Native Plants In The Garden
The native plants I chose to plant in my Gold Award Garden are noted in the list below. I chose native plants that would be blooming at different times during the changing seasons. (Bordeau Steel Blue Meadow Sage, Bergamot (Bee Balm), Purple Coneflower, Common Milkweed, Carolina Doll's Daisy, Pink Muhly Grass, Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, Greater Tickseed, Yarrow, and Autumn Fire Sedum)
Pink Mully Grass
Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia capillaris
Flowering Time: Late Summer to Mid Fall
Flower Color: Pink
Flower Form: Surreal clouds of flowers
Foliage Type: Tidy fine blue-green clumps
Form: Perineal
Growth Rate: Medium
Height: 18 - 36 inches
Common Milkweed
Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on Milkweed plants, making them the only food source for their larvae. It spreads readily by seed and underground rhizomes and its taproot can withstand drought. Plant seeds late fall or early spring, no more than 1/4" deep, on a fairly weed-free site.
Greater Tickseed
These native flowers can take full sun, part sun, and drought. They return dozens of bright blooms. They are great for beginner gardens because they’re so easy to grow. Many species are short (1-2 feet high), making them great for borders.
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed is most easily propagated by seed. It is sown outdoors after frost and the plant will flower and produce seed in the third year. It is difficult to transplant once established, as it has a deep, woody taproot.The primary pollinators are bees and wasps, rather than butterflies.
Black-eyed Susan
The black-eyed Susan grows over 3 feet tall with daisy-like yellow flower heads. There are numerous cultivars. It is toxic when ingested by cats. It is the state flower of Maryland.
Purple Cone Flower
The purple cone flower is a popular perennial. It has smooth 2-4 feet stems and long-lasting, lavender flowers. The flowers are used to make popular herbal tea, that is believed to support and strengthen the immune system.
Yarrow
Yarrow is popular with pollinators. It is perfect for borders since it is so carefree. It grows to over 3 feet tall. is also an aromatic herb that has many healing properties!
Bergamot (Bee Balm)
The Bergamot plant has a fragrance to it's leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). It is a very hardy perennial and a member of the Mint family.
Bordeau Steel Blue Sage
Bordeau Steel Blue Sage thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun. Pruning is essential after it's first blooming to encourage a second round of flowers.