Tips for Improving Curb Appeal

December 10, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on improving curb appeal.  On many occasions, we think about our garden’s appearance from a very nature-centered point of view.  Improving your curbside appeal will also add value to your home. It would help if you strived to keep the entire area clean, including your garage areas. You may want to look at pressure washing to help. 

Furthermore, one of he most important things when creating a garden is to do a thorough overview of the area.  So, what does doing an overview mean? Well, it means to not only focus on part of your garden, but try to foresee the completed result.  If you are a landscaper, that’s a bonus.  However for those of who are not, we must learn to consider the functionality and appearance of the elements that we have.  Check out these tips.

 

improving curb appeal 1

 

 

Improving Curb Appeal:

 

Play with lighting

One way to improve curb appeal is to implement lighting.  Improving lighting, especially at night can improve your landscape’s appearance!  Good lighting will significantly improve your garden’s appearance after sunset.  And, lighting can be factored into safety factors around your home.  For example, adding motion detectors or a dusk to dawn lamp at your entrance can improve your home’s curbside appeal.  

 

Organize the space

Another thing that is not taken into consideration in the garden is organization and the optimization of space.  People who have little space think they have to fill everything with plants to make the most of it.  Stop, that is a bad idea.  Like everything else, your garden needs to breath.  Even if the garden is large, we must also use other types of elements to add variety to its design.

For example, when the garden is small we have make it look larger than what it is.  To accomplish this, place  trees at the back of the your garden.  Next, place shrubs and smaller plants moving towards the front of the garden.  Medium size shrubs/plants will go in the medium and smaller plants/flowers will go in front of the medium sized plants.

 

 

improve curb appeal

 

 


Also, if you have a lack of space, container gardening is the way to go.  However, you should not use the soil in your garden to fill these same pots.  It will become too compact and rigid for the pots, leading to the death of the plants.  Look for potting soil, which is designed specifically for pots. Having a beautiful garden doesn’t have to be difficult.  With a few tricks and tips you can be well on the way to creating a heavenly space.

So, if you have a large garden take advantage of all the possibilities that space gives you.  Some things cannot be done in a small garden, but you can give a large one greater sophistication.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Growing Lavender In Your Garden

September 26, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on growing lavender in your garden.  Our flower and vegetables gardens will be dormant soon.  Fall is here and winter is around the corner.  As a result, I use winter to plan my spring and summer gardens as well as winter sow my garden seeds.

I decided to add a pollinator garden along one of fence lines this year.  Lavender has found a spot in the garden.  It’s great for attracting butterflies and bees and smells heavenly.  Use lavender for sugar scrubs, lip balms, whipped creams, sachets and more.  The scent alone is worth a few plants, but the DIY sugar scrubs, lip balms and creams are an added bonus for growing it.

growing lavender

 

 

If you decide to plant lavender in your garden here are a few things that you should know before you plant:

  • Lavender should be planted in full sun and well drained soil.
  • Cut the plant back after it flowers.  Cutting it back prevents the plant from becoming woody.  Don’t prune the plant after August though. If you don’t get it pruned before August, wait until spring.  It’s a great time for pruning.
  • Plants should be spaced apart to ensure each has good air circulation. Be sure to read your plant label or do your research if you grow your own.
  • Compost or organic plant food is sufficient for lavender.  There’s no need for fertilizer.
  • Water regularly the first year.
  • Established plants can tolerate dry, hot conditions.
  • If you plant in pots, don’t use a saucer beneath it.  Standing water can cause root rot.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 


 

Growing Lavender in Your Garden

 

English Lavender – The English Lavender is a classic.  If you’re thinking of growing lavender in your garden, consider English Lavender.  It is a smaller variety, more compact and has a strong, sweet aroma.  The stems are long with deep purple flowers.  This variety is great for cooking, crafts and dried flower arrangements.  I garden in zone 6B, so the English lavender is perfect for our freezing winter temperatures.  It is also the easiest variety to find at your local garden centers.  Most plants will grow up to 1 – 4 feet.  If you don’t have a large garden the Petite Sweet Romance plant is perfect for containers.  These varieties include Hidcote, Little Lottie, Ladyann and Lullaby Blue.

 

 

growing lavender

 

 

French Lavender – French Lavender is perfect for humid climates.  French lavender has a silver-gray color and is perfect in potpourri, crafts and sachets.  They produce pale lavender blooms in the spring.  Most plants will grow up to 2 to 4 feet.

 

Spanish Lavender – Spanish Lavender is a great plant for hot, dry areas.  And, it resists fungus diseases as a result of the humidity.  This particular plant grows from 1 to 4 feet, so it’s perfect for an upfront spot in your border.  If you remove the spent blooms, the plant will bloom a second time.

 

Good companion plants for lavender are rosemary, thyme, verbena, salvia and sedum.  Surround your lavender plants with any of the above and they will love you for it.  Order a few seed packets or visit your garden center in the spring for a few plants.  You won’t be disappointed.  You may also like The Benefits of Lavender in Your Backyard Garden.

 

 

 

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Beautiful Flowers and Plants For The Home

September 3, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on flowers and plants for the home.  Flowers always set the mood with their colors, texture and appearance.  So, I’m going to share a few fall flowers that will last months, some years. Additionally, if you are looking for places to find flowers, check out Calloway’s Nursery for inspiration.  

 

flower and plant ideas

 

Here are a few flowers and plants you must try:  

 

Orchid

This beautiful plant has stolen the hearts of millions of people.  It will stand the test of time if you know how to care for it. It needs moderate watering, and when its roots are bright green almost like its leaves, do not water. When they turn ash green, it’s time to water it. When all the leaves have fallen, you can cut the stalk to a height of one centimeter below the flowering stalk.  Taking this step will allow the plant to grow again.  Furthermore, it will continue to produce beautiful flowers. It does not want direct sunlight, so place it in a bright or semi-shady place. Orchids in the garden are also a great way to improve curbside appeal. 

 

Hibiscus

 

A special plant with beautiful flowers that we all love. You can find it in many sizes and colors and it is perfect in the  interior of a home.  It can withstand outside temperatures if it’s not too cold. It is very sensitive to very low temperatures. It needs moderate to frequent watering, and wants a bright and cool place to grow.

 

 

flower and plant ideas

 

 

Philodendron

It is also called a “money plant”.  The Philodendron is called the money plant because of its round, flat leaves.  Many think they look like coins.  Next, it is one of the most beloved plants in interior decoration.  Philodendron like to climb, and have leaves that are heart-shaped. You will see it standing haughtily next to a bookcase or in bulky pieces. It does not need a lot of light, but it loves moisture. 

 

Anthurium

If we could say that there are flowers with personality than anthurium would definitely be one of them. The intense green on the leaves and the red on the flower create a contrast that stands out in a room. Anthurium needs light, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is highly resistant to heat and high humidity. Additionally, it does not need frequent watering. Once a week during the winter months and twice during the summer months is enough to keep it in perfect condition. All you have to do is clean the flowers with a damp cloth because dust collects on their surface.

 

Gloxinia

Do you want to illuminate your space and give it vitality and color? Gloxinia is a flower that undoubtedly catches the eye. You can place it in a pot in the house or in a planter outside and let its large leaves and colorful flowers steal the show. The gloxinia looks like a small bell with a soft velvety texture. Prefer to place it in a place with enough light, ideally near a south or west window. During the autumn and winter period when the flower is resting, you should reduce the watering a little. 

 

I hope that you select one or two of these beautiful flowers and plants for the home.  They will immediately

 

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Simple Garden Wow Factor Tips

August 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on simple garden wow factor tips.  Our gardens have become more important than ever as we battle the Covid-19 crisis. A worldwide pandemic wasn’t anything that anyone expected. Just a few short months ago, you were probably planning your summer vacation.  Or, looking forward to getting a new car or upgrading your kitchen.  However, these plans have now had to be placed on hold as the world enters uncertain economic times. 

garden wow factor

 

 

With lockdowns being enforced, our gardens have become the only outdoor spaces that we have had to enjoy. They have allowed us to reconnect with nature.  Furthermore, they soothe us and allow us to relinquish our anxieties. Our gardens have had a positive impact on our mental health during these unprecedented times. Being one with nature  lowers our blood pressure and can help our bodies release our happy hormone, dopamine. Mix this a little Vitamin D  and we can feel healthier, more alert, and less stressed.

Every garden needs to be maintained, even during a pandemic.  So, why not head out to the garden, get some Vitamin D and get your happy hormones dancing.  Unfortunately, purse strings have tighten as a result of the pandemic.  But, you can still achieve and maintain a beautiful garden.

 

Garden Wow Factor Tips:

 

Water Feature 

If you adore water, implementing a water feature could be perfect. Many people yearn to hear the sound of trickling water.  Personally, I find it soothing and relaxing. The large orb fountains are very on-trend, but can be costly. Instead, consider installing a pond into your back garden. With a pond liner, some hard graft to dig a hole, and a hose to fill up your pond space with water, you can create a habitat for wildlife. Place some water lilies into your pond and some algae to help oxygenate.  And, you can create a healthy home for toads, frogs, and insects. You could install some underwater solar lights to help give your water feature the wow factor in the evening. Install a central fountain that you can pick up cheaply from a DIY store and enjoy listening to the sound of soothing water in your garden.

 

Borders

If you have borders that have seen better days, it’s time to clear the jungle of weeds and take it back to the bare soil. Till the area to break up the soil and add oxygen. Mix in some organic compost to give it nutrients before planting.  Think about what you want to plant in your borders. You have a blank canvas now.  If you are keen on creating a colorful landscape, think about the sorts of hues you want. For purple and blues, opt for a some bluebells, some deep purple dahlias, and some classic hydrangeas. These different floral patterns and bright colors will give your borders the wow factor for sure. 

If you are after a more sculptural display of fauna, think about some exotic palms. These are ideal if you have a south facing back garden and enjoy plenty of sun throughout the day. They relish the heat and light that full sun brings. Also, there’s nothing better than laying some shingle or gravel and putting in the windswept bonsais, cacti, and the hardy winter leafy plants. These need very little maintenance and can survive through droughts.

Furthermore, think about your watering regime. Many people create watering channels for their garden, with one of the many water tank pumps available to power their irrigation. You are much better watering your garden every two or three days and giving them a good drink of water rather than a little drink every twenty four hours.

 

Vegetables

Another one of my garden wow factor tips is to grew fresh vegetables. Set aside a specific section of your garden for vegetables and crops.  This way your flowers and other plants won’t have to compete for the same nutrients. Raised vegetable beds are ideal and very cheap to create. Use any wood that you have lying around to create a frame of any shape. The only requirement is that you can fill this frame with about eight inches of compost. This way, any seeds you sow will have enough space to put down some strong roots. 

Make sure your your vegetable bed is level on your soil or patio. Fill your raised bed with good soil and compost. Sow your seeds  according to the instructions on your seed packets. Keep it simple to begin with.  Especially, if you’ve never grown vegetables before. Potatoes are super easy to grow and the results are almost instant. The same goes for carrots and pak choi. This is also a great way to get the kids involved and away from their computer screens and tablets. As your simple vegetable plots begin to produce, you can begin to experiment with more exotic fruits and vegetables.

 

 

garden wow factor tips

 

 

Dining

If you really want to give your garden the wow factor, consider making your patio the ideal space for dining. With the sunlight hours reaching their peak, there is nothing nicer than eating a family meal outdoors. Your kids will love spending some quality time together as a family and enjoying some good food outside. Clear your patio of weeds and consider installing an awning that attaches to your house.  It can provide shelter from the sun or rain. No matter how fierce the elements are, you can remain cool and dry.

If the nights are getting a little chilly, think about installing a fire pit or chimnea. These are a lot of fun as well as heat-producing models on the market. Rather than shivering the evening away under a blanket, you can keep warm next to a patio heater. Fire pits are also great to toast marshmallows and have a very rustic style barbecue.

 

Your garden has become an added living space to your home, so it is time that you start treating it with some respect. Implement a few of these garden wow factor tips.  You can be enjoying a beautiful garden space without breaking the bank too.

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How to Maintain Your Passion for Gardening

August 16, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to maintain your passion for gardening.  The benefits of gardening range from eating healthy  to relieving stress.  So there’s a reason you’re obsessed with this hobby; you might live until the ripe age of 100!

However, you can invest a lot of time in your hobbies.  Before you know it, your schedule revolves around gardening and you begin to lose the passion.  When that happens, gardening can feel like a full-time job rather than a hobby.  The good news is that you can pull back and still keep the fire burning.  Carry on reading to learn more.

 

 

passion for gardening

 

 

Avoid The Stuff You Hate

Unfortunately, there are parts of gardening that we all dislike! However, hire someone to do the things that you don’t like.  For example, I love working in the vegetable garden and the flower beds.  However, moving the lawn, trimming the lawn and maintaining the shrubs are things that I don’t particularly like to do.  So, the brilliant thing to do is hire someone like residential lawn care service and pay them to take care of keeping the grass lush and green.  That will leave you time to focus on watering plants so that the flowers bloom big and bright.

 

Supplement Your Garden 

Many gardeners have a ton of vegetables to pick and not enough hours in the day to pick them.  Growing your own food is commendable.  It saves money, reduces waste, and allows you to increase  your fruit and veggie intake. However, keeping up with the maintenance is tough, back-breaking work, and it might get too intense. Therefore, buying a few groceries during your weekly shopping will take the pressure off your shoulders.  After all, you don’t need to grow vegetable there is in your garden.  Grow only what your family will eat. 

 

 

passion for gardening

 

 

 

Find Other Ways To Unwind

Spending too much time in the garden will eventually leave you burned out.   With this in mind, it’s important to find an alternative way to relax.  That way, your lifestyle will be more well rounded.  And, your passion for gardening won’t disappear. Something as simple as walking could be all you require to change environments and keep the fire burning.  Similarly to gardening, walking is low-intensity and includes plenty of visual cues that stimulate the brain.

 

Put Down The Tools

You do know that you are allowed to step into your garden without having to pick up any equipment, right?  As tempting as it is to perfect your vegetable patch or flowerbed, it takes away from why you implemented one in the first place.  Just enjoy the surroundings.  If you’re only going to mess with drooping sunflower heads, your brain won’t switch off. It’s best to set up a corner of the garden with a comfy chair in the sade and take advantage of what you have created.  Now that’s the sort of fair-weather gardening that everyone can get behind!

 

So, I hope you liked my tips on how to maintain your passion for gardening.  Now, start planning your spring, summer and fall garden and never loose your passion!

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden

Attracting the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

August 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to attract the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly to your backyard.  Summer is filled with beautiful flowers of every color, pollinators, children playing and butterflies fluttering.  I’ve been adding plants to my backyard that will attract more butterflies.  Also, I purchased butterfly nets for my grandchildren to catch and release them.  It’s great exercise for them, and a great way for them to learn about nature’s pollinators.  So, I’m going to share tips on various butterflies that you may find in your backyard or may want to attract.

 

tiger swallowtail butterfly

 

 

One of my favorite butterflies is the Tiger Swallowtail.  I love their bright yellow and black colors.  I welcome them every year in my backyard.  The Tiger Swallowail is one of the most familar butterflies in the eastern United States.  It’s so popular the following states have adopted them as their state butterfly:

 

  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Virginia

 

The tiger swallowtail butterfly certainly won my heart, so I can understand why various states have adopted them.  You can attract them to your backyard from spring to fall with the right plants.  That’s right, you can attract these beauties all summer.  However, you must provide plants that produce nectar, listed below, and woody plants where they lay their eggs if you want to keep them around.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 

 


 

 

 

Host Plants for the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly:

  • Butterfly Bush
  • Milkweed
  • Lilac
  • Phlox
  • Honeysuckle
  • Joe Pye Weed

 

Woody Plants for Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly: 

  • Cottonwood
  • Ash
  • Birch
  • Wild cherry
  • Tulip tree
  • Magnolia
  • Willow

 

Fortunately, I have both ash and wild cherry trees in my backyard.  This galvanized tub sits below the cherry trees.  Now that I know they love salvia, I’ll plant more.

 

 

tiger swallowtail butterfly

 

 

 

This male tiger swall0wtail butterfly was enjoying my salvia.  He enjoyed the nectar for quite awhile.  I would suggest that you take your camera or phone with you when you head out.  I have missed so many opportunities to capture great nature photos because I left my behind.  The tiger swallowtail has a two week life span.  So, enjoy these beauties while you can.

 

 

Identifying Traits of the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly:

  • Yellow to yellowish orange
  • Males have 4 black (tiger) strips on their wings
  • Wings are bordered in black with yellow spots
  • Long black tails have blue patches
  • Females can range from the same yellow color as the male to a dark almost black color

 

 

female tiger swallowtail butterfly

 

This female tiger swallowtail butterfly, above, loves my petunias.  She visited oftens.  Growing host plants in your backyard will attract the tiger swallowtail butterfly.  Look for plants that are native to your area.  Know your garden zone.  It’s imperative to selecting plants for your backyard.  I garden in zone 6B, so native plants in my state may not be native plants in yours. So, make sure you do your research on what will work for you.  A bonus of using native plants is that they are already acclimated to your area.  And, native plants are easier to grow and require less maintenance.

The eastern tiger swallowtail live in deciduous woods along streams, rivers and swamps.  I have a bird bath with a fountain that runs in my backyard.  I’m not sure, but I believe it is an attraction as well as the trees and flowers.  I love experimenting to see what I attract.  I suggest that you do the same.

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Best Gardening Gloves for Beginners

August 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on the best gardening gloves for beginners.  There are so many gloves on the market, but many gardeners are unsure about what gloves are needed for what.  Some are better than others.  So, the type of gloves that I grab depend on what’s on my agenda for the day.  For example, will I be weeding, planting, pruning or watering my garden.  There are gloves for the majority of garden tasks. Some are designed specifically for one task others are designed for multiple tasks.  So, do your homework before buying.

 

 

 

best gardening gloves

 

 

 

Weeding – Every gardener needs to wear gloves when they’re gardening.  I spend most of my time weeding either my vegetable garden or my shrubbery bed.  So, I like to keep a supply of these gloves for this task on hand.  I purchase several pair, so I can wash my gloves when needed but still have another pair to resort to. Laundry day and gardening day may not be in sync.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 


 

Pruning – I have a rose garden filled with the most beautiful pink and burgundy colored blooms.  Having fresh cut roses in my house is so refreshing.  But, I hate having my arms and hands scratched from cutting them.  Unfortunately, I can’t wear regular gardening gloves to prune or cut my roses.  The thorns just won’t allow it.  So, I wear gloves that not only cover my hands, but my arms as well.  They’re great for cutting back shrubs and branches.  I highly recommend purchasing a pair for your garden chores.

 


 

Digging/Planting – I wear digging and planting gloves when I’m transplanting my seedlings, plants from the nursery or pots from the gardening center.  I have a pair of the gloves with the claws that I absolutely love.  They’re great when I’m digging holes.  They have several options, claws on all fingers or just one claw on the pointer fingers.  Check them out, and grab a pair that’s comfortable for you.

 


 

Water Resistance –  If the weather isn’t cooperative, every gardener must water their garden.  So, I like to wear gloves that are water resistant.  Having wet gloves on your hands is the worst feeling.  Also, I have several bird baths in backyard.  Water resistant gloves are great when I need to clean them or the furniture.

 

 

 

best gardening gloves

 

 

 

 

Touch Screen Compatible – If you like to post pictures of your vegetables and flowers on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll love a pair of gardening gloves that are touch screen compatible.  Personally, I remove my gloves.  Or, if I do leave my gloves on I use a stylus.  However, I’ve heard mixed reviews on touch screen gloves.

 

 


 

 

Nitrile – I have lots of the Nitrile gloves.  They are my favorite gloves to wear regardless of whether I’m in the vegetable garden, shrubbery beds or flower garden. These gloves come in an array of colors, they’re light and most are puncture resistant.  I wear them when I’m weeding, planting or cutting back shrubs. They also keep my hands clean and dry.  I look for nitrile gloves that I can throw in the washer.  And, I purchase packs that have more than one pair.  I don’t want my favs to be in the wash when I’m ready to head out.

 

 


 

So, I hope my tips on the best gardening gloves has been beneficial.  No matter what task you’re performing, wear gloves.  They will protect your hands from scratches, dirty fingernails, callouses, bacteria and fungus which can cause an infection.  I’ve seen the hands of gardeners who choose to not wear gloves, don’t do it just don’t do it.

 

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Why Do I have Drooping Sunflower Heads

August 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing garden tips on drooping sunflower heads.  I grow sunflowers every year for pollination and food for wildlife.  Unfortunately, I always have drooping sunflower heads.  When I first saw the drooping sunflower heads, I was disappointed.  I grow a variety of sunflowers from Russian Mammoth, which I have grown up to 14 feet high to a smaller variety like Lemon Queen.  Regardless, I end up with drooping sunflower heads.

 

 

drooping sunflower sunflower heads

 

 

Why You Have Drooping Sunflower Heads:

 

Seeds are Maturing –  Once sunflower heads have completely bloomed and pollinated, the sunflower head will become heavy with seeds.   As a result, the heads will bend over.  One good thing about the bend head is that they will drop seeds.  Hopefully, they will germinate the next growing season.   The American Goldfinch love the seeds. They arrive early morning and feast throughout the day.  Also, you can harvest the sunflower heads and save the seeds for roasting or adding to your birdseed mixture.  I do both.  And, I share with fellow gardeners.

 

Weren’t Planted Deep Enough  –Sunflowers need to be planted deeply so they can hold up tall stalks and heavy flower heads.  Once they droop, there isn’t a lot you can do.  If you can tie up the head without damaging it, give a try.  Otherwise, add organic matter to your soil.  The amendment will help the soil absorb water.  Once the plant has been planted, water deeply every 4 – 5 days to encourage deep roots. This will produce a strong, thick stalk with can hold up the heavy heads.  I have had to stalk a few to keep them from falling over.  I always keep metal t-post around.  They are great in supporting the heavy stalks.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 

 


 

 

Sunflower Heads are Heavy  –  I plant a combination of giant sunflowers like the Russian Mammoth and the Grey Stripe.  The picture above is the Grey Strip.  My Russian Mammoths and Grey Strip grow around 9 – 11 feet.  The heads are massive, about the size of a dinner plat.  They stand erect once the head appears, but it’s not usual for the head to end up drooping because it’s heavy with seeds.  The head holds approximately 1,000 seeds, and weigh about  2 – 3 pounds.

 

Lack of Water – If the heads are drooping and the leaves are wilting, your plant probably needs water.   Adding mulch or straw around the stem will help it to hold water.  Water deeply, and make sure they are receiving water when needed.

 

 

 

 

drooping sunflowers heads

 

 

Sadly, I have found that my smaller sunflower plants have drooping heads too.  I love when those little smiling faces are up and shining in the sunlight.  This is a Lemon Queen (above) which droops too.  It is much smaller that the Russian Mammoth and Grey Strip.  It only grows to about 4 or feet and the heads are about the size of a saucer.  This sunflower is one of my favorites.

So, not matter what variety of sunflowers you grow, you will end up with drooping sunflower heads.  It’s all a part of mother nature’s plan

Check out my post on sunflower varieties.  Although, you may end up with drooping heads growing sunflowers is a great activity to do with kids.  They also provide food for wildlife, make great summer bouquets and beautiful wreaths and crafts once dried.  You may also like Gardening for Wildlife.

 

 

 

 

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Best Native Plants for Pollinators

July 26, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on native plants for pollinators.  First, check out my post on How to Attract Pollinators before you leave. Pollinators are needed to help produce flowers, fruits and vegetables.  So, it is imperative that you plant a garden that will produce nectar for bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, hummingbirds etc.  These are the top pollinators in gardens.  As a result, you will want plants that will attract them.

Next, annuals, perennials and native plants will attract pollinators.  However, native plants are preferred.  Since they are native, they don’t require fertilizers and they adapt easily to soil conditions.  And, they require less water than annuals and perennials.  I love planting a combination of natives, annuals, and perennials.

 

native plants for pollinators

 

 

Here is a list of native plants for pollinators:

 

Eastern Red Columbine – So, this plant attracts humming birds and blooms April through May.  It it known for its beautiful red and yellow flowers.  And, it can be grown from seed.  However, it will bloom in it’s second year.  Eastern Red Columbine thrives in shade and in the sun, but must be watered.  Great for zones 3 – 8.

Black Chokeberry –  Next, this is a small to medium size shrub that grows about 3 – 4 feet and produces white flowers in April and May.  Afterwards, you will find black fruit that will grow into winter.  These berries will help feed backyard birds during cold weather.  The foliage is a bright mix of red and orange.  Great in zones 3 – 8.

Purple Milkweed –  The purple milkweed loves sun and dry soil.  It produces dark purple flowers in June and July.  The plants grows to about 2 – 3 feet, and attracts monarch butterflies.  Perfect in zones 3 – 8.

 

native plants

 

 

 

 

Butterfly Weed –  Also, this plant produces bright yellow, orange, and red flowers, which attracts lots of beautiful butterflies.  It plays an important role in my butterfly garden.  It likes full sun with good drainage soil.  Plants grow to about 1 – 3 feet, and blooms July – September.  Perfect for zones 4-9.

Mountain Goldenrod – This plant grows about 2 feet and produces yellow flowers that bloom July – September.  Actually, they prefer part shade and rocky soil.  The yellow flowers attract butterflies.  Perfect for zones 3 – 8.  I’m lucky, Goldenrod grows wild around my property.  As a result, I transplanted several plants this fall into my butterfly garden.  Hopefully they will survive the winter.

Smooth Aster – So, this plant grows about 2 – 4 feet, and loves full sun to part sun.  It produces blue flowers from August – September.  Great for zones 3 – 8.

Fire Pink – This plants will attract hummingbirds.  It produces crimson colored flowers and blooms May – July.  The Fire Pink loves full sun or full shade.  Looks beautiful in gardens and woodlands.  Perfect for zones 4 – 8.

 

 

native plants for pollinators

 

 

 

Golden Alexander – This plant is an blooms early, and is a member of the carrot family.  Most importantly, it is a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly.  It prefers full sun to part shade and grows to be about 1 – 3 feet tall with a 1 – 2 foot spread.  Great for zones 4 – 8.

Hoary Skullcap – This plant loves sun, part shade to shade.  It grows 2 – 3 feet, but should be planted in a large garden so it can spread.  The plants produces purple, blue or violet flowers that bloom from June – September. Perfect for zones 4 – 9.

Rosinweed – This plant is similar to a sunflower.  It grows to be 4 – 6 feet, but usually tops out at 3 feet. It is happy in full sun to part shade.  And, it blooms from June – August, and the Goldfinch love the seed.  Great for zones 4 – 8.

Queen of the Prairie  –  This plant loves full sun with rich soil.  It produces cotton-candy pink flowers that are puffy like cotton candy.  The plants grows to about 2 – 8 feet and produces blooms from June – August.  This is perfect for Zones 3 – 7.

Purple Coneflowers –  Last, coneflowers love sun to part shade.  The purple coneflower produces pink flower and produces seeds that the Gold Finch loves in the winter.  The plants grow approximately 3 – 4 feet tall and bloom from June –  August.  Perfect for zone 3-8.

Last, I hope that you will check out each of these beautiful plants and determine if they will grow in your growing zone.   If so, purchase a few for a favorite spot in your garden.  It’s important that we add more native plants each year.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens Tagged With: , ,

How to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden

July 24, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing tips gardening tips on how to attract pollinators to your garden.  What are pollinators and why are they needed? New gardeners often have these questions.  First, lets start with what are pollinators.  Pollinators carry pollen to plants so they will product flowers/blooms.

So, it’s important to plant flowers and plants that produce nectar.  Nectar will attract pollinators, which include butterflies, bees, beetles, humming birds, wasps and moths.  These insects and birds are our top pollinators.  However, the wind is also a pollinator.  Flowers, fruits and vegetables are produced by pollinators carrying pollen from one plant to the next.  Without them, there will be no fruit or vegetables to harvest or beautiful flowers to enjoy.  As a result, we must attract pollinators to our gardens.

 

 

how to attract pollinators

 

 

 

How to Attract Pollinators: 

 

Plant Native Plants –  Plant native plants rather than annuals.  Native plants are those that grow naturally in a particular area.  Furthermore, they act has a host for butterflies and they provide support for pollinators.  Native plants require less water, fertilizer, pruning, and they require little or no pesticide.

Provide Shelter – Bumblebees need open ground and bare patches of soil to nest.  Provide an area away from your entryways.  I had Bumblebees make a nest in the shrubbery bed leading to my front door.  That was not a good thing.  Also, dead wood and tree stumps make good nesting areas.  Compost piles, brush and hedges make good nesting areas too.

 

 

how to attract pollinators

 

Use Different Colors in Your Garden –  Make sure your garden has a variety of color and texture.  Red, yellow, lavender, white, pink mix it up. Different sizes and shapes should be considered too.

Provide Water – Pollinators are living creatures, so you must provide water for them to survive.  Install a pond, bird bath, fountain or shallow dish with water.

Have Something Blooming at all Times – When purchasing native plants, consider their bloom times as well as planting zones.  Having a plant blooming from May to September is ideal.

 


 

 

Provide Flowers and Plants in Masses – Plant native plants/shrubs in masses.  Five or more is great.  If your garden area is not large enough to accommodate 5 or more, plant at least 3.

Provides Food – Our backyard birds need food, so look for plants that will help produce food for our feathered friends.  Sunflowers, asters, coneflowers produce seeds and dogwoods, cedar and holly produce berries.  Consider planting a few in your garden.

I hope these tips on how to attract pollinators were beneficial.  Give some thought on what plants would work well in your backyard.  Start with a small area, and increase your plantings yearly.  Finally, saving seed and starting new plants can be a big money saver too.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,