Memorable plants from a Midwest spring garden

Hello friends. Mr. Gardener here. I’m usually the behindthe-scenes guy with the magazine. Although this issue I wanted to share a few of my favorite plants from our garden that are high performers and get the neighbors talking. I’m intentionally leaving out botanical names. The tags are somewhere, but we rarely refer to them. The common names will suffice when asking for any of theses plants in your local garden center.

Zowie!™ Zinnia Yellow Flame

This was my favorite flower grown from seed in the greenhouse this spring. Very easy to grow. Zowie, I say Zowie wowie! I started them a little too early, so while waiting for warmer weather I had to repot them into bigger pots. Now planted in the perennial bed, these zinnias have reached 2 to 2 1/2 feet peeking above other plants. Thick sturdy stems and good branching support flowers that are 3 inches wide with several layers of petals that change colors as they mature. These showstoppers have attracted butterflies and birds. As monarchs bounce from flower to flower I’ve shouted more than once, “Butterfly on the Zinnia, Butterfly on the Zinnia!” It’s nice knowing we play a small part in the lives of these magnificent creatures. Great for cut flowers that last for weeks and rebloom quickly in the garden. They make me smile every time I walk the garden and are definitely on the list for next year.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Planted on the north side of the house, these plants are close to 6 feet tall screening the back section of the house. Heavy with large white blooms that spill into the pathway, I enjoy the lovely scent as I pass by. Interesting to note how these hydrangea have flourished with partial sun. One is tucked between the deck and back wall, and is the only plant that seems to perform well in this spot with limited sun exposure. The foliage shows brilliant crimson in the fall.

Zinnia Profusion

I’ve grown these from seed for several years now. And (again) I started too early resulting in blooms as early as April. I just can’t help myself. Zinnias make great cut flowers, so to add a little color to the Editor’s desk that early in the year is a plus. These compact plants work well in the garden and containers continuing to bloom until first frost. They prefer full sun but I do have a pot full in a somewhat shaded area that still flower nicely.

Tree Peonies

These deciduous woody shrubs bloom in early spring. The flowers are showy and fragrant. They receive dappled shade and require no pruning except for an occasional dead branch. Every spring I say to the Editor, “Sure seems early for the peonies to be budding!” She reminds me that they are right on time. Once they start it’s quite a show. We have several plants with a variety of colors. Along with tree peonies we have herbaceous and Itoh varieties that bloom soon after. Once established, all you have to do is enjoy the show.

Coreopsis

We added three coreopsis to the perennial garden last season. As sometimes happens, only one came back. At the end of May, while strolling through the front garden I said, “Where the heck did that come from?” I was shocked how big, full and healthy this plant was and it seemed to pop up overnight. Of course, as any plant lover would say, “I need a few more of these plants!”

Salvia

An early spring bloomer in our garden. These perennials are about five years old, and they never fail to shine with deep blue flowers. Attracts butterflies and produces a lot of bee activity. Very low maintenance and drought tolerant. We cut back after blooming to encourage more flowers. There are several colors available and will perform best in a sunny location.

Hosta

By far, this is my preferred plant in the garden, mostly for its tropical appearance. The side garden shaded by a mature oak tree is the ideal location where I’ve planted many varieties, with different shapes, textures, and sizes. This is my weakness when at the garden center. When Elizabeth says, “And where are you going to plant that?” My reply is consistent, “There’s always room for another hosta.” Last fall I divided six of my ‘Guacamole’ hostas into 24 plants. Some went back to the original bed and the rest… well, I found a place… and all returned beautifully in spring. Raising four kids, we played a lot of basketball in the driveway under that big oak. When they visit I’m sure they still hear echoes of me shouting “Watch the hostas!” They all developed a great skill of navigating through the hosta land- mine to chase the ball. I’m happy to report both hostas and kids are thriving.

‘Stella d’Oro’ Daylily

I love any daylily and this is always the first daylily to bloom in early summer. The arching grasslike leaves are full of golden yellow blossoms. Sixteen are planted in a double row along the street, adding color and texture to the front side garden. They stay compact and deadheading promotes reblooming. I see why they call this plant America’s favorite daylily.

Coleus

This plant is fun to grow from seed. It fills the greenhouse with much needed color until spring arrives. This year I grew a variety from the Kong Series. I’ve always planted them in containers for the deck and front steps where it is slightly shaded. Their upright mounding foliage quickly fills any container and lasts until first frost. A few were planted in a raised bed along the front steps. The dynamic color combinations brighten up the entryway to our home. Garden centers offer many varieties in every color. If you haven’t tried them, pot up a few. You’ll be hooked.

The garden usually has something blooming from early spring to late fall. We like sequential blooming where plants have their own unique showtime. Soon to begin their show are Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Stokes’ Aster and a wide assortment of colorful daylilies.

These plants work well in our landscape. Maybe they’ll work well in yours. So grab a shovel. There’s always room for one more plant.