1 Gladiolus
GLADIOLUS SPP., ZONES 8 TO 11
This stately flower reaches 2 to 5 feet tall and grows from a corm that can be overwintered in cold climates and replanted each spring. Eye-catching tubular flowers come in many colors, such as yellow, pink, white, purple and more, and sit on elegant spires. To ensure a longer blooming season, sow successive batches of corms 10 to 14 days apart.
Why we love it: A stalk of gladiolus looks majestic in the garden and adds height to bouquets.
2 Allium
ALLIUM SPP., ZONES 4 TO 9
A garden with alliums, particularly a large cultivar such as the Globemaster, has instant, whimsical appeal. The showstopping flowers are a beautiful sight at peak bloom, then hold their shape to become pretty dried flowers. Some gardeners even spray-paint the dried flower heads to give them a lasting color.
Why we love it: The one-of-a-kind blooms pop in a variety of shades, including burgundy, lilac, yellow and white.
3 Cosmos
COSMOS BIPINNATUS, ANNUAL
A popular self-seeder, cosmos is easy to sprout-and easy to spot, thanks to a plethora of bright white, yellow, orange, red or pink flowers. The three B's (birds, butterflies and bees) adore the bright blooms too. Cosmos plants range in height from 2 to 6 feet, depending on species, and are tolerant of poor, dry soils.
Why we love it: Ferny foliage adds a textural contrast to the garden and is a fine foil for clusters of flowers.
TAKE CARE These plants do best in full sun but can handle part shade. Ranunculus and some alliums prefer cool spring temps, while others can take the heat of summer. For best results, plant in amended well-draining soil with a slow-release fertilizer.
Denne historien er fra February/March 2023-utgaven av Birds & Blooms.
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Denne historien er fra February/March 2023-utgaven av Birds & Blooms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sense or Nonsense? - Why some birds can taste and smell - but others can't
Does a porcelain berry taste like a blueberry to a gray catbird? Does a block of lard smell like frying bacon to a northern flicker? The short answer is no. While some avian species do have a well-adapted sense of taste or smell, they can't distinguish between flavors and odors the way humans can. They're not picking up every ingredient in the suet you put out, says José Ramírez-Garofalo, an ornithology researcher at Rutgers University in New Jersey and the director of Freshkills Biological Station in Staten Island, New York.
Maple Mania - Amazing facts about this fall foliage mainstay
Amazing facts about this fall foliage mainstay
Food-Focused and Fierce - Meet Canada jays and learn why they eat almost anything they can find
Even if you haven't heard of Canada jays, you've heard of their relatives. Members of the corvid family, they belong to the same group as American crows, blackbilled magpies, and jays including blue, Steller's and scrub. "Unlike many of the other jays, a Canada jay doesn't have a crest of any kind; it just has a rounded head," says Dale Gentry, director of conservation for Audubon Upper Mississippi River.In 2018, the Canada jay's name was changed from gray jay, but Dale thinks the former adjective was fitting. "Most of its body is shades of gray with some white," he says. "There are different subspecies that have different physical traits, but most of them have some lighter coloring on their foreheads, upper breasts and throats, each with a darker streak that starts at each eye and goes back."
IN GOOD COMPANY
BIRDS OF A FEATHER MAY FLOCK TOGETHER, but what about other collectives of critters-and what do you call them when they do?
YOUR OWN Perfect Prairie
Learn how to cultivate an oasis of grassland flora in your backyard
ON THE MOVE
Birds approach the challenges of migration in surprising ways. Learn about how they walk, swim or take the scenic route during their travels.
Autumn Wonders
Fall colors offer befitting backdrops for these stunning reader photos
Sparrow Look-Alikes
Distinct sounds help separate these similar species
Embracing the Darkness
From black plants to moody decor, Gothic garden elements can offer a unique outlet to express your dark side
Red-Hot Plants
Scarlet-hued berries add a pop of color to any garden
