The Plants Bees Love
In this day and time, I would hope gardeners understand the importance of bees and other insects in the garden. However, from time to time, a person comes into the nursery and asks for plants that will NOT attract bees (sigh). They are not really gardeners though, they are just looking for a plant to fill a space. I find myself more and more intrigued by bees although I don't know that much about the different types. I do make note of plants that they like and try to add as many as I can to the garden. Over the past weeks, with watering a daily activity amidst a lingering heat-wave, I've conducted an informal survey and noted the plants that they seem to like the most. Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) is one of my favorite perennials and the bees love it too. I don't think I've ever seen a butterfly on it but we don't seem to have many of those. Everybody wants the "Showy Milkweed" (Asclepias speciosa) but I knew
I always leave the grass in place for winter interest and for wildlife to enjoy.... This is a great tip and time for me to get out the clippers...
ReplyDeleteI do the string trick too. Makes it so much easier. Love this warmer weather.
ReplyDeleteAnd do you use the cut grass? In compost? Or as a mulch?
ReplyDelete-Ray
Now that is an excellent tip! It takes me longer to pick up all the stems than it does to cut them !! I will do the string thing next time ! Like you I always leave grasses until late winter/ early Spring before I cut them back as I think they add so much interest to the gloomy winter garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tip!
ReplyDeleteYes, I "bundle". And I bought a cordless hedge trimmer specifically to use on the ornamental grasses. Makes it a snap!
ReplyDeleteWhich ornamental grasses do you have Phillip and do you cut them all back the same (same time, same height)?
ReplyDeleteAaron, I cut all of them back to the ground. I have "Morning Light", "Adagio", "Northwind" and a few that I don't know the names of. :)
ReplyDeleteGood one Phillip!~~Dee
ReplyDeleteNever tried doing this but sure going to in a few days. I leave mine thru the winter too. Thanks for tip.
ReplyDelete