I hope you have plant swaps near near you because they’re such a cool way to get free plants, especially ones that are new to you. Also, you can talk to the plant’s donor about it, and it’s honesty just fun to talk plants with other enthusiasts. This swap was organized by Kathy Jentz on behalf of Washington Gardener Magazine and it’s undisputed that she’s terrific at organizing this type of gardening event or really, any type – photo contests, speaker series – you name it. We probably don’t thank her enough.
Now about the plants I brought home. One is a pink crape myrtle about 2 feet tall and the other is totally new to me – labeled “Cassia Marylandica Senna”. I think this mean it’s a Maryland Wild Senna, which is native to most of the Eastern and Midwestern U.S.
Senna’s in the pea family and looks a lot like Baptisia, another native, but the donor explained that Senna forms a nice mass of roots, so doesn’t hate being moved like the taprooted Baptisia. She also told us it becomes HUGE over the season, then it dies back to the ground over winter like the big perennial it is – not an actual woody shrub – and starts again the next year. Sounds great!
Via Google I found this website, which says that it indeed grows to an impressive 6 feet tall, likes full sun, and likes soil that’s “moist to mesic” – which manages to inform almost no one and certainly not me about what this plant actually needs. You can take that as a mini-rant.
Top photo by Kathy Jentz. I’m on the far left contemplating the asphalt. Lower photo by Jerry Old Nettel.
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I discovered wild senna a few years ago and delight in it. It was growing in a ditch in full sun at a state historic site. I collected seeds and was able to start it by winter sowing. I planted some at the edge of my natural pond. It is also recommended for rain gardens as it tolerates a lot of moisture and then a dry period. Enjoy!
Thanks for the props, Susan
Couldn’t have made the plant swap hjappen without you.
Oh, plant swaps are wonderful! I attended my first swap this year in Madison, WI and brought home two beautiful plants that were new to me. Best of luck with your new treasures!
I have attended in several plant swaps.Good luck to you with your new plants!