Use These Perennials
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The perennial salvia is a family favorite with dark purple flowers. If you trim
the spent flowers you can get blooms almost all summer long. You can get them
in violet-blue or rose-pink and they will grow 2 to 3 feet tall and the same
width. Another name for the salvia is violet sage or perennial sage.
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You can plant six
Perennial Salvias. If you trim the spent flowers you can get
blooms almost all summer long. You can get them in violet-blue or rose-pink and
they will grow 2 to 3 feet tall and and the same width. Another name for the
salvia is violet sage or perennial sage.
The salvia flowers in dry conditions and attracts butterflys. These look
great next to butterfly bushes and are pretty much pest free. The purples will
blend nicely with the yellows from the DayLily and Coreopsis.
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The Threadleaf Coreopsis is a perennial with thin branches but lot's of
beautiful yellow flowers.
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Next, you should plant six
Threadleaf Coreopsis. The Threadleaf Coreopsis grows in full sun
and can produce plants from 1 to 2 feet tall. The flowers normally bloom yellow
and are in full bloom throughout the summer. It makes an excellent border
plant. They are long stemmed flowers and transition nicely as cut flowers.
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The Russian Sage can add year round interest to your garden. Remember to
give the Russian Sage water sparingly as too much water can produce a weak
bloom and floppy plant. Yes, you can even neglect them. A perfect plant.
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Plant Three
Russian Sage. This winter I left my Russian Sage stand instead
of cutting it back. This was our 7th highest snow cover in 100 + years and the
Russian Sage held it's own. It was able to handle the cold, the snow and the
below zero blowing wind. It added great interest as it kept it's head above the
snow line. It requires little care; just a little water and a lot of sun. The
Perovskia can become floppy when planted in too much shade. The leaves are like
lace, very fine and almost "airy". The soil should be well drained and can be
sandy or loamy with good results. If your garden soil isn't well drained then
add sand to the mix.
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The DayLily comes in a variety of colors. I recommend using multiple
varieties for greater interest. Click on photo for a better look.
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Plant Four
DayLilies. The DayLily is no stranger to hot summer weather.
This perennial stands up to anything you or the children can throw at it. It
can be found growing along roadsides after nasty winters and dry summers. But
brings color to your yard and flower garden. I recommend you find a variety of
DayLilies and don't settle for just one variety. You will add interesting color
and a beautiful mix to your garden.
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The Flowering Crabapple starts spring with color. This is those large
white bushes you see in bloom each spring for just a few days.
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Plant one
Flowering CrabApple Tree. You will love the the different
seasons of this tree. You can keep it cut at a manageable height. It provides
resting places and shelter for the birds. In the late fall it will provide food
for late leaving birds. It has many different seasons as it goes from flower,
to leaves to berries to fall colors. A beautiful specimen.
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The Bird Bath will keep you entertained throughout the summer.
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Plant one
Bird Bath. Okay you don't really want to plant it. But, find one
that is interesting and then fill it with water. The birds will come each day
and splash and drink from it. I love just sitting and watching the birds. They
all have their favorite techniques. Some will gingerly approach the bowl as if
a giant alligator will snap at them. Others land in the water like a bad pilot
in heavy winds. They all have different ways to wash and all are interesting to
watch.
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