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In the rush of holiday excitement, it can be hard to focus on spring blooms. But as you know, that's exactly what's on an experienced grower's mind.Modern breeding offers a helping hand for an earlier start with elegant, easy-to-grow Aquilegia. We offer two series that require less vernalization than other columbines. These are tough, programmable perennials, performing on schedule with little fuss. Let's take a look.Aquilegia xhybrida Earlybird™ SeriesNewer breeding supports programmable

Wait, don’t tell me – it’s lavender, of course!Photo courtesy of Running Creek Lavender Farm in Locust, North Carolina.Yes, it’s Lavandula, all right. Nothing else can match the calming, clean fragrance of this legendary herb. That marvelous fresh scent gave the genus its name. Lavender is from lavare, Latin for “to wash.” It’s been used for that purpose for millennia.Mediterranean lavenders have a multi-functional, timeless appeal, making them an essential addition to any garden or la

"Pinks" bring English cottage garden style to borders everywhere. And no one breeds them like Pinks by Whetman, the specialists in Dianthus since 1936.Dianthus is a cosmopolitan genus with over 300 species. A perennial garden staple for centuries, its hybrids now number literally in the tens of thousands. We've selected our favorites for vigor, beauty, and versatility.Explore these strong performers in three unique series, all hardy for Zones 5-8.Early Bird™ SeriesFirst to bloom! These swe

Get ready to roll out the welcome mat for eager early spring gardeners. That first sunny weekend of spring is closer than you think.The Desert Eve™ series is one of the earliest blooming yarrow you can grow. These vibrant, sunset-hued Achillea are adaptable to various soils and thrive in full sun to part shade. Spicy fragrant, ferny foliage stays neat and compact.Cut flower growers and backyard gardeners find these varieties well-suited for fresh or dried arrangements. Bred for vigor, comp

Those who live in actual deserts know, evening is that delightful time you wait for all day, biding time until the heat of day wanes and the colors of the sky grow beautifully deep and mellow.pictured above: Desert Eve™ 'Deep Rose'- Big umbels of deep rose-pink florets.The heat of day? Who can imagine such a thing in January? Well-prepared growers are stocking benches and orders now with early blooming perennials. These flower champions are ready to welcome eager gardeners who will assuredl