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All the rage these days is what's new in the plant world, well actually, in anything. It's fun to try new plants. The challenge with new varieties is that there is no history of success. As they hybridize a plant to better one trait, like color, another seems to suffer, like hardi- ness. Some can definitely be a challenge to grow until we learn their idiosyncrasies. But let's not forget about tried and true varieties that have graced our past gar- dens. They lay the foundation of our land- scape because of their ability to grow and thrive. Many of these are still available in gar- den centers today, but if all else fails, turn to the mail order companies. So let's take a stroll down memory lane. Perennial favorites Let's start with perennials. Just look at the world of coneflowers to see an explosion of new varieties. The tra- ditional native varieties have been enhanc- ing our landscapes for as long as I can remember. They are extremely hardy and seem to perform with minimal care. I still have a patch at my house that people com- ment on all the time. A couple of more perennials that attract people's attention are my perennial daisies. Those bright white flowers in spring and summer can light up any land- scape. Let's not forget about irises that come in a multitude of colors for spring as well. There are also my perennial sunflowers — both true and false kinds. Their never- ending yellow summer blooms just make the landscape pop. Let's not forget about the shade; nothing beats a beautiful bleeding heart. My Lenten roses always get attention. Their early bloom always stops people in their tracks. There has been a lot of growth in annual flowers as well. Some of these have been out of necessity like the new varieties of impatiens that are resistant to downy mildew. But there are still some forgotten varieties that can light up any landscape. Ageratum "Blue Wonder" is a taller vari- ety that will illuminate any landscape. Ver- bena bonariensis is another that will fill in a larger area with colors of violet blue. Old-fashioned, traditional varieties of snapdragons, marigolds, zinnias, salvias, geraniums, begonias and many more are all excellent choices as well. Tried and true vegetables Let's not forget about the vegetable gar- den. People are always looking for the newest best tomato, and you know what, I still point them to "Celebrity." It is still one of the best eating tomatoes out there. Looking for a beefsteak? Try Burpee's Big Boy or any heirloom. Looking for a yel- low? Gold Medal is my choice. For a cherry, Sweet 100 is still one of the best reds out there and SunSugar for a yellow. The same goes with peppers, eggplant, lettuce, etc. Ask the experts to point you in the direction of the good old favorites. It's fun to grow new plants, but some- times the favorites of old are still your best bet. They're proven and they've been around for a long time for a reason. Revisit some of the oldies, but goodies, when making your plant decisions this year. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is a horticulturist at Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 5 MICHAEL TIMM Tested by time, thumbs-ups from gardeners Michael Timm Daisies will light up practically any landscape. Michael Timm Got a sunny spot? Sunflowers deservedly earn their name while adding sunny color to any plot. Plants that have been around for a while — with good reason

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