Garden Moxie by Sue libertiny

18 days ago

|

2 min read

Plant Recommendations from Barnsley House

A lush garden with neatly trimmed hedges and a stone pathway. The scene features a variety of greenery, including bushes and trees, with a prominent pink flowering shrub in the background. The grass is well-maintained, enhancing the tranquil and organized
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Garden Moxie Newsletter

HOME GARDENING MADE EASY

Hi Reader,

I've been re-reading Rosemary Verey's Making of a Garden. It's a book filled with great garden design advice.

This week I'm sharing a list of ground covers and long blooming perennials that Rosemary Verey describes in her book.

These plants make great additions to our Midwest gardens.

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Ground Covers &
Long Blooming Annuals

Rosemary Verey wasn't interested in just vertical elements. Throughout the book, we read about the 'layering of plants'. Creating individual moments in the garden to enjoy.

She explains that she likes to have a focal point at the end of each border.

"I like a full stop at the end of a border. It must make a bold statement, and under and around this you should use detailed planting - a Gertrude Jekyll thought - as you slow down and turn the corner. "

She relied heavily on ground covers to create interest and to keep weeds in check.

"Certain plants are first-class ground cover - they will remain healthy and good-looking from year to year. Apart from dead-heading and keeping the foliage tidy, they will prevent the weeds from growing."
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Here's a look at a few of the ground covers and long blooming plants that she recommends throughout her book.

Lamium maculatum

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Plant type: Perennial ground cover​
Light: Mostly Sunny to Full Shade
​Growing zone: 3 to 8
​Bloom time: Late Spring to Early Summer
​Size: 8 inches tall, space 16 inches apart
​Features: Colorful foliage, deer & rabbit resistant
​Note: Avoid dry soil with full sun
​Patents: PP11,122 purple, no patent on the white variety, PP11,783 golden anniversary
​Available to purchase: Check all varieties at Bluestone Perennials​

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Geranium sanguineum

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Plant type: Perennial groundcover​
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
​Growing zone: 3 to 8
​Bloom time: May, June, July, August, September
​Size: 8 to 12 in tall, 18 to 24 in wide
​Features: Colorful foliage in autumn, deer & rabbit resistant
​Note: Can become aggressive spreader under some conditions
​Available to purchase: Midwest Meadows​

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lobelia siphilitca
(blue cardinal flower)

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Plant type: Perennial​
Light: Mostly Sunny to Full Shade
​Growing zone: 3 to 9
​Bloom time: Mid-Summer to Early Fall
​Size: 24 to 36 inches tall , space 12 inches apart
​Features: Deer resistant, attracts pollinators, shade tolerant
​Note: Prefers fertile, evenly moist soil.
​Available to purchase: Bluestone Perennials​

​

Lobelia Vedrariensis
(cardinal flower)

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Plant type: Perennial​
Light: Mostly Sunny to Full Shade
​Growing zone: 3 to 8
​Bloom time: Mid-Summer to Early Fall
​Size: 24 to 36 inches tall , space 12 inches apart
​Features: Deer resistant, attracts pollinators, wet site tolerant
​Note: Prefers fertile, evenly moist soil.
​Available to purchase: Bluestone Perennials​

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Salvia azurea (blue sage)

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Plant type: Perennial​
Light: Full to Partial Sun
​Growing zone: 4 to 9
​Bloom time: Mid-Summer to Early Fall
​Size: 5 feet tall! , space 18-24 inches apart
​Features: Deer resistant, attracts pollinators
​Note: Native to lower 48 states
​Available to purchase: Prairie Moon Nursery (seeds)​

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Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'

Plant type: Perennial​
Light: Full Sun
​Growing zone: 4 to 9
​Bloom time: Late Spring to Mid-Summer
​Size: 4 inches tall, 18 inches wide
​Features: Deer resistant, attracts pollinators
​Note: Drought tolerant, easy care, attracts butterflies
​Available to purchase: Park Seed (plants only, no seed)

I'd love to hear if you have any additions to this list. That's it for this week's newsletter. Thanks for being here.

Happy Gardening,
Sue

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Garden Moxie

I inspire Midwest gardeners to transform their ordinary yards into charming retreats. Through practical advice, creative ideas, and historical garden wisdom, I share ideas to inspire you to create a garden to enjoy year round.

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