notes and musings from a perennial gardener
A Pennsylvania gardener
There’s nothing quite like the sages (Salvia) and catmints (Nepeta) for bushy, vibrant spires of rich purples and lavenders in late spring. Beebalm, lavender and agastache follow up, with the latter going right into fall. Aromatics are among the easiest and most trouble-free of all perennials to grow, in part due to their menthol-like aromas which keep many pests at bay.
Who doesn’t love the sight of bluebirds? There is something oddly reassuring about their cheery presence, a feeling that all’s right with the world (although that’s clearly an illusion these days). When bluebirds start house-hunting in earnest in late winter, usually late February, Spring is never far behind. That thought alone is uplifting.
Bluebirds, members of the thrush family, were once common in Pennsylvania orchards and homesteads. Their numbers suffered a steep decline when English sparrows and starlings begn pushing them out in the last century, along with DDT use in the 1950’s. Fortunately their numbers have been increasing slowly but steadily in recent years. They are now making a modest comeback in semi-rural and suburban areas, thanks to numerous efforts by nonprofits, homeowners and community nest box programs.
If your property has an open patch of yard free of disruptive elements, there are a few things you can do to try and lure them in.
Cut flowers in the house are always welcome, never more so than at the height of your garden’s beauty. Bringing some of nature’s magic inside lifts the spirit, a tonic for all that ails us. When we walk into a room and see artfully arranged flowers, the combination of fragrance, color and greenery says “sparkling freshness” like nothing else.
At its simplest, all you need are flowers, water, a pair of shears and a container to create an instant bouquet. Sometimes that’s exactly what’s called for. Indulging in a few cheerful sprays for the kitchen windowsill or table is so satisfying!
But why stop there?
On days when you have the time, take a few minutes to create a centerpiece that wows everyone, including you. Not to the level of “wedding reception” mind you– professional flower arranging is an art unto itself. I’m talking about simple bouquets anyone can make at home for your living room, foyer, home office, or a friend.