Our featured flower of the month is wild carrot. Often mistaken for yarrow, the wild carrot, Daucus carota, also known as Queen Anne’s lace, is a flowering plant native to temperate regions of the Old World and has been naturalized in the New World. Its domesticated counterpart, the carrot, is derived from a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp. sativus. Cultivation of the wild carrot requires well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It is a biennial plant, blooming in its second year from spring to fall, and is known for its distinctive white flowers and hairy leaves. The wild carrot has a rich history, having been used medicinally before its domestication as an edible root. Cheers

Zinniboy.com is a treasure trove for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wealth of information to inspire and guide your horticultural projects. From detailed ebooks like “The Flower Affect” to practical tips for every season, the website is designed to educate and encourage both novice and experienced gardeners. With a focus on cultivating a variety of flowers, including those that support local ecosystems like the monarch butterfly, Zinniboy.com is an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their garden and embrace the joys of outdoor living. Cheers

The birds featured in the video “The Birds Part 1” are Cave Swallows. The Cave Swallow, a species known for its agility in flight, often makes its home within the entrances of caves, cohabiting with bats. These birds have adapted to human-altered landscapes by nesting under bridges and culverts, expanding their range beyond their traditional habitats. They are skilled hunters of flying insects, which they catch with impressive aerial maneuvers, and they build their nests from mud and bat guano, cementing them onto walls and ledges. The Cave Swallow’s ability to adapt to changing environments is a testament to its resilience and ingenuity. Cheers

A flower resilient enough to thrive in the drought conditions of zone 4 is our featured flower of the month Dense Blazing Star. The Dense Blazing Star, scientifically known as Liatris spicata, is a perennial wildflower native to the eastern and midwestern regions of North America. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and is known for its striking spires of purple or white flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Cultivation involves planting corms in the spring after the last frost, with adequate spacing for growth. This hardy plant is a favorite among gardeners for its low maintenance and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Cheers

I started this perennial flower garden 10 years ago. Enjoy!

Asclepias, commonly known as milkweed, has a rich history and is vital for the ecosystem, particularly for the monarch butterfly. Named after the Greek god of healing, Asclepius, due to its medicinal properties, Asclepias is native to the Americas and boasts over one hundred species. Cultivation of Asclepias involves full sun exposure and well-drained soil, and while it’s a hardy plant, it’s also known for its rapid spread through self-seeding. Its importance to the monarch’s lifecycle cannot be overstated, as it serves as the sole food source for the larvae and a nectar source for the adults, making its conservation and thoughtful cultivation essential for maintaining biodiversity. Cheers

Roses are blooming in zone 4. The rose, with its rich fragrance and variety of forms, has a history that spans millions of years. Fossil records suggest that rose-like plants existed in the northern hemisphere between 33 and 23 million years ago. Cultivation of the rose began in earnest in China around 3,000 BCE, where they were treasured for their beauty and use in perfumery and medicine. Over time, roses spread across the world, with significant developments in hybridization occurring in Europe after the introduction of Asian species. Today, the rose continues to captivate gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike, symbolizing love, secrecy, and beauty across cultures. Cheers

I’ve decided to make Penstemon our featured flower of the month. Penstemons, also known as Beardtongues, are a charming addition to any garden, originating from North America with over 250 species. These perennials are celebrated for their tubular flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. They thrive in full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained soil, blooming from spring to summer. Cultivation involves planting in a sunny spot and ensuring good drainage, with some species being drought-tolerant once established. For a diverse garden that supports local wildlife, penstemons are a delightful choice. Cheers