Xylem & Phloem

Little did I know that one plant could attract so much wildlife to my garden. I've raved about Salvia 'Indigo Spires' before, but my observations of the plant over the past month have certainly confirmed my beliefs that this plant is a MUST for any gardener in search of a garden workhorse. Not only does it bloom again and again from spring until frost, it is drought-tolerant, requires no staking if pruned correctly, and attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and beneficial creatures like bug-munching lizards and preying mantis.

Find more photos and a few tips for growing Saliva "Indigo Spires' in your sustainable garden after the jump:

Continue reading "One Plant: Myriad Wildlife" »

Posted by Callie at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I love shade gardens. When I moved into my house two years ago (wow! I can't believe it's been two years!) I performed a significant amount of garden rehab, and turned an unloved, shady lawn area into a shady garden oasis (with the help, inspiration, and guidance of my brilliant mother). One of my favorite plants in my shade garden collection is Trycyrtis hirta, otherwise known as the Toad Lily. This easy-to-care for perennial made its way into North America gardens from East Asia where it grows in moist forests and wet, rocky slopes.

My toad lily is just now coming into bloom. I love the delicate structure of its flowers. Tricyrtis like good drainage - a rarity in our clay-ridden North Texas gardens - but lots of compost and elevated beds helps to provide ideal conditions. (Mine looks a bit sick right now... I think it might be getting too much water.)

Give this plant a try. I think I found mine at Petal Pushers in Cedar Hill, but it is available online at Plant Delights. They have 14 different varieties!

More pics after the jump.

Continue reading "Toad Lilies: Dainty fall wonders" »

Posted by Callie at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From 070724_garden

Salvia farinacea 'Indigo Spires' is one of my favorite perennials. This year it has grown back bigger and better than ever. If you have the space, give this steady-bloomer a try. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and it requires little to no care aside from occasional deadheading or pruning back, though neither is totally necessary.

Here are some good resources for learning more about this spectacular specimen:

Dave's Garden
Zanthan Gardens
High Country Gardens

Posted by Callie at 02:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanks to all the great contributors over at the Texas Gardening Forums, I compiled a fascinating look at some of Texas gardeners' favorite summer-blooming perennials. The video slideshow of all the photos and a complete plant list is available after the jump.

(above photo provided by Becki at Becki's Backyard.)

Continue reading "Texas Gardener Survey Results: Favorite Summer-Blooming Perennials" »

Posted by Callie at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bill Scheick writes about these sweet-smelling, heirloom perennials in the Dallas Morning News today.

 

(Photo: JACK SCHEPER/Floridata.com)  

Posted by Callie at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Before you start wondering about it, no, I am not employed or paid by Bluestone Perennials. I AM, however, completely obsessed with a perennial that I bought from them this year. Rudbeckia hirta indian Summer started blooming at the beginning of the summer and hasn't stopped, come rain, come drought. These aren't your garden variety Black-eyed Susans. These babies are HUGE! They have plate-sized blooms that rock on and on and on. If you have ever wanted to add some golden goodness to your border, these beauties are a MUST. Visit Bluestone and buy them now for fall delivery. I think perennials are best planted in the fall anyway. Here's a look at mine:

 

Posted by Callie at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)