Taking Care of your Flower Garden During the Summer

If you want to have a gorgeous, healthy, garden that is full of life in the hot summer months, then there are important tasks that need to be done in every season. Winter requires final dead heading of spent blooms and the application of a generous layer of compost. Spring brings the need to turn some soil to mix in the remaining compost, remove or move some plants, prune plants ahead of initial growth, and transplant plants into the garden beds that you started inside. Autumn is the time to dead head blossoms and collect seeds, divide plants, and do some pruning. Many think that summer is the time to sit back and simply watch everything grow. While that is part of summer’s allure, there is work to be done in the garden to maintain its health and productivity.

First and foremost in summer is the need to keep the garden irrigated. If it’s a rainy summer nature will do this for you. But many regions have occasional dry summers or dry spells, and that is the time to get out the hose and sprinkler to offer your flowers a refreshing drink that will keep them producing happily. In addition to keeping a close eye on moisture levels, here is a to-do list for the hot, sunny days of summer.

1. Take notes! This is a great time to look over your garden and take notes on which plants you like and which ones you’ll want to replace for next year. Update your notes on plants that don’t work well together, mixing colors that clash or don’t provide a nice blend. In the fall, you’ll refer to these notes and move things around for a more pleasing view next year.

2. Add compost around shrubs and plants to better hold moisture in the soil. Remember to keep the compost off of the actual stems or stalks, since excess moisture above the ground can produce mildew or rot in extreme cases.

3. Dead head spent blooms from the spring. They will be dry enough at this point to remove. If you like to gather seeds from spent blossoms, this is your chance to do that. Place them in paper bags marked with the type and variety of plant. Do not place them in plastic bags – this can cause rot if there is moisture present, and doesn’t allow the seeds to breathe.

4. Prune spring bloomers. This is a good time to aggressively prune the spring flowers. In some case, you might open the door for a second round of blossoms. If not, you will at least rid the plant of excess branches, freeing the plant to spend its energy on flowers next season.

5. Remove annuals that have stopped blooming. That speaks for itself. Some annuals will stay green for a month or two after they peak, without producing flowers. If the foliage is attractive, leave them, but if not, give them the heave-ho.

6. Fill in bare spots with annuals. Most nurseries have a good supply of annuals until mid-summer. Then they put them on clearance to get rid of them, before they have to spend a lot of time and energy keeping them well watered in the heat of July or August. Anticipate where your beds needs a splash of color and get the plants while they are still healthy and producing blooms. Snap Dragons, Salvia, Petunias, Begonias, Impatiens, and Chrysanthemums are wonderful mid-summer additions that will keep blooming well into autumn.

7. Plan for autumn bulb planting/moving. If you’d rather add perennial bulbs to the bare patches, now is the time to make your notes and begin selecting your bulbs. You’ll have them in hand and ready to plant when autumn hits.

These tasks will keep you busy and interested while still allowing plenty of hammock or lounge chair time. And they will insure the healthiest garden possible, and one that will continue to give you colorful pleasure well into autumn.

Attracting Butterflies

Many bird enthusiasts are also naturally taken with the beauty and characteristics of butterflies. These delicate, winged creatures are exquisite and rare, a short-lived wonder of the natural world. When you want to attract butterflies to your yard, it is all about having the right plants, plain and simple. Planning an entire garden, section of the garden, or separate bed for attracting butterflies is easier when you know what their preferred diet entails. This guide will help you choose plants to include that will bring nature’s most delicate winged creatures flitting into your garden this coming season.

Perennials are nice because they will come back year after year with a bit of pruning, deadheading, and care. And the right ones serve as butterfly magnets. Choose from the following for the most success.

1. Aubretia: This spring bloomer delights the senses of humans and butterflies alike with bright blooms of violet, red and blue.
2. Dianthus: Especially effective for our wing-bearing insect friends are pink and white varieties. This traditional plant loves full sun, and where it thrives, butterflies will find it.

3. Michaelmas Daisy or Aster: When late summer hits, this old-world beauty will bud, then bloom into violent shades of purple and pink. The blossoms are hardy and long-lasting, and are a favorite treat for many species of butterfly. Sunny to partly shady patches of your garden or yard are the most suitable for this gorgeous plant.

4. Sedum: This hardiest, most resistant of the traditional plants is also a favorite of passing butterfly. They find it hard to resist the delicate, fragrant aromas which prove the appetizer for a nutritious meal. Place them at the perimeter of your garden and they will lure in butterflies in late summer and into autumn.

5. Sweet William: A form of Dianthus, this mid-summer bloomer presents its pink, purple and white blooms at the peak of butterfly season. You will love its aesthetic beauty and also the skill it seems to have in attracting gorgeous winged creatures of the insect variety.

A good many annuals will also serve to coax butterflies into your viewing range. Add these to your garden for variety from year to year, to complement your honored perennial friends.

1. Candytuft: This is a very old, traditional bloom that butterflies cannot get enough of. Take a close whiff of these sweet blossoms and you might just agree. They are aromatic and very pretty.

2. Cornflower or Bluebottle: These beauties are easy to grow and will supply butterfly-attracting blooms all summer long. Plant them in spring, add a bit of compost, water in dry spells, and sit back to watch them lure beautiful butterflies into your yard.

3. Marigolds: The many varieties of marigold are all on the menu for butterflies. This bushy, hardy, orange and yellow mainstay of English gardens provides a tasty, stable place for butterflies to feed and rest. Edge your garden with Marigold and keep some pests out while bringing in the species you want to enjoy.

There really is a science to attracting butterflies, and planting the right varieties in your garden is the foundation for success. Many of these plants offer aesthetically appealing blooms, and will further delight you when you see the first butterfly of the year alight on one of them – with many more to follow.

Bird Feeder Types

Birding requires birds to watch, and feeders bring in the birds! It’s just that simple! There are quite a few Bird Feeder types available today that will make your bird watching more successful and enjoyable. Here’s an overview, so you’ll know which types will work best for your setting.

1. Hopper Feeders: These large feeders supply the largest amount of feed to your feathered visitors. Usually shaped like a bird house, they contain a large capacity storage area that slants down toward feeding trays on two to four sides. They are great for winter, when many birds in the neighborhood look to you for a little help in their feeding. Hopper feeders hold more feed, so must be filled less frequently. This type of feeder usually features nice perches on every side so that larger birds like Cardinals, Jays, and Grosbeaks can feed with ease. They may also be fitted with squirrel-proof accessories so those bushy-tailed pests don’t drain your feed supply before the birds can get their fill.

2. Satellite Feeders: These newer feeders are designed to discourage large birds like Blue Jays from hogging all the seed while Chickadees, Finches, Phoebes, and other smaller birds wait a turn that might not come until the feeder is empty. Satellite feeders wobble and spin when lots of weight, in bird terms anyway, is placed on them. This makes it tough for larger bird to hang on, on squirrels like them even less. Smaller perching and clinging birds like Towhees, Juncos, Nuthatches, Sparrows, Siskins, and those we’ve mentioned, love them.

3. Tube Feeders: These are the most affordable feeders on the market. Bird watchers should invest in 3 or 4 and spread them around their viewing area. They feature easy filling and 3-5 feeding holes, usually with a small perch outside each one. Blue Jays and Cardinals will give them a try, but they are more aptly sized for smaller birds like Chickadees, Sparrows, Phoebes, and Nuthatches. A variation of the tube feeder is the Finch Feeder which helps prevent smaller seeds that Finches love from clogging the feeder and preventing your House Finches or Gold Finches from getting to the thistle or Nyjer seed they love.

4. Window Feeders: These cool little units feature suction cups on one side that attach to the window, and a feeding tray on the other, for your favorite winged friends to enjoy Sunflower seeds, milo, millet, sorghum, cracked corn, or other treats. They are wonderful for viewing birds from indoors.

5. Platform Feeders: Do you want to attract birds that are normally ground feeders? If you have Mourning Doves, Juncos, Cardinals, or other ground feeders that wait for smaller birds to spill seed from your tube feeders, then Platform Feeders will let them jump right into the feeding frenzy. Basically, they provide a flat surface that you cover with seed. The birds can land, scratch around to find what they want, and peck and eat with pleasure.

6. Suet Feeders: These resemble a thin little cage, just the right size for the suet cakes that bird seed manufacturers supply. Unclasp the opening, pop in the suet cake, close it up, and you are done. Suet feeders typically hang, but they can be attached to posts or trees, too. Expect to see a diverse group of birds, from Sparrows to Buntings to Woodpeckers enjoying this high-fat, good protein treat.

7. Hummingbird Feeders: Hummingbirds offer unique viewing pleasure, and also present unique challenges in getting them to come around. A hummingbird feeder is the right place to begin. It is a glass or plastic receptacle which holds liquid feed, made from high-fructose syrup or powder. The liquid flows into flower-shaped openings where the Hummingbirds sip it up. They are typically made from bright colors, or brightly painted, with red being the primary color. Red attracts Hummingbirds from a distance, and the scent of the liquid feed draws them in when they get close.

The chances are your favorite songbirds, perching birds, tree clinging birds, and more, can be attracted to your viewing area with the right type of feeder. Add a supply of water and some trees for shelter, and your prospects will increase even more.

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Birds Baths

Water for drinking and bathing is one of the essential elements that every bird needs, so if you enjoy attracting birds to your back yard, having at least one bird bath for their use is important. In this guide we will look at Bird Bath types so you’ll have a place to start as you look for the one that fits your garden or landscape.

There are many styles of bird baths from which to choose. Above ground bird baths continue to be the most popular, and so there are a range of designs. Finding the right one won’t be easy since there are so many really awesome designs – but that’s a fun problem to have.

Concrete pedestal bird baths remain popular because they are affordable and durable. Make sure you place a concrete bath carefully because they are quite heavy and hard to move!

Wrought iron pedestal bird baths are affordable and offer a traditional look. They can be fashioned to be rather simple or quite ornate, whatever you prefer. Several good coats of rust proof paint is essential to keeping an iron bird bath looking good. If rust spots do appear, sand and repaint the spots fairly quickly to avoid larger problem areas.

Other metals, like copper or aluminum, are also making advances in the bird bath market. Copper is gorgeous when shined, and offers an antique look when patina and tarnish is allowed to form. Aluminum has the advantage of being rust-free and lightweight, and is also very durable.

Glass or Ceramic bowl bird baths are newer styles and can be very attractive. Colored, heavy glass sparkles in the sunshine and naturally attracts birds with the gleam. Ceramic bowls on stands feature beautiful colors and design. They are works of art, a perfect melding of form following function.

When choosing an above ground bird bath, many of the stands feature beautifully crafted art work – a pair of herons back to back forming the pedestal or a tree trunk design with woodpeckers all around. There are pedestal bird baths for any budget, from plain and simple to quite ornate. While your bird friends might not notice the artisan’s work, you and your guests certainly will.

Specialty pedestal bird baths include fountains, usually with one or two tiers, that require a pump and can be a splendid addition to the garden or landscape. Also, bird baths featuring electric or solar warmers are wonderful for cold climates. Keeping the bird bath operational even while temperatures dip below freezing will give you the chance to attract large numbers of birds during winter.

In addition to above ground bird baths, there are a substantial number of in-ground models and hanging models from which to choose. While in-ground bird baths present a more natural presentation, like an inviting, cool puddle after a rain, it also makes it easier for predators to attack. Keep in-ground bird baths well away from trees and shrubs where cats can lurk, awaiting the right moment. Hanging models require a post or an obliging tree limb. If hung from a tree, they may require more frequent attention since leaves, sap, twigs, seeds, and other debris will find its way into the bird bath more frequently. But their pedestal-free look, perhaps swaying in the breeze, is an attractive option for many bird enthusiasts.

Whatever style you choose, your bird bath will become an asset in attracting birds to your yard. They will show their appreciation by delighting you with their water-loving antics and happy chatter as they take turns getting a refreshing dip or drink.

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Breeds of Birds you can Attract To Your Backyard

If you are a bird enthusiast and want to see more of them in your back yard, there is almost no specie you cannot attract. If the breed is known to inhabit your area there will be a way to coax them into your yard to feed, nest, find water, or seek shelter. To be most effective in attracting the breed you want, it is best to focus on all four of these requirements so that the birds will come more frequently and even choose to nest or stay long-term. For example, if you have your heart set on attracting a gaggle of chatty House Sparrows, start by placing small bird houses around the yard in late winter, so that when you get them to your yard they’ll consider staying for nesting season. It will also encourage them to stay if you supply some nesting material like loose straw, yarn, hair, or pet fur. Secondly, provide mixed bird seed and a couple of feeders to fill with it. Also scatter a good quantity of seed on the ground, since all varieties of Sparrows feed there, too. The third tip is to have an in-ground or above ground bird bath where these friendly birds can get a drink or go in for a splash. Finally, if your yard does not have many trees, consider planting a variety of hardwoods and evergreens for them to seek shelter in, or perhaps nest in if the bird houses fill up first. To summarize, your goal is to create the right habitat in your back yard for the birds you want to attract.

Research the bird breeds you want to attract and tailor these 4 steps to that species. See our other guides that discuss Attracting Birds, Cardinals, Bird Baths, and Bird Houses which provide lots of good information you can use. When you customize your offerings to your favorite feathered friends expect to be able to attract and keep them for the season, or for all year if they are not migratory birds. In some cases, as with Cardinals and others species that stay local or return to the same nesting area year after year, you might be rewarded with life-long friends!

Among the hundreds of bird breeds you can attract you your yard are these:

CHICKADEES AND TITMICE: Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Carolina Chickadee, Siberian Chickadee, Plain Titmouse, and Tufted Titmouse.

NUTHATCHES: Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Pygmy Nuthatch.

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Lewis’ Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and the Pileated Woodpecker.

FLYCATCHERS, Etc: Ash-throated Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow.

OWLS: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Hawk Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, and the Boreal Owl.

THRUSHES: American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, and the Western Bluebird.

WRENS: House Wren, Carolina Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Winter Wren, and Brown Creeper.

MISCELLANEOUS: Various Jays, Thrashers, Orioles, Cardinals, Warblers, various Grosbeaks, Siskins, Doves and Pigeons, various Finches, Blackbirds, Starlings, Parulas, and Hummingbirds.

Birdhouse Types

Just like in human neighborhoods, not all birdhouses are the same, not one size fits all. Bird species are unique in their needs for shelter, and the kinds of birdhouses they will be drawn to reflect their individuality. While some species will not use any kind of birdhouse you might place in their environment, an astonishing 50 species, or more, will accept housing made by human hands. That number offers bird watchers and friends of these feathered creatures the opportunity to attract many wonderful birds to their back yards. In this guide we will outline birdhouse types and what species they are best suited to attract.

The first type of house we might call the Traditional Birdhouse. It has a single compartment, a medium hole in the mid to upper front, and is shaped like a little Cape Cod or cottage. There is usually a hinged top for cleaning it out if desired, but not always. The birds that will nest in a traditional house include: Sparrows, various Finches, various Chickadees, Titmice, various Nuthatches, Flycatchers, Phoebes, some Warblers, Robins, and others.

A Large Traditional Birdhouse will attract larger birds, including woodpecker species like the Hairy, Downy, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, and Red-Headed varieties. Since Woodpeckers often excavate their own nesting areas out of decaying tree trunks, mount the house high on the trunk of a hardwood tree, near a Woodpecker feeder, for the greatest possibility of attracting birds to the house.

The Wren House is very small, and features an opening no larger than 1.5 inches in diameter. These little birds want to keep predators out, so choose a very secluded spot when possible. Sometimes wren houses are made from gourds that have had the contents removed and the gourd dried. These can be quick appealing to the birds and add a nice touch to the garden or backyard landscape. All species of Wren’s enjoy these cozy little houses.

A Bluebird House differs very little from a traditional bird house except in that it is often more narrow, and the door is higher up, to protect little birds from falling out before they are ready to fly. Eastern and Mountain Bluebirds are a lovely sight in the backyard, and will enjoy nesting near an ample supply of food used to attract them. For alternative Bluebird house options, place an old mailbox or small wooden crate high in a bush and you just might attract these azure beauties or another type of bird that isn’t too selective about its accommodations.

The Purple Martin House often resembles a duplex or quadplex, with up to four separate houses built back to back or in four different directions. Purple Martins are sociable birds and prefer to nest closely together, apparently for the protection that numbers provides. These houses work well on poles 8-12 feet high and placed near larger trees.

Platform Houses look like a 3 or 4 story hotel on a pole, with multiple openings on each level. Many birds, such as all varieties of Swallows, choose to build their nests on flat platforms or shelves, replicating their preference for ledges in rocks or cliffs.

Some ducks like the Wood Duck or Merganser will nest in a large Duck House, made like a Large Traditional Birdhouse but with a larger door. These houses might also attract an American Kestrel, a type of small predatory bird.

Owl Houses should be medium to large, with a slightly larger opening than with Large Traditional Birdhouses. Species like the Barn Owl are not choosy, often nesting in barn nooks, bell towers, hollow tree trunks, and elsewhere. Mount the Owl House in a sheltered area high in a tree, in a barn near an open upper window, or under the barn eave.

Yes, we know Bats are mammals, but Bat Houses are growing in popularity, so we make mention of them. These unique houses are made quite easily, and mounted on a pole or the side of a building, 10-16 feet high. Bats are fun to watch after dusk and are useful in reducing the mosquito population of your back yard!

We suggest that you try a variety of bird houses in your yard, and the chances are good that you will attract some nesters. Since many bird varieties are not especially choosy, you might get Sparrows in your Wren house, Woodpeckers in your Owl house, and so forth. Whatever the case, these bird houses will greatly increase your ability to view and enjoy your friendly feathered neighbors.

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Backyard Book Reviews

If you want to expand your understanding of your backyard world, and how you can make it a wonderful habitat for the winged creatures you love, we’ve got some books that will help you. From designing gardens that are welcoming to a variety of birds, to installing the right feeders and bird baths, these volumes offer a wealth of knowledge and practical information you can use to attract and enjoy all the birds found in your area.

1. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways to Create a Haven for Your Favorite Birds (Rodale/Roth): If birds area going to make a regular visit to your backyard, they will have to find ample supplies of food, water, shelter and possible nesting sites. This comprehensive book covers all of these topics, and more, in great detail. In-depth information and step-by-step instructions make it easy to transform any backyard into a birding sanctuary.

2. Backyard Birds — Peterson Field Guides® for Young Naturalists: This is an outstanding book for bird lovers of any age, with special emphasis given to helping younger bird enthusiasts learn about birds, their likes and dislikes, and how they are best served in our backyard habitats. Very little prior knowledge is required to make good use of this very instructive book. It will help all budding bird watchers deepen their comprehension and enjoyment in discovering the birds in their areas.

3. The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide: Secrets to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Birds of Your Region: This is another book by Sally Roth, bird expert extraordinaire. She’ll walk you through the topics outlined in the title, with conversational descriptions that are easy to follow for the new bird lover and the veteran birding enthusiast alike. The wonderful, full-color pictures alone are worth the price of this stunning book! Give this book a read, keep it handy as a reference guide, and your pleasure in the hobby will be magnified abundantly.

4. The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale/Roth): Publisher and author team up again to offer the most comprehensive book on the market for novice and intermediate bird watchers. You’ll love the color photos, handy outlines of each species, and practical tips for watching them in nature. This is a great reference resource to keep by your window or to add to your backpack alongside your birding binoculars.

5. Backyard Bird Secrets for Every Season: Attract a Variety of Nesting, Feeding, and Singing Birds Year-Round (Sally Roth): The first lady of bird watching takes her readers through the basics here, teaching them the nuances of turning their backyards into a habitat their winged friends will gravitate to and decide to become a long-term part of. You’ll learn what to do in each season to have the best opportunity of attracting your favorites to the feeder, the nesting houses, or the bird bath. Learn about migration and ways to attract species that are just passing through, too.

Pick up one or two of these books today, and your love for all-things-birds will grow with the turn of each page. You’ll be educated, fascinated, and motivated to get out and discover for yourself why more than 1 in 5 people describe themselves as bird watching enthusiasts!

Best Flowers & Flowering Plants for the Middle Atlantic Region

The Middle Atlantic Region includes New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, sometimes Virginia and West Virginia, and, of course, New Jersey, the state that calls itself “The Garden State.” So what are the best flowers and flowering plants for the Garden State and its neighbors? Let’s consider the climate first.

The Middle Atlantic, or simply Mid-Atlantic, region features a wide variety of growing zones, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The northern reaches of the region include Northern New York state, where some of the terrain is designated zone 3! That’s one of the coldest zones represented in the U.S. The southern parts of the region, and those moderated by the ocean, are designated 6 or 7. All the areas of the Middle Atlantic region get very adequate rainfall – more rain than many of you would like! But it does make for some beautiful flower gardens! Let’s take a look at this unique region and we’ll help you decide which are the best flowers and flowering plants for your area.

If you live in the northern parts of this region, including upper New York and colder parts of Pennsylvania, then focus on plants that grow best in zones 3 and 4. We like to build a garden’s foundation with perennials, since they come back year after year, becoming old friends you rely can upon and always look forward to seeing. These do very well: Aster, Astilbe, Baby’s breath, Balloon flower, Basket of Gold, Bee Balm, Bleeding Heart, Blue Star, Cardinal Flower, Chamomile, Columbine, Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Day Lilies, Hellebore, Hosta, some Iris, Lupine, Meadowsweet, Phlox, Poppy, Primrose, Sage, Violet, Windflower, and Sunflower.
Much of the region, including lower New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia feature zones 5 and 6. Warm, humid days, and plenty of rain, are the norm. If this is your neck of the woods, start your garden choices with these flowers. They’ll love the weather: Alumroot, Aster, Astilbe, Barrenwort, Basket of Gold, Beardtongue, Bee Balm, Bell Flower, Bergenia, Black-Eyed Susan, Blanket Flower, Bleeding Heart, Boltonia, Bugbane, Bugleweed, Campion, Carnation, Chamomile, Chrysanthemum, Columbine, Coreopsis, Daylily, Flowering Onion, Gas Plant, Goatsbeard, Golden-ray Hosta, Hyssop, Iris, Lamb’s Ear, Lavender, Lily, Lupine, Meadow Rue, Phlox, Pincushion, Primrose, Sage, and Salvia, Sunflower, Violet and Yarrow.

Zone 7 growing characteristics can be found in parts of the Mid-Atlantic Region, where hot, sticky summer days, late afternoon thunder showers, and sultry nights are the norm. This is a perfect environment for growing fantastic flowers. All those mentioned above will work well here. In addition, you’ll get excellent results from these flowers and flowering plants: Angel’s Trumpet, Barrenwort, Bugloss, Calamint, Canna, Dianthus, Globeflower, Lady’s Mantle, Leopard’s Bane, Liriope, Pearly Everlasting, Sandwort, Valerian, Sea Lavender, and Solomon’s Seal.
A nice variety of flowering plants and shrubs also thrive in the Middle Atlantic Region. These make for lovely rows, or look great interspersed with evergreen shrubs like Arborvitae. The flowering plants and shrubs that do well here include Forsythia, Cinquefoil Bush, Chokeberry, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Lilac, Rose, Summersweet, Viburnum, Winterberry, and Witch Hazel.
Take time to get to know the suggestions here, selecting the ones that please your eye. Add them to your garden, flower beds, and general landscape. In the Mid-Atlantic region you’ll be able to enjoy blooms 10 or 11 months out of the year in many places. These selections will keep your yard colorful the entire growing season when you choose early, middle and late flowering plants from this list.

Regional Flowers

vIf you have been gardening for any length of time you realize that the country in which you live will feature at least a few growing zones. These zones are designated by the lowest typical winter temperature, since it is cold that most threatens perennial flowers, shrubs, vines, and bulbs. For example, the United States contains 8 zones in all, out of the 11 found in North America. These extend from zone 3 in the extreme northern regions to zone 10 in deep southern regions. This is called the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Europe has a zone hardiness map as well. It goes without saying that each zone or region will offer a climate conducive to the growing health of some perennials and not to others. It is easy to find out which zone your specific state is located in. This link shows the U.S. map with further links to each state: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html.

In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the regions of the country and what zones they include. When you shop for flowers online you may be able to shop by zone, which is a great help. If you buy flowers locally, only plants that grow in your hardiness zone will be available.

Remember that most flowers that will grow in zones with lower numbers will also grow in zones with higher numbers. In other words, flowers rated for zone 3 will also grow well in zones 4-8 roughly, while those rated for zones 4 or 5 will also thrive in zones up to 9 or 10. It is only where extreme heat or arid conditions are present that lower numbered zone flowers may not prosper.

In colder regions also realize that an especially cold spring may jeopardize plants that are spring bloomers, so an emphasis on late spring or summer bloomers might produce better results. Autumn frosts come earlier, too, so don’t expect your autumn blooms to last as deep into the year as in other regions.

New England: This northern region contains zones 3 and 4, so hardy flowers and shrubs will be in the mix for your landscape. Southern New England captures a bit of zone 5 weather, so gardeners there have a few more choices. Good regional flower choices include Day Lilies of many varieties, Clematis, Salvia, Tulips, some Roses, Chrysanthemum, Sedum, Daffodils, Geraniums, Monarda, Asters, Crocuses, and Heuchera.

The East: This is one of the most diverse regions in terms of hardiness zones, with zones 3 to 7 all being represented. Good regional flower choices include Geraniums, Tulips, Day Lilies, Echinacea, Cyclamen, Hellebores, Crocuses, Daffodils, Columbine, and Yarrow.

The Mid-Atlantic States: Another diverse region, the Mid-Atlantic states feature growing zones from 4 to 7. Good regional flower choices include Tulips, Columbine, Wild Ginger, Coneflower, Rhododendron, Bleeding Heart, Salvia, Baby’s Breath, Astilbe, Bee Balm, Angel Trumpet, and Roses.

The South: This warm region is the place where flowers rated for zones 8-10 will thrive. Remember, some flowers with lower zone ratings will do well here, but others may not be able to stand the worst of the heat. Good regional flower choices include Rhododendron, Columbine, Fox Glove, Roses, Peony, Balloon Flower, Bee Balm, Baby’s Breath, Campion, Bleeding Heart, Cranesbill, and Coral Bells.

The Great Lakes and Great Plains: This region generally contains zones 3-5, but parts of Michigan’s coasts, where a Great Lake moderates temperatures, are designated zone 6. Good regional flower choices include Geranium, Poppy, Columbine, Phlox, Tulips, Cardinal flower, Bleeding Heart, Gladiolus, Day Lily, Morning Glory, Daffodils, Sedum, Chrysanthemum, Roses, and Crocuses.

The Rocky Mountain Region: Being in the north, with high elevation in many places, it’s no wonder zones 3-5 predominate here, though zones 6 and 7 creep into the southern reaches of the region. This is also an arid region, so take that into account when selecting plants. Good regional flower choices include Astilbe, Rhododendron, Hydrangea, Tulips, Roses, Lavender, Begonia, Pansies, Peony, Salvia, Dusty Miller, Hosta, Gladiolus, and Iris.

The Pacific Northwest: Plenty of rain with cool or moderate temperatures from autumn through spring, with warm summers, make a region where zones 5-8 are all represented. Flowers that like, or can at least tolerate, plenty of rain will thrive west of the mountains. Good regional flower choices include Roses, Bleeding Heart, Salvia, Sunflower, Hellebores, Baby’s Breath, Astilbe, Bee Balm, Angel Trumpet, Violet, Verbena, and Iris.

The Southwest: Hot, arid conditions are the norm here, even at higher altitudes, so the zone rating is only part of the issue for gardeners. Zones as cool as 6 are found at higher elevations, but 7-10 are most common. When selecting plants here it is important to take their need for moisture into account. Good regional flower choices include Cactus, Bee Balm, Daisies, Iris, Orchids, Elephant’s Ear, Coral Bells, Sunflower, Violet, Sea Holly, Thrift, Poppy, Pincushion, and Lilies.

California: This state features a long ocean coastline which keeps things warm, but not terribly hot most of the year. Zones 8-10 are all represented here, with arid conditions influencing your planting decisions in some of the desert areas. Good regional flower choices include Cactus, Coral Bells, Bee Balm, Daisies, Iris, Orchids, Elephant’s Ear, Sea Holly, Sunflower, Violet, Desert Rose, Hydrangea, Orchids, Pansies, Begonia, Bleeding Heart, and Geraniums.

Seasonal Flowers

When you are designing your garden you will want to select flowers that bloom in each season in your climate zone, whether that includes 3 seasons or 4. Wise planters will stagger seasonal flowers throughout their beds and garden so that no section is without blooms during the year, unless by design. Here is a list of seasonal flowers, based on when they flower, to get you started on developing a garden that will never lack in vibrant color.

Let’s start with winter, since if you do get winter blooms in your region they will probably come just before spring, rather than early. So, you’re winter blossoms will be the first to look for after the New Year, and there is nothing that says warm weather is on the way like the first hardy flowers of the year. Here’s a good starter list for each season of the year.

For Winter: Daffodils, Cyclamen, Snow Drops, Crocuses, Heath, Hellebores, Christmas Rose, Iberis,

Spring blooms can come fast and furious once they begin, or they may make their appearance gradually throughout the season, depending on the temperatures. Either way, if you live in a region that doesn’t allow for winter blooms, a joyful sight they will be. A visitor to your house one week might see a garden with one or two things in flower, and come again the next week and be dazzled by a dozen gorgeous bloomers. There are dozens of wonderful choices for Spring flowers. Always make sure you select plants suitable to your zone.

For Spring: Basket of Gold, Clematis – many varieties, Crocus, Daffodils, Bleeding Heart, Primrose, and Sweet Violet.

Summer flowering perennials will enrich the warm months with cool blues, hot pinks, rich reds, spicy oranges, lemony yellows, and all shades of the spectrum. Properly designed, your garden will continue to grow in color intensity until it reaches a crescendo in late summer. Remember to plant summer bloomers in every sector of the garden, and combine then with colors they will blend well with or vividly contrast with. Be careful not to mix colors in a small area that will clash. Some gardeners like to create a section featuring pastel blossoms, another with primary color blooms and their derivatives. Try different things since you can always move flowers around when they are done blooming. Take notes on which ones worked well together in terms of color, but also height and width, and which ones might best be used in another part of the garden neighborhood.

For summer: Daylilies, Clematis, Rose, Purple Coneflower, Monarda, Garden Phlox, Geraniums, Verbena, Tradescantia, Veronica, Salvia. Try cutting back some of the earliest summer bloomers when they are finished, like Yarrow, and you might get a second round of blooms from them. Flowering summer vines include Cardinal Vine, Morning Glory, Black-eyed Susan, Hyacinth Bean, and Moonflower, which blooms at night for a special treat. Don’t forget bulbs like Gladiolus, Dahlias, Cannas, and Tuberose.

Autumn bloomers extend our enjoyment of the garden to the first hard frost, and sometimes beyond. When summer blooms are in full glory, these autumn friends are out of mind. But when the hot weather blooms begin to fade, the Sedum and others start showing color, and our gardens are not finished yet!

For Autumn: Michaelmas Daisy, Sedum, Coneflower, Perennial Sunflower, Chrysanthemum, Blue Mist Shrub, Aster, Baby’s Breath, Anemone, Freesia, Panama Rose, Foxtail Orchid, Juniper, Lavender, Narcissus, and Goldenrod.

Annuals have their place in most gardens. They can be purchased until mid to late summer, and are good for filling in bare spots where flowers didn’t last as long as we expected. Other gardeners like to select a few annuals to grow from seed each year, to lend variety to their beds amidst their perennial favorites. These are usually started in pots and transplanted to the garden when ready.

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