Making The Bees Happy
![ParkHillRoots.Pic.1.Plumbago](http://greaterparkhill.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/parkhillroots-pic-1-plumbago.jpg?w=300)
Now that July is behind us, we can look at our gardens and evaluate their health.
If they thrived in July then chances are you have healthy soil, proper irrigation and mulch to help keep in the moisture and the weeds at bay. Perhaps, a few plants look like they are struggling or, just didn’t make it.
For those of you looking to fill in your gardens with hardy, heat-tolerant plants, look no further.
Perennials
English lavender loves the heat. It is drought-tolerant, so too much water will inhibit its growth. It prefers well-drained soil and once established, will require little maintenance with big results. The bees love lavender and will buzz around it all season long.
Typically, there is a large, magnificent bloom from late June through mid-July. You can harvest this awesome crop, or simply let it go to seed. If you cut it back, chances are you can produce another harvest in late September.
Research has shown that planting English lavender in the fall is better for getting it established.
Another favorite perennial is the late-blooming, low growing (12” – 24” tall) plumbago (also known as leadwort). The true cobalt blue blooms that start in late July and go until frost are unlike any other blue perennial in the garden. In addition, this low-water, low-maintenance plant has foliage that turns a deep red when the cooler temperatures arrive, making for some dynamic changes in the garden.
![ParkHillRoots.Pic.2.lavender](https://greaterparkhill.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/parkhillroots-pic-2-lavender.jpg?w=224)
Ornamental grasses
Drought-tolerant, ornamental grasses are finally being accepted by lay-gardening folks. Not only are they nimble and easy to care for, requiring little attention, they offer structure in the garden and winter interest in during the cold months.
Karl Forester grasses, while strong in their columnar form, are over-used, but for good reason. They command little care and provide architectural elements to the garden.
“Morning Light” miscanthus, Blue Avena grass and Dwarf Fountain Grass (‘Hamlen’) all offer a solid texture and structure to the garden while complimenting their blooming perennial neighbors. Grasses are often overlooked and thought of as xeric or desert looking.
In my opinion, they are beautiful and graceful and help to mixing up the perennial bed by offering textural elements and color variations.
Shrubs
My favorite “go-to” small shrub is the ‘Limemound’ spirea. It is small (3’ x 3’) with bright chartreuse foliage, bright pink bloom in the summer and brilliant red fall color in autumn. They are maintained like a low-maintenance perennial, as they are cut back in early spring.
Another shrub worthy of considering is the native Serviceberry. Not only does it bloom in the spring, berry in the summer and produce an amazing fall show, it is not picky. Typically, they are multi-stemmed and used as a substitute for those who like Aspens (which flourish in the higher elevations).
Serviceberries can provide hierarchy, making the garden dynamic. They bloom, produce edible berries, attract birds and have incredible fall color. But, be careful: they don’t like too much water.
When contemplating what plants to use, consider what the plant will offer, and at what cost. How much pruning and tidying and deadheading will be required? What will it offer in early spring? Is it dynamic – does it bloom, have fall color and winter interest?
Regardless of what you choose, do some research to ensure you are creating the proper environment for it … and, enjoy!
A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professional horticulturalist and garden designer who cultivates her own plot on Dexter Street, where gardens and two kids grow. She can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.
AUGUST GARDEN TIPS
• Divide spring-blooming perennials now, if necessary
• Fertilize roses for the last time this season
• Continue to monitor the moisture level of all recently planted trees, shrubs and perennial
• Reduce watering of trees, shrubs and perennials to prepare them for winter
• Keep harvesting herbs. Cut whole stems for drying. Many can be frozen or used to flavor vinegars (which makes a great gift)
• Plant spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens and leaf lettuce. Harvest tender leaves for salads in the fall, then over-winter for early spring greens