A new begonia for my collection
This past weekend, Jonathan Wright, a horticulturist from Chanticleer Garden outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, paid me a visit at my East Hampton home and presented me with a very special plant - a begonia called 'Lotusland.'  Jonathan grew this begonia from a cutting taken from Madam Ganna Walska's original plant at her estate called Lotusland.  Lotusland is a beautiful 37-acre botanic garden near Santa Barbara, California, created by Madame Walska. I am very pleased to add this lovely begonia to my collection growing in the greenhouse. I told you about my begonias a while back and I thought it would be nice to revisit them. Do you grow begonias and what are your favorites?
Picture 1 of 20: This is the front of the card that Jonathan Wright gave me along with a cutting of this very same begonia. It is a spectacular plant with giant glossy dark green leaves.
Photos By Eliad Laskin
I think it's great fun to propagate a new plant from a friend's cutting. Right now with the So California water shortage, I'm enjoying my growing collection of succulents.
Your begonia collection is breathtaking!
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | June 25th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Nice plant!
I want to visit 'Lotusland'as well if there`s a chance for me.
Posted by: Grant | June 25th, 2009 at 1:20 am
Great photos! I had no idea of the depth of variety of begonias! Great lesson. I prefer with my limited space to plant cholea. My grandfather exposed it to me as a young girl. He planted begonia too. I guess that I am not in love with them. But your photos have given me some inspiration to reconsider. Yesterday, I bartered warm homemade brownies for a large tray of liquorice plants. My three window boxes on the balcony look gorgoeus and full this morning. I love way they spill over and the silver and green is just spectacular! One of those great unexpected additions coming surrendipitously!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | June 25th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Hi Martha!
Beautiful collection of begonias.
I grow indoor Salmon Daffodil begonias and the pink and yellow blush scentimentint begonias, so beautiful. In Kuwait due to us having 2 seasons, 5 months of cold weather and 7 months of hot weather, I plant indoor plants. While in Lebanon with better weather in the mountains we plant them outdoor in our gardens.
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | June 25th, 2009 at 6:38 am
I put a begonia under my new pergola this Spring and I think it got too much sun. The leaves are curled and brown. I've moved it to a shadier spot and hope it recovers. It has huge red flowers. Your collection is lovely. Do you keep them in the greenhouse year round?
Posted by: Becky from Wisconsin | June 25th, 2009 at 7:36 am
For Becky from Wisconsin - Begonias thrive in warm temperatures, in bright, indirect sunlight. My collection stays in the greenhouse unless I move them into my home where I can enjoy their beauty in a different setting. Your begonia should make a recovery in its shadier location. Good luck!
Posted by: Martha Stewart | June 25th, 2009 at 8:28 am
I am fortunate to live very near Chanticleer Garden and visit frequently. I love to visit gardens and make a point to seek them out in any city. Chanticleer is absolutely one of the finest. The staff has incredible attention to detail and the specimens are unusual. If you get a chance to stop by, be sure to see the "ruins," which evoke the atmosphere of elegant decay. I guarantee you'll love it.
Posted by: John Cipollini | June 25th, 2009 at 9:02 am
These look so cool! I (even with my black thumb) can grow begonias! I love them; thank you for the beautiful show!
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | June 25th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Just beautiful!, Martha!
I very much love foliage, and therefore 'should' have many begonias - as their *leaf power* stays long after the blooms - but currently, I have zilch! However, when I lived and gardened in Connecticut, my landlord, a very passionate gardener, gave me a 'dancing begonia'...makes me wonder now, if it's still there.
Going through the pics, I 'oowed' at all of your beauties, but I 'woo-wooed!' at 'Curly Fire flush', 'Little Darling', 'China Curl', 'Pink Minx', 'Miami Storm' and 'Rex'. 'Looking glass' just kept me looking in awe, not sure what feeling to cast upon it...'magnificant!',...as are all of your begonias!
Wow! Woo! Oow! And thanks!
Posted by: tinay | June 25th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Hello, again!
Had a chance to 'visit' 'Lotusland', and 'woo-woo', again! Sorry to hear how their neighbors suffered loss during the wild fires. I, too, am grateful that 'Lotusland' was spared. Madame Ganna Welska, was quite the visionary, yes? Amazing!
Couldn't get 'Chanticleer Garden' to come up on screen - but that's a *great* gift Jonathan gave you! And now you've got a little spiritual-sprig that connects you to Madame Ganna Walska, via Jonathan Wright!
There's nothing that connects us like a garden! Things can only get bigger and better from here! Namaste!
Posted by: tinay | June 25th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Lovely! I don't grow them but this now inspires me to incorporate them into my garden. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: sherey | June 25th, 2009 at 11:20 am
For cats' sake, Martha...quit teasing me! [giggle] Gee whiz, there are as many varieties of begonias as there are hostas! (And) if you've gotten acquainted with me, by now you know that I want one of everything! I guess, due to simple familiarity, tho', my pick would be 'Rex'.
I use the typical/common bedding plant begonias ('whiskey', 'gin'), as they're so versatile. Of course, they will thrive in the ground but if watered/fed regularly in pots, they look equally as beautiful and can add splashes of color nestled down amongst ground covers. For several years, I used to simply place a whole bedding flat down inside an antique red wagon (it was shallow), and they survived just fine with regular attention - so easy AND pretty, too! They will tolerate a little sun, too - that adds to their versatility.
Early next week I get to tour Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville, VA, and I have to tell you, I can't hardly wait. Yes, the house in itself will be fascinating, what with Jefferson's architecture and inventions, but I have to say that I'm excited to walk thru his gardens, and his orchard... He was a botanist in himself, so I am naturally drawn to him. I know as I'm taking it all in, too, my husband will be standing somewhere with hands on hips, tapping his foot, inferring 'are you done yet?!' [giggle] I of course will reply with 'well, while I'm here, can I just go see...?' [giggle]
I thanked the Lord this morning for all the beauty He has created. (Honest!...I did!)
=^..^=
"Friends are flowers in the garden of life."
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | June 25th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Oh those darn collections. I do not have a green house and that probably is a good thing. I have established iris beds, they survive.
A variety of a one species plant community keeps us grounded and humble when we can observe an individual against the whole.
Posted by: Margie | June 25th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I'll never forget the gorgeous begonias that I saw in the gardens at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. They have a special place set apart just for the begonias where they have every color and variety. It was very inspiring.
http://potsnpies.blogspot.com
Posted by: Clayvessel | June 25th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I am going to Chicago with my Husband and Son in Sept. my Birthday and 40th Wedding Aniv. we have ticket to see a Cubs game, want to know the best place to get Chicago Hot Dogs and Chicago deep dish pizza, going from Sept. 15 - 19, 2009
Posted by: Sandy Ciccaglione | June 25th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
BREATHTAKING begonias, Martha. Thanks for sharing. I love the variety of the plants. Beautiful photographs. I bought a new house last year and I am planning my new garden in front yard, I will be sure to add this lovely plant.
Posted by: Nicole from Illinois | June 25th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Hi Martha - When will you be live again on the air? I taped your show daily during the fall and winter religously to watch you at night, because there's nothing on that really interests me. But unfortunately everything that's playing now during the day - I've already seen. I hope you will be back on "live" soon... I love you and your show - you're an inspiration. Take care and enjoy your vacation - I'll live until you come back!
Susan
Posted by: susan | June 25th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Martha, Begonias are one of my addictions. I adore the eyelash begonias, but my current favorite is Madame QUeen. She is quite unpredictable but just this month she preformed well enough to win a blue ribbon at flower show. I have had this plant for over 5 years and it was the first time she behaved well enough to go to show!
Posted by: Jayne Rogers | June 25th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
So wonderful. I love to learn of new cultivars from the same old guys we take for granted! Take good care of her.
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | June 25th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Lovely. I haven't tried to grow begonia yet.
Coffee is on.
Posted by: peppylady | June 25th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Before you read this,I beg forgiveness.Begonias were a favorite of my darling Mum,who went on without me. Must confess there were a few tears shed with this little rhyme. Nevertheless,hope you get a smile or two.
Oh,'Little Darling'with light green between your veins,
You make such a pretty sight through the window panes.
The leaves edged in burgundy,belong to 'River Nile',
Are golden-green ruffled like lace and beguile.
What about 'Phoe's Cleo'bright green with markings maroon,
Would be glamourous on any heathered doon.
The deeply lobed red backed leaves of the 'Pink Minx'
Are splashed eternally with silver and many pinx.
Lovely patterned leaf with chocolate,ruby and silver white
Is 'Miami Storm',not exactly the most common sight.
Dont forget 'Emerald Glow',bright shiny leaves of green
That keep the promise of an island's captive scene.
With large dramatic spots,a pretty thing called 'Polka Dot'.
Is just another wonderful surprise in a pot.
'Northern Lights',charging,dancing magic,around the pole
And a variegated begonia that dances too,if thats your goal.
Alice in the 'Looking Glass'eating 'Raspberry Swirl'.
A 'Palomar Prince' in fuzzy green,waiting for his girl.
Fine red hair,leaves of chartreuse and chocolate is 'Curly Fireflush'.
'Phil Corwin'with splashes of motley color from an unsteady paintbrush.
Sweetest of them all is 'China Curl',with its center band
Of silver,and the giant glossy green leaves of 'Lotus Land'.
Posted by: celia stock | June 25th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Hi Martha, I love all of your photos of the begonias. I have always thought they were beautiful plants, but have never had any. When I was a kid, my mom had some lovely house plants including begonias that someone gave her one time when my dad was away. When he returned, she had to get rid of all of the plants because he was allergic to all of them. He did grow some flowers outside, but never any in the house. I guess that's why I never had any begonias. I may just start growing some soon because they are beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration and bringing back memories. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 26th, 2009 at 1:35 am
Oh Martha, the new begonia is breathtaking. I have several heart shaped and doubles. I used to have alovely sport outside to take them every year but I lost a beautiful maple and an oak tree last fall and my yard is too sunny. I went to a wonderful county fair last night in a neighboring county and looked at all the beautiful exhibits and am thinking about what I
want to exhibit this year at my fair. Do you have any pie or bread suggestions since I know you have judged at many fairs. You should exhibit one of those beautiful begonias at your local fair.
Posted by: Pam Simmermeyer | June 26th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Nice Plant Martha! Have you ever shared the TickleMe Plant with your audience? Its my favorite plant. The leaves instantly close and even the branches droop when Tickled! I found it on line at http://www.ticklemeplant.com My Mom used to call it a sensitive plant but it really got my kids attention when I told them we are going to grow THE TickleMe Plant and that it really moves fast when Tickled! Every I tell about it thinks im crazy untill they see my plant and how reactive it is. I love my TickleMe Plant`!
Posted by: Jill | June 26th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
To Sandy C going to Chicago:
HOT DOGS: 1. Super Dawg (far northwest side: Devon, Milwaukee & Nagle not too far from O'Hare) 2. Portillo's - many locations
NOTE: have them with the traditional trimmings -the counter person will know - don't try to be fancy or gourmet. 3. Hot Doug's - not the traditional Chicago hot dog but serves simply fabulous, gourmet sausage sandwiches made from all sorts of meats - they call themselves a purveyor "fine encased meats" - also northwest side but closer to Wrigley Field: California just north of Addison
DEEP DISH PIZZA: 1. Giordano's (many locations all over) 2. Gino's East (both locations near N Michigan Ave) 3. Uno and Due's - just west of Michigan Ave (these are the original deep dish pizza - and are FAR better than the francised locations around the country -this is the Real Thing) 4. Lou Malnatis (many locations)
NOTE: the REAL Chicago street food is Italian beef sandwiches, sliced thin with au jus gravy, on a soft roll, green pepper. I think Portillo's serves these, too.
Posted by: Deborah | June 28th, 2009 at 4:16 am
ok
Posted by: Deborah | June 28th, 2009 at 4:20 am
I just love your show. See a hilarious singing telegram that I did. Also, Listen to our music videos we wrote & sang while reading My Finding God Story, Miracles that have happened to me since Finding God, jokes and more at http://www.bodymotionent.com
Posted by: Tim Butler | June 28th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Hi Martha , I Know It's Only June But I Have A Suggestion For You For Halloween. I Hope You Do Another BOO-FET For Grown-Ups.A lot More People In Their 50's & 60's Are Celebrating Halloween !! Also I Was Thinking You Could Come Up With A Elegant Sexy Design For Halloween Dinnerware.The Only Halloween Dinnerware I've Been Able To Find Is At Target. I wrote To Correlle A year Ago,But They Didn't Produce Any Halloween Dinnerware That I Know Of. Thank You For Listening. Lynn Eimer
Posted by: Lynn Eimer | June 28th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
We are pleased to know that you now have a plant of the very special Begonia ‘Lotusland’. Jonathan Wright spent some months working with us at Lotusland in 2001 as part of a fellowship supported by Chanticleer. You might also like to hear the story of the plant itself. It was introduced into cultivation by Rudy Ziesenhenne, a grower and taxonomist for this interesting group, who had a nursery in Santa Barbara. It was a chance seedling in his greenhouse without a name until Ziesenhenne was prodded by a National Geographic photographer to give it one. At the time, many begonias were being planted in a new fern garden at Lotusland, so he honored Madame Walska by naming this new hybrid after her estate. It has large leaves and tall inflorescences of dainty pink flowers (Madame Walska’s favorite color). There are several large plants on display in the fern garden at Lotusland and the plant is now widely grown by specialist nurseries.
Virginia Hayes, Curator, Ganna Walska Lotsland
Posted by: Virginia Hayes | June 29th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Dear Martha, I have never tried to grow begonia,s. I just love to see your animals and your beautiful gardens. I have been really gardening the last 2 years. Also love animals. I think you are a really cool person. So glad to see a woman stand her ground and make something of herself. Bless you Mary Caydler from Berwyn Illinois.
Posted by: Mary Caydler | August 18th, 2009 at 11:04 pm