Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware, leads a team of researchers who conduct plant trials on native plant species and their cultivars and hybrids. Each 3- to 5-year trial evaluates the performance and ornamental value of a plant and measures its attractiveness to pollinators. Based on these tests, he has shared some of the best plants you can grow to help birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
START WITH THE SPECIES
It's true that native plants often attract lots of pollinators. But two cultivars, 'Jeana' garden phlox and 'Jacob Cline' bee balm, were head and shoulders above the other plants in their respective trials. Sam explains that these are wild selections, which means they were found to have occurred naturally without typical human intervention, so the blooms are very similar to the species.
Even if we can't immediately tell the difference between different species and varieties, the insects often can. For example, Mt. Cuba's coreopsis study had 25 different species and cultivars in a field full of mostly yellow flowers, and different bee species had definite favorites.
Bumble bees were often found visiting 'Flower Tower' or 'Redshift'; dark sweat bees preferred C. delphiniifolia or Moonbeam', and honey bees really liked 'Golden Gain' and 'Route 66.
Esta historia es de la edición Issue 173 - October 2023 de Garden Gate.
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Esta historia es de la edición Issue 173 - October 2023 de Garden Gate.
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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.
