The vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage of bee balm add a splash of color and scent across perennial gardens from early summer to fall. In addition, deer and rabbits won’t eat it, butterflies, hummingbirds and bees love its flowers, and this North American native can easily adapt to various soil and climate conditions.
GARDEN BUZZ
Unique whorls of shaggy headed flowers are typically 2 to 3 inches wide and bloom for up to 6 weeks. Blooms burst forth in a spectacular array of red, purple, pink or white. And the foliage blends the scents of mint and basil and is as functional as it is fragrant.
BEYOND BEAUTY
Bee balm is more than just visually enchanting: It also offers medicinal and edible beneFIts. Native Americans have long recognized its antiseptic properties, using it as a remedy for digestive issues, headaches and infections. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for teas and are believed to alleviate symptoms of colds, fevers and sore throats. Additionally, bee balm flowers are a bit spicy with a minty, oregano like flavor and add a subtle zest to salads, as a garnish or in baked goods.
On the next few pages, let’s explore the different bee balm cultivars, how to care for them and the secrets to cultivating a garden with its beauty and aromatic allure.
Meet the Family
Esta historia es de la edición Issue 175 - February 2024 de Garden Gate.
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Esta historia es de la edición Issue 175 - February 2024 de Garden Gate.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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Spinach - Learn the secrets to growing this tasty green in spring and fall.
If you're one of those gardeners who can't wait to get started in spring and hates to throw in the trowel in fall, spinach is the perfect shoulder season crop. This mild, earthy-flavored green comes in many varieties, ranging from crinkly-leafed savoys to slightly textured semi-savoys and the flat, smooth-leafed types. Colors can be dark green, light green and even red-veined. Here's how to get the most of it every year.
Why Bulb Depth Matters - Dig deep enough to ensure your plants stand tall and live the longest
When you're planting bulbs, it's tempting to just dig a hole as deep as your trowel will reach easily, nestle the bulb in, cover it up and move on. But the fact is, each type of bulb will flower best and thrive at a different depth.A good rule of thumb is to plant a bulb two to three times its height. One reason planting depth is important is because it helps to keep the bulbs protected from fluctuations in temperature that happen closer to the surface.
GARDEN ESSENTIALS
FALL GARDEN CLEANUP TOOLS
Saving Seeds
Saving flower seeds is a great way to get more plants with almost no investment. It's easy to do. Here's how to save seeds from some of your favorite annuals as the growing season winds down.
Cucumber Trellis Flop
I watched cucumber trellis growers online for several seasons with envy. What a brilliant way to save space in raised garden beds and make it look fancy! Finally, I was sold and decided to try it in my garden.
9 Tough Perennials for Clay Soil
Whether you garden in the nutrient-poor red clay of the Southeast, the calcium combined-with-clay caliche of the West or something in between, the common denominator is that clay soil is difficult to grow in. Why? Tiny particles of clay hold tightly together, slowing drainage and limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach plant roots. You've seen the resultsanemic-looking or rotting plants.
Garden Fences
Discover the perfect blend of functionality, style, and materials for your ideal fence.
A GARDEN OF STORIES
Learn plant and project tips from a couple who's been gardening here for nearly 50 years.
Switchgrass
Adaptable switchgrass goes with the flow.
Establish a Monarch Waystation
Did you know that a single monarch butterfly can migrate up to 3,000 miles? That's a lot of ground to cover! This amazing insect makes a fascinating journey, unlike any other butterfly.
