Plant(s) of the Week
Tender annuals are power house flowers. Defined as a plant that lives and dies within one season, annuals are generally enjoyed during the summer, when their blooms are on full display. A temporary treat, they provide a welcome change and freshness to your garden. I love using annuals to play with color. Are your pink roses and orange ditch lilies clashing? Tie them together with peach zinnia!
Guest
My sister Sue Ann joins me to talk about container planting. She recently updated her garden with a whole host of thrillers, spillers, and fillers! Think elephant ear, canna lily, persian shield, petunias, verbena and coral bells—I’m jealous. If you’re looking to add height, consider the succulent spiller of many names: Formerly known as aptenia, this sun-loving variegated sun rose is highly adaptable. Currently, I’m enjoying cuphea, a poofy plant bursting with tiny purple flowers. If you are struggling to find a container plant that thrives in both sun and shade, I would recommend sunpatiens, persian shields, and sweet potato vines. Most importantly, have fun with it! Container planting is all about playful exploration.
Playlist
Keep deadheading. This practice encourages plants to redirect energy back into themselves rather than their seeds, resulting in bigger and better future blooms.
Privet and ligustrum are alien invasives. Shear them immediately after they’re done flowering to prevent them from seeding.
Keep watering your new additions and potted plants.
Listen
“The Ugly Bug Ball” by Burl Ives