If you’ve stopped by Planters’ Choice in Newtown in the past few weeks, you may have noticed the new garden around the sign. All of the plants are in place, and many are blooming.

We outlined the planting requirements in prior articles, and developed a list of plants that fulfilled those requirements. First to go in the ground were spring-blooming bulbs, this was completed in late fall. Next in the ground were a Mugo Pine and several Yucca plants for four-season interest. We have two types of ground cover – barren strawberry amongst the perennials, and Carex pensylvanica under the oak tree. Both will eventually cover the open soil, repressing weeds and retaining moisture. The balance of the plants are flowering perennials, to provide bloom for the entire season.

Alchemilla mollis – Lady’s Mantle

Aquilegia canadensis – Native Columbine

Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly Weed

Carex pensylvanica – Pennsylvania Sedge

Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower

Euthamia graminifolia – Grass-leaved Goldenrod

Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ – Kobold Gayfeather

Nepeta f. ‘Blue Wonder’ – Blue Wonder Catmint

Penstemon d. ‘Husker Red’ – Husker Red Penstemon

Pinus mugo ‘Mops’ – Mops Dwarf Mugo Pine

Sedum x. Autumn Joy – Autumn Joy Stonecrop

Stachys s. ‘Silver Carpet’ – Silver Carpet Lamb’s Ear

Verbena bonariensis – Purpletop Vervain

Veronica r. ‘Royal Candles’ – Royal Candles Speedwell

Waldsteinia fragarioides – Barren Strawberry

This chart shows the bloom color and the month of bloom, we will have a cheerful display and provide for pollinators all summer long!

The planting was completed by mid-June, at which point we focused on getting the plants established with regular, deep watering. A layer of mulch helps with water retention and weed suppression. It’s important to check moisture levels 6-8” below the surface; we want the roots to grow deep.

-Elizabeth