Pollinator Garden Pattern No. 6

Overview

Texture, color and Autumn season seem to work well together. This team of plants contributes to those needs in the garden. First the Schizachrium. This native grass begins active growth in early to mid-May. This grass begins the year having modestly dense, vertical growth making a nice architectural statement during the summer. It begins flowering in mid to late August. Here’s the best part in late September the foliage begins turning purplish to copper/red remaining that way into the late fall. So far too nice!  Add to that in late August the narrow, arching spikes of golden flowers from the Solidago mingling with the Schizachrium foliage. Then in late September the blue daisy flowers of the Aster is added to the mix their flowers lasting through October. This plant pattern guides you to find areas in your garden that can create beautiful Autumn moments. 

Stewardship

There’s no need to dead head any of the plants. Their seedheads are structurally pleasing. Their foliage emerges a little later in spring so they provide a good opportunity for bulb plantings. Don’t use the big hybrid tulips or daffodils their foliage gets to large and covers up the developing perennials. Use species bulbs they are more communal. They share garden space. In March everything can be cut back with a string trimmer. Start cutting the plants from the top to the bottom, about 3 inches from the ground. Then you can mow everything with a mulching mower breaking the remnant plant material into smaller pieces.   There’s your mulch!!    

Plants are very healthy living in their own seasonal cycle of vegetational change.

*These garden plans can be followed explicitly or adjusted to meet individual needs, unlocking rich perennial landscape designs for individualization and creativity.