Annual Garden A
Scott County Teaching Garden – 2023 ANNUAL GARDEN
The Year of the Rabbit
The 2023 Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, ushered in the Year of the Rabbit. According to Chinese culture, the rabbit symbol is considered to be a strong symbol of peace.1 Additionally, the Chinese year is further classified by earthly elements, water for 2023, and as one of two sides of the yin yang symbol. “This year is considered yin, and, compared to its light, more active counterpart, emphasizes the importance of rest.”2
In the garden world, rabbits however, have a bit of a perception issue. There tends to be three camps. Camp one, those who loathe the sight of a rabbit. Camp two, those who will tolerate their existence and camp three, those who will go so far as to provide an extra row or two of carrots just for them. Regardless, to which camp you belong, below you will find links* with tips on how to deal with rabbits in your garden.
This year’s annual flower garden design is inspired by the Chinese Ying yang symbol with colors chosen based on the lucky colors, red, pink, purple, associated with the Chinese rabbit zodiac. ‘Wave’ petunias, note: petunias in general are a particular favorite of rabbits, were chosen for their rapid spread and mass color formation. For more information on “Growing Petunias” see: https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/growing-petunias.
Easy Wave Red Velour Petunias are fast-growing annuals that can be grown in the ground or in any basket or patio container. They tolerate the heat and cooler night conditions well. These flower-filled plants grow a little more mounded than original Wave Petunias. Exposure: Sun Height: 6-12″ Full Spread: 30-39″ Water Requirements: Medium Success Tips: Avoid wet foliage going into night. Keep well fed for best performance. Occasional cut back will rejuvenate plants.3
E3 Easy Wave Pink Petunias are cold durable annuals that offer a tidy spreading plant structure. Exposure: Sun Height: 6-12″ Spread: 25-32″ Water Requirements: Medium Success Tips: Avoid wet foliage going into night. Keep well fed for best performance. Occasional cut back will rejuvenate plants.4
E3 Easy Wave Blue Petunia is the most vigorous in in the ‘Wave’ early-flowering collection. This annual offers a tidy spreading plant structure. Exposure: Sun Height: 6-12″ Spread: 25-32″ Water Requirements: Medium Success Tips: Avoid wet foliage going into night. Keep well fed for best performance. Occasional cut back will rejuvenate plants.5
*https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/winterizing-plants-animal-damage
*https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wild life/rabbits/index.html
1 For more Year of the Rabbit information, see the article written by CBS news correspondent, Kimmy Yang, as told to her by Jonathan H. X. Lee, an Asian and Asian American studies professor at San Francisco State University at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/year-rabbit-symbolize-rcna65578
3 https://www.wavegardening.com/en-us/Flowers/PlantInformation?phid=048602869027479
4 https://www.wavegardening.com/en-us/Flowers/PlantInformation?phid=048609216004054
5 https://www.wavegardening.com/en-us/Flowers/PlantInformation?phid=048609216000616