This has to be the best part of summer with all of the summer perennials in bloom.  I took my camera out to see what would be a good pick for the blog this week – and quickly determined that I would have to combine things this week!

The Garden Phlox –  just one word – beautiful.  By combining different varieties – you can extend the bloom period.  Some start to bloom in late June / early July and others later on.  Most varieties of Garden Phlox will grow 2′-3′ and are a good choice for the back of the perennial garden but you need to be sure to allow for proper air circulation.

Monarda – one of the old standard b________ garden plants – cottage

garden plants – or just a stand alone plant.  Tough – easy to grow – probably a must have for the perennial garden.  Also known as Bee Balm it is s irresistible to b_________s, bees and hummingbirds. Uniquely shaped flowers on stems in scarlet red, pink and purple colors.   The foliage of the Bee Balm – Monarda – when crushed  – or brushed up against – or after a heavy rain – is exceptionally fragrant – even spicy.

 

Coreopsis.  How can you not just smile when you see the yellow flowers of the coreopsis?i  Also known as Tckseed, it  is wonderful n the border. Reliable, long blooming daisy-like flowers that bloom from early summer into fall. Coreopsis want  some sun and you can enjoy the show. Coreopsis naturalize and will attract lots of b_________s and birds to your garden. Bright and cheery, you can bring them inside as cut flowers.

Lilies.  Daylilies and Asiatic Lilies.  We visited a friend last night and her lilies were astounding.  A few varieties of daylilies – but her Asiatic lilies were just stunning.

Look around and you will see dayliles abound.  This is a testament as to how hardy they are.  They can hold up to really tough growing conditions and persevere tough winters.  Preferring full sun – they can handle some shade.    Check your varieties – you will find many being “re-bloomers” which means you can really extend the bloom period.

Just a comment now that you have read the blog- no, I didn’t forget to fill in the blanks – it’s just that we can’t fill in the blanks.  The current “law” from the Minnesota Dept of Ag states that if we sell plants (which of course we do) – we cannot recommend the plants that butterflies like to frequent.  Therefore, we have a couple of handouts from the University of Minnesota Extension Service and one I found from the Farmer’s Almanac which list all kinds of butterfly garden plants.  These you will find in our “Butterflies & Hummingbird” information box.

Now is the time to visit our garden center – get a first hand view of the many perennials that will brighten up you perennial garden in mid-summer!