Summer flowers bring color, beauty, and enjoyment to gardens of all sizes. Among the most popular are sunflowers, which come in a wide range of varieties, from miniature plants to towering giants that can grow more than twelve feet tall. Their bright blooms seem to make everyone smile and provide wonderful photo opportunities. Sunflowers are also an excellent food source for birds and are easy to grow from seed. All they need is a sunny location, well-drained soil, and a reliable source of water. Many improved varieties are available at local nurseries and garden centers.
For the best display of color, consider planting several smaller sunflower varieties together. To encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer, water and fertilize regularly. While removing spent flowers can promote additional blooms, leaving some flower heads in place provides nutritious seeds for both birds and people.
One nursery we work with uses sunflowers as a cover crop before planting new trees. They sow acres of ordinary sunflower seeds—the same kind commonly sold as birdseed—and create spectacular fields of bright yellow blooms. These fields attract many visitors who stop to take photographs. Before the plants go to seed, the sunflowers are cut down and tilled into the soil, helping improve soil quality for future plantings.
Another summer favorite is hardy hibiscus. Unlike tropical hibiscus, which is commonly grown in containers on patios, hardy hibiscus is a perennial that returns year after year. In July, it produces large, showy blooms in shades of red, white, and pink. Hardy hibiscus thrives in moist soil and can create a stunning display when planted near ponds or other wet areas. Although it may not bloom as heavily as tropical hibiscus, its colorful flowers are a welcome addition to the summer landscape.
Daylilies are also a popular choice for summer gardens. As their name suggests, each bloom lasts only a single day. However, the plants produce multiple flowers over an extended period, providing a week or more of continuous color. Daylilies are easy to grow, transplant, and share with others.
For a simple and elegant centerpiece, try floating freshly picked daylily blooms in a clear bowl of water. After carefully removing the pollen-bearing stamens, the flowers can create a beautiful display for an evening gathering. Since each bloom lasts only one day, replace them with fresh flowers the following day.
If you discover a daylily variety you particularly enjoy, ask permission to divide and transplant a clump. Daylilies establish easily in sunny, well-drained soil, though they also tolerate areas with additional moisture, such as near downspouts.
Summer flowers offer more than beauty; they provide an opportunity to introduce both children and adults to the pleasures of gardening. Whether planting seeds, picking flowers, sharing bouquets, or simply enjoying the blooms, flowers help create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for nature.
Architerra Inc
847-949-6576
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