May in the Garden

lined up outside the entry gate, eager to buy. Many flowers, plants, and trees were available, as well as other garden items. I noticed that the native plants and wild flowers went very quickly. I’m pleased to see so many “garden-holics” going native! I spent some money on natives to add to my yard, too.

The wild Phlox (purple flowered low growing plant) and Coreopsis (yellow daisy like) growing along the roads and in the fields are truly magnificent this year. It is a real joy to ride the roads and view these two wild flowers in all their magnificence.

At home, I have a Cleome plant that has eleven flower heads on it at one time. The heads are a dark pink circle of flowers, then a pale pink around it. This one plant is a stray, and just popped up. I almost pulled it as a weed one day, but then recognized it. I seem to have difficulty getting the seed to sprout. If you know Cleome and would share your information – please see me at my shop!

Last month I promised I’d share a recycling idea with you. One day I found an old sink in the woods, a small bathroom bowl. I took it home and studied it, and saw that, turned over - it would make a nice butterfly bowl. I dug a shallow hole, “planted” the sink, added some small stones (butterflies need them to rest on and dry their wings after drinking), planted some Zephyanthus (rain lilies), filled it with water, and, voila – butterfly bath. Since it is next to my butterfly bush, butterfly weed and native red Salvia, it is attractive to many butterflies.
It appears we are still in a dry spell. I encourage everyone to water wisely, and to plant wisely. Try to use native plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers rather than imported and water thirsty ones. Information on native foliage is available, for free, from the Cooperative Extension Service at the fairground, or by calling 822-5778.

Until next month – May all your weeds by wildflowers.

(Coming next month – dos and don’ts of mulching.)