I posted a picture of the milkweed plant I have in my garden the other day and got so many comments about it. I began to wonder about plants that are indigenous to Coastal Georgia and my exploring began. I love working in my garden and, at this time of year, seeing what made it through the winter as little sprouts begin to show here and there. I thought it would be fun to feature several of the “wildflowers” that grow so beautifully here. I love interspersing perineals of all types in with annuals and a few herbs nestled into blank spaces. It gives interest to the garden, a lovely fragrance and yummy things for summer cooking!
Any plant that attracts butterflies is a plant for me! Wild blue indigo is such a plant. I’ve seen it growing wild along the roadside this spring, but it also makes a lovely addition to the garden. Butterflies and bees will gather round when this plant is part of your garden. Of special interest to me is the fact that this plant is what American Indians and settlers ued to extract its dye and create the color blue.
Jack-In-The-Pulpit is another favorite of mine. This sweet plant gets its name from its appearance that looks like a little man standing at a pulpit delivering a sermon. It almost looks like a calla lilly to me. Jack-In-The-Pulpit’s grow very well in shady spaces and they love to be well watered. Birds love the berries this plant produces, but humans beware…..they are toxic for us.
Coreopsis and it’s beautiful yellow blossoms is a great addition to the garden. It is hearty and grows well in our summer heat. There are several different types of coreopsis, but I tend to favor the large flowered variety for its height and pretty flowers.
Next on my list of favorite wild flowers is phlox. You see it growing along the interstate highways like blankets of lavender spreading for miles. This hearty plant is perfect in a rock garden, around a pond or gently rolling down the slopes of your garden. There are many color varieties, but I think the lavender and maybe white are my choice.
This post could go on and on, but more on wildflowers will have to wait for another time. I can’t finish without including the flower I have at the top of my list…..Cone Flowers. Known in the herbal world as the source of the powerful healer, Echinacea, this pretty flower grows tall and spreads, creating the most colorful display with its dark center and bright petals. I’m trying these once again this year and hoping they take off. I have not have much luck thus far, but this will be the year!
I hope you’ll get out in your garden and feel the soil between your toes…..dig your fingers into the rich moisture and start planting! There is nothing more healing than spending time in a garden! Here’s to Spring!
