Hollyhock - Chaters Double
The Hollyhock Chater's Double, 'Alcea rosea', has tall spires of peony-shaped double flowers that look great against a fence or wall. An English garden of the 1850's would have several varieties of Hollyhock. Chater's Double has 5 inch flowers on tall spikes that have the colors of yellow, purple, pink, red, white, and apricot. They begin to bloom in early summer and continue to bloom for 30 to 90 days. Hollyhocks prefers full sun and heat. The plants should not be crowded by other plants, and they require good air circulation. Hollyhocks thrive in heavily composted fertile, organic soils. They require regular waterings. Plant seed in early summer, if planted too early they seem to lose their perennial habit. Charter's Double is used for edible flowers, cut flowers, dried flowers, and as background screens. ... more
Radicchio - Milan Milan is strikingly beautiful with its deep red and very white veins. It adds a distinctive, desirable, slightly bitter flavor to salads, is delicious sauteed with butter and garlic, or eaten with slices of fresh tomatoes. Plant the Milan Radicchio in mid-spring to early summer. In warm climates Milan can be planted in the fall for winter harvest. They prefer well drained soil with lots of organic matter. Harvest when heads begin to become firm. Cut head above the crown and it may re-sprout producing another head in the fall.
