If you Love Astilbe...

By Sam Florance

I was by Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens today in search of astilbe because I'd heard these folks had many varieties.  I wasn't disappointed!  There were more astilbe varieties than I've seen in one location, and they were beautiful!  

 The display areas are packed with astilbes that are now coming into bloom. The largest shade house has a long series down the middle, the end of that house has an assortment arranged on landscape cloth, large pots are at the entrance to the middle shade house, along the office building and intermixed with other perennials. If you cannot find what you want, ask; George Africa, the owner, is very helpful.
Not sure where you will find a better selection in Vermont. #astilbes;#vtflowerfarm;

I came home with Maggie Dailey, Mighty Pip, and Visions: Sweet Purple, three of each.  It took me a long time to decide because there were so many varieties to choose from.  My husband, who went along for the ride, had a great time conversing with George.  

We also took a look at their hosta display garden, but rain was threatening, so we'll go back another day to admire their large collection. They have some very large varieties! George kindly gave us a ride back to the sales area in his handy golf cart.

Check the farm out on the Internet at:
http://vermontflowerfarm.com or at the gardens at 2263 US Route 2, Marshfield, Vermont 05658. Always at 802-426-3505, seasonally at 802-426-3506.  You'll have fun!

​Also, take a look at George's Blog, "The Vermont Gardener," http://thevermontgardener.blogspot.com