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The Gardener’s Corner: The Year of the Wildflower

June 1, 2013   ·   0 Comments

The National Garden Bureau has declared 2013 as The Year of the Wildflower.

Wildflowers are a gift from Mother Nature and are ideal for the home gardener to use in beds, borders or to replace an expanse of lawn with a wildflower meadow.

To define what a wildflower is, depends on opinion.  Some feel it is a plant that grows naturally without being cultivated by man regardless of the country of origin.  Others have determined that wildflowers are plants found in specific geographic areas that grow naturally there and continue to grow from seed.

Before European settlement of the States and Canada the wildflowers and other plants growing are considered native or indigenous species.  Exotics or aliens are those that have been brought from other parts of the world.  Many of the plants introduced from other countries have become garden favourites, including some wildflowers that have escaped from gardens to become part of the local environment and have naturalized.

Of course there are also exotics that have escaped and become invasive and considered noxious weeds that now have to be controlled.

Planting wildflowers benefits the garden and environment for once they’re established they require less care of watering and pest control.  Some varieties have deep root systems that make them drought tolerant and help prevent erosion and water run off.

Wildflowers provide nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies and other insects while the seeds provide a food source for birds and small mammals.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a popular wildflower that blooms from July to October and will self seed to produce a nice clump within a couple of years.  The goldfinches love the seeds from coneflowers and if left to stand over winter will provide for many birds.

Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa) can be found growing wild and the pink summer flowers are particularly attractive to bees.  Don’t be surprised to see hummingbirds sipping nectar from the flowers too.  Native Americans had many medicinal uses for the plant and today the leaves are used to make tea.

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is often found growing in shady woodlands and with their deep taproot enables them to survive in dry areas.  The dainty red and yellow flowers are ideal for cottage gardens.

Asters (Symphyotricum novae-angliae) are the perfect wildflower for autumn colour.  Pretty purple flowers that love full sun and look spectacular growing with goldenrod.  Monarch butterflies depend on it for a source of nectar before fall migration.

Wildflowers can be bought at nurseries, started from collected seeds or purchased packets.  It’s not advisable to remove the plants from the wild as many are protected species and if collecting seeds, take only a few to allow the flowers to reseed.

Visit my home and garden website at http://lavendercottagegardening.blogspot.com

By Judith Rogers

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