Garden Ideas and Plants for Growing in 2009

Posted by Christine Eirschele Dec 8, 2008

Here is a run down of plants I wrote about in 2008. Additional inspiration for next year’s garden:

Daylilies

My favorite plant because it is easy to grow, attracts butterflies, some have fragrance, and comes in a multitude of colors and sizes. At least one can be tucked in any garden.

Hostas

You may still consider hosta a shade plant. But today there are cultivars that push the envelope into slightly sunnier conditions. I am cautious when suggesting a shade plant to a gardener with obviously sunny space. Please try one to see what works before buying more and follow all the plant’s culture needs.

Iris

No matter where you live, any gardener can have one type of iris. The trick is in knowing which one. If you live in a damp environment and your garden is swampy, don’t grow bearded iris. But there are Japanese, crested or Siberian irises to check out.

Northern Gardens

It is no secret that I write primarily from the viewpoint of a northern gardener. It is where I gained most of my garden experience. For example, prickly pear is not found just in the south. Native cactus is a viable plant for cold regions of the United States.

We like to push the limits of gardening too, as with roses. My parents were two gardeners who devoted much of their urban garden space to hybrid tea roses, arguably the fussiest roses to grow.

There is a case to be made for native plants in a northern garden for dependability. Like northern people, cold hardy plants know what to expect when it gets below zero.

Sustainable Gardening

The new catchword in gardening will be sustainability. As global warming’s obvious affects are felt everywhere, conserving resources in your garden will begin with growing plants that use less water and fertilize.

Native plants and cultivars of native plants should be first on a gardener’s plant list. Then consider plants that were always labeled drought tolerant.

Drought Tolerant Plants

Of all categories, remember this phrase – drought tolerant plants. In the coming years this phrase will matter regardless where or how you garden. But plants that have duel purposes, drought tolerant plants that attract pollinators for example, are bonus plants giving you greater bang for your buck.

Pollinators

I wrote about butterflies, hummingbirds and dragonflies this year. Check out how to attract them to your garden.

And, although these are very important to the planet and local gardens, bees are in serious danger, too. Look for more plants that attract bees, meanwhile leave a little clover in your lawn for this life-sustaining creature.