Horticulture and high fashion have mingled to create a new brand for independent plant retailers and their customers. Hort Couture, in association with C. Raker & Sons, put together a sophisticated blend of plants for its 2010 season and the results are chic, stylish and definitely delicious.
In early spring I was invited to participate in the Hort Couture sample program and I jumped at the chance to try so many new plants in my garden. One of the free six packs I received was the Culinary Couture sample pack that included three Sage ‘La Crema’ plants.
The instructions with the sampler recommended using the sage as an ornamental in the garden or combining it with other plants in a mixed container to add color and texture. Because I was already short on garden space, I planted the sage in pots and used them as accents in my large patio garden.
I love any plant that’s as beautiful as it is functional and ‘La Crema’ fits this description perfectly. Its unusual variegated leaves are light sage green with creamy yellow touches around each leaf.
Like other sages I’ve grown, this one is aromatic, but its taste is less intense. I’ve enjoyed using the fresh leaves in a number of summer-time recipes, like sage pesto, but I’m also drying some with plans for using it to flavor my sage stuffing at Thanksgiving.
The folks at Hort Couture say ‘La Crema’ is a form of the popular Berggarten Sage, a variety that’s specially bred not to produce flowers.
The ‘La Crema’ I have growing seems quite hardy. It has stood up to hot, dry days without wilting and is equally perky following a drenching rain. Because it doesn’t need to flower, this variety has consistently produced new leaves throughout the season.
I’d recommend ‘La Crema’ to any gardener who likes to use fresh herbs in cooking and is always on the lookout for something new or different. The Hort Couture marketing program is featured at independent retailers in some areas of the country and is identifiable by its attractive signage featuring the fashion-based icon called Lady Couture.
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Plant Covers Freeze Protection 10 ft x 30 ft Floating Row Cover 0.9oz/yd²
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Lightweight and Breathable MATERIAL Good for protecting Plant: the plant frost cover material is 0.74 oz/sq non-woven polypropylene fabric, which is lightweight, breathable, and durable. The plant blanket frost protection allows sunlight reach the plants, perfect for protecting plants from the damage of freeze or frost. Wide Application In your Garden Work. The plant row cover not only can work as a barrier against frost, but also can be a great tool for germination and good for rapid seedling growth. By using the fabric plant covers over your plant, you can start the plant earlier in the spring and extending the growing season of your plants. How to Use the Plant Covers: you can cover the plant covers for freeze over your the plants loosely directly and then secure the plant frost blanket with soil, stones or staples. You can also support the floating row covers with a hoop, make enough room for plants to breath and grow. You could also cut the plant covers into different sizes for different purposes.
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds
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Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers.
Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.
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