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Native forbs for a dry garden, Part I

© Van Waffle

When I moved into my current apartment, I never dreamed I could plant such a prolific garden as the one now bursting along the front sidewalk. On a sun-baked corner by a busy highway, the site appeared hostile to everything but dandelions and used cars.

This is a remote stretch of mind from the two acres of old meadow where I gardened five years ago, not 10 kilometers away. But during these years of apartment dwelling, I began to hunger for a vital connection with the Earth.

In autumn 1998 I asked the landlord for permission to dig a flower border along the pavement outside my door. He was happy, even said he would pay for my expenses. So I removed the tangled grass, incorporated some peat moss, sheep manure and bone meal, and got ready for spring.

Choosing plants for a dry site

The big question was, what would grow there. The sun toasts the clay loam all summer. In winter, it's exposed to harsh wind and frequent thaws. Despite tougher anti-smog regulations in Ontario, I knew the air must be high in pollutants alongside a busy truck route. Nothing could be more unlike the cool, moist, clean woodland where I have my cottage garden.

forb: flowering, herbaceous plant; distinguished from grain-forming grasses, sedges and rushes.

But the conditions aren't so different from the hawthorn savannah where I used to live. This memory inspired me to choose a variety of alpine and meadow forbs which are naturally adapted for dry soil, full sun, and cold winters.

I've used wildflowers native to North America and exotic ornamentals which resemble their form and habit. For me the ideal garden draws inspiration from nature and shows interpretation by the gardener. But this article will highlight native species.

Cool shades for a hot summer

I emphasized the use of blue flowers, with some violet, crimson and white. This choice has effectively created an impression of coolness in this sun-parched spot.

Plants that tolerate drought have the added benefit of requiring less maintenance. Each spring I add some organic fertilizer and water new plants until they are established. But the garden must weather Ontario's hot, muggy weeks of July. That's when I'm often cottage bound. The plants must endure the absence of a watering hand.

Last year, the garden's first season, it suffered visibly. A few specimens died. But the ones that survived are tough enough for my purposes. Several rallied for fall colour. They will be all the more prepared for this year.

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