Save room in the flower garden for heirlooms

By Ted Schaaf
Gardens on Spring Creek

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Heirloom flowers are flowers that have been passed down from one generation to the next. These nonhybridized plants have stood the test of time, many of them becoming family heirlooms. Often treasured, they remind us of days gone by. Here are some of my favorites, along with a bit of history thrown in for fun.

Perennial

Oriental poppies (Papaver orientalis) came to Britain from Armenia in 1714 by way of France. They became an instant favorite of gardeners. The bold, bright, gigantic flowers look as if they are made of crepe paper and scream that spring is here.

At my old home, this flower naturalized under the shade of an old elm tree. It thrived on neglect and my whole family loved it. The poppy is a fun cut flower. Be sure to singe the ends to seal in the sap. Otherwise, you'll end up with a table full of petals.

Annual

Often referred to as geraniums, the Pelargoniums are natives of Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. They arrived in Britain in 1632. In America, they made the trip westward in covered wagons. They were probably the scented leaf varieties, as it was originally the main attraction.

The lemon scented variety, P. crispum, has small green leaves edged in yellow. It's a favorite in my greenhouse, especially with children. Easily propagated by cuttings, this variety can add lemon flavor to icing. Just tear the leaves in half and add them to powdered sugar. After 24 hours, remove the leaves and make your icing.

Herb

Nasturtiums (Troparolum majus) were introduced to Europe in 1630. By 1665 they were so well known that few European gardens were without them. Nasturtiums are related to the herb watercress. I have fond memories of collecting watercress as a boy from a creek running through our farm in Wisconsin. Just like their cousin, nasturtiums are edible. Their flowers are peppery in taste and add a festive garnish to greens from the garden. My favorite nasturtium, Alaska, grows in the greenhouse at the gardens. Its variegated, umbrella-like foliage is stunning even when it's not in bloom.

Rose

Roses were regarded by early settlers as a basic necessity of life in the new world as their petals were often used for medicinal purposes. The Harrison's Yellow shrub rose (Rosa x 'Harisonii') is an 1830 cross between two Europeans, R. foetida and R. pimpinellifolia. This rose, which puts all its energy into a single flush of flowers, was brought to Colorado by Cornish miners during the gold rush days of the 1860s. The miners planted the Harrison's Yellow rose throughout the hills of Central City where it can be found today. Although the Harrison's Yellow rose is often referred to as the yellow rose of Texas, the true yellow rose was a woman named Emily West Morgan, a heroine of Texas' war for independence from Mexico.

Vine

Morning glories (Ipomaea tricolor) are native to tropical America, arriving in Britain in 1621. As the name suggests, morning glory flowers fade with the heat of the day. They are vigorous vines that grow well in lean soil. My favorite variety is 'Heavenly Blue.' It was an instant favorite in my greenhouse. That is, until it began to take over. Still, its stunning blue flowers remind me of the beautiful blue skies of Colorado.

Grandpa Ott's morning glory is responsible for the birth of Seed Savers Exchange--a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of heirloom plants--which was founded by John Ott's granddaughter, Diane Ott Whealy, in 1975. She realized this strain would be lost, if she didn't save the seed.

Anyone who saves seeds, takes cuttings or divides plants, and shares them with family and friends, helps preserve a part of our past, which many see slipping away.

Happy gardening!

Ted Schaaf is the horticulturist for the city's Gardens on Spring Creek, located off Centre Avenue about a half mile south of Prospect Road in Fort Collins.