Turk’s cap is a perennial, deciduous, shrub-like plant native to the Southeastern United States. It produces small (2-3 inch) red flowers that resemble a closed-up hibiscus. In the Malvaceae family, it is also commonly known as wax mallow, Texas mallow, manzanilla, and sleeping hibiscus, among other common names. This plant flowers in the summer and fall (from May to November) and the flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other … [Read more...]
Zinnias
Zinnias are annual plants in the Asteraceae family that offer a wide variety of heights, colors, and types of flowers. Zinnias are very easy to grow and require little maintenance but offer bright, showy flowers. They attract butterflies and make excellent cut flowers. Plant heights range from 6 inches to several feet tall. Zinnias can be grown in zones 1 through 10. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil and should be grown in full sun. How … [Read more...]
Butterfly Weed – Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly weed grows throughout most of the United States and parts of Canada. Like its name suggests, it attracts butterflies and it especially beneficial for monarchs whose larvae feed on the leaves of the plant. It also provides a nice splash of bright orange color for your garden. Butterfly weed is drought tolerant and deer resistant. It can grow in dry soils with little trouble and prefers full sun. Although most native butterfly weed is … [Read more...]
Hershey Gardens
Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey Gardens has 23 acres of gardens including a rose garden, herb garden, ornamental grasses, Japanese garden and more. My favorite, of course, was the butterfly house and perennial garden. Garden Art Sprinkled throughout the walkways were wind chimes and other garden art that added to the experience. I took a photo of some of my favorites and those that I thought might be easy to make. Container … [Read more...]
Giant Coneflower – Rudbeckia maxima
Rudbeckia maxima, otherwise known as the giant coneflower, is in the Asteracea family. The flower resembles a brown-eyed susan, but the petals of the flower hang down and the center is much taller. This plant can grow up to 7 feet tall. Planted in a large group, it makes a nice visual impact. These showy flowers are great for drier spots in your garden. Despite being found in moist soils in its native habitat, it is drought tolerant. I have … [Read more...]
Landscaping with Texture and Color: University of Mississippi
I recently had the opportunity to visit the campus of the University of Mississippi. I was pleasantly surprised by the less-formal landscaping used on the campus. The interplay of different textures and colors created nice vignettes throughout the landscape. I took lots of photos while visiting and I think you might enjoy getting some ideas from the style of landscaping used at this university. Use of Texture and Structure The use of … [Read more...]
Philadelphia Fleabane – Erigeron philadelphicus
Philadelphia fleabane is a native Mississippi wildflower in the sunflower family (Asteracea) and it looks just like a small feathery daisy or aster. I found these plants growing at the edge of one of the flower beds (that hasn’t been weeded in a while). Fleabane can be found growing throughout much of the United States and Canada. This wildflower is biennial or perennial and grows to be a couple of feet tall with multiple flowers. It prefers … [Read more...]
How To Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are so much fun to watch. Their mid-air acrobatics and daredevil combat flying can be very entertaining. We have planted the front yard to include many flowering plants that hummingbirds and butterflies can feed from. We also put up several feeders in the yard and have a bird bath as a water source. Hummingbirds spend many months in the Southeast. In Mississippi, we can expect them in early to mid-March and some may … [Read more...]
A Visit to the Butterfly Conservatory
I recently visited the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy. It is the best butterfly garden I have visited – and I’ve been to quite a few. The butterfly house was stocked full of flowering plants, a large variety of butterfly species (around 50 or 60), and even some really cool tropical birds. [one-half-first] Blue Morpho Butterflies Tiger Longwing Butterfly [/one-half-first] [one-half] Zebra Longwing … [Read more...]
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