Entries for February 2008

Meadow rue, related to columbine and delphinium, has sprays of summertime flowers.

A native woodland plant, merrybells emerges early in the spring.

Milkweeds are perennials that attract a variety of butterflies, including the monarch, whose caterpillars consume the plant's leaves.

Joe Pye weed, related to asters, has large, hairy leaves and clusters of purple or white flowers.

Lady's mantle is a favorite perennial for the cutting garden because of its silky, light green leaves (that look magical on dewy mornings) and heads of greenish-yellow early summertime flowers.

Choices to make the seasonal colors last just a little longer.

Loosestrifes range from ground covers to upright perennials.

Germander is a shrubby perennial with aromatic, dark green foliage and clusters of mint-like pink or purple flowers in late summer.

Goatsbeard's finely divided green foliage and fluffy plumes of creamy white flowers resemble astilbes.

Hollyhocks are old-fashioned plants often used in heirloom and cottage gardens.