cherished container, or an arrangement and can be attractive either fresh or dried. Allium schubertii evokes the energy of a bursting firecracker as some 200 miniature star-styled florets top stiff pedicels, shooting out in different lengths from the flower's center. Spidery globes--enormous, loosely arranged lilac-pink wonders--measure at least a foot across. Blooming from May through June, it grows to eighteen inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5.
Thymus
Planted in the herb garden or around and between stepping stones, Thymes love sun and well drained soil, and can even tolerate a dose of wind and salt spray. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, delicately textured Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ fashions a fresh pink blanket of bloom and small grayish green leaves. ‘Pink Chintz’ is one of the first Thymes to flower, blooming from May through July, it grows only 1 to 2 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5. Another fantastic Thyme is Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus ‘Albus’ commonly known as ‘White Creeping Thyme.’ The elfin-sized army of bright green, rounded leaves and thin, straw-colored stems weave a springy evergreen mass. Petite white flowers form a thick summertime icing when they bloom from July through August. Staying low, only about two inches, it’s hardy to Zone 5. Consider Thymus serpyllum ‘Minor’, whose tiny miniature leaves comprise a snug, carpet-like hummock. Remarkably rugged, the gray-green overlapping foliage can endure some foot traffic and hot, dry conditions. Lavender-pink flowers peek from the fine textured, soft-looking clump. Blooms July through August, grows to three inches and is hardy to Zone 4.
Salvia
Sage, was thought, in ancient times, to perpetuate good health. The following tender cultivars make stellar container candidates in cold winter areas. Salvia involucrata ‘Hidalgo’ loves full sun and is known as the ‘Roseleaf Sage’. Large, rounded, dusky magenta buds cluster at stem tips and open into brilliant pink, fuzzy tubular flowers toned down by deep purple calyxes. Dark green leaves are arranged in pairs and complement red petioles on strong straight stalks. Revered by hummingbirds, this bushy Salvia grows up to four feet, it’s hardy to Zones 8/9 and blooms from August through mid-October. Equally attractive, Salvia microphylla ‘Dennis’ Pink’ is touted as one of the best pink-colored microphyllas. These good-sized flowers are a full-bodied fuchsia pink. Freely borne blooms feature dark charcoal-tinged calyxes, hooded upper petals and prominent lower lips illuminated by singular white splotches. The long lasting display energizes a bushy mass of wiry stems and green finely toothed leaves that remain root-hardy through chilly winters. Hardy to Zone 8.
GRASSES
Carex
Offering a sea of striking blue, Carnation-like foliage, Carex flacca (glauca) is a versatile ornamental grass that can take full sun or partial shade. Narrow blades create a noninvasive, slowly spreading mass. Purple-black spikes appear to float just above the solid, flowering stems. Easy to establish, Carex flacca tolerates drought and adapts to an array of growing conditions. Blooming from May through June and standing up to 15 inches, it’s hardy to Zone 4.
SHRUBS
Erica’s
Also known as ³Heaths², Ericas have fine, short, needle-like evergreen leaves with tiny, urn-shaped flowers. Mos floriferous in winter and early spring, these four Ericas make perfect combination of pinks, purples and whites for Valentine’s Day gift giving. Erica carnea ‘Springwood Pink’ sports clear pink flowers engulfing the forest green foliage, followed by vigorous spring growth that sprouts bright bronze. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’ brings carmine red flowers covering a low spreading form. Its deep green, summer foliage bronzes after the first frost. The Erica mediterranea ‘W. T. Rackliff’ has pristine white flowers that stand out against the dee green foliage, which clumps to an almost spherical mound. Erica x darleyensis ‘Margaret Porter’s dainty lilac urns embellish attractive mid-green needles that comprise a low spreading form.
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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE DIGGING DOGS
Can you even believe it?! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we’re expected to welcome our new sisters. There are now THREE cats running around our beautiful nursery! How could they? It wasn’t bad enough that “Clause” showed up last Christmas for ‘mouse patrol’, but Zoe had to go out and find two kittens. Clause is none too happy about the situation, either. Guess we’ll just have to get out to the gardens and do some more digging…that’ll remind Deborah & Gary who’s really top dog around this place. Oh, by the way, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Diggings!
Neptune, Briella & Maya, The Digging Dogs & Clause, Olivia & Parker (the annoying cats!)
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~ ~ DIGGING DOG NURSERY'S 2010 CATALOG is in the mail!
(If you are on our mailing list and don't receive it soon, or you want to order our catalog ($4), you can do so at this web site or call 707-937-1130)
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~ ~ SUMMER & FALL PLANT SALES 2010 ~ ~ July 9, 10 & 11 and
October 8, 9 & 10 Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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~ ~ SATURDAY STROLLS 2010 ~ ~
Informative walks through the Nursery & Nursery gardens
with Gary Ratway, Deborah Whigham and/or Nursery staff
twice a month on alternate Saturdays - June through October.
- dates to be announced -
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GARDEN CLUB NEWS
We are now offering special accommodations for garden clubs, master gardeners and any other educational groups. Set against a majestic backdrop of towering redwoods, our 1.5 acre, family-owned Nursery includes 9 greenhouses, a large outdoor growing area, exquisitely planted borders, hedgerows, a new kitchen garden and more.
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~~We'll provide tea, coffee and water and an inspired setting for a luncheon. Bring your own lunch, or we can arrange for a catered meal.
~~If you would like to spend more time on our beautiful coast, we'll assist you in selecting your lodging.
~~We'll be happy to give your group a guided tour of the Nursery and surrounding plantings that is tailored to your specific interests and needs.
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LECTURES BY DEBORAH WHIGHAM
Horticurturalist and Digging Dog co-owner, Deborah Whigham, is available to travel to your club meeting for a talk and slide show on garden topics such as drought resistant plants and “Off Season Interest in Your Garden.” Deborah has lectured at the Luther Burbank Garden Center, Livermore Gardening Club, the Garden Club of Palo Alto, Marin Master Gardeners, the Shepherd Garden & Art Center, the Modesto Garden Club and others. To inquire about fees and arrangements, call Deborah at (707) 937-1235.
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