And that made me think.
I think there are 10 plants that no garden can do without.
First of all: Roses
Every garden needs at least one rose. A rose is the most
essential plant in the garden, the queen of plants and flowers, the
centre of attention, and I can't think of any flower that matches her
beauty.
2: Hydrangea
Whether you prefer the neat look of a row of Annabelles or
the nostalgic look of an ordinary blue-ish, purple-ish, pink-ish
hydrangea, I think no garden can do without these beauties.
3. A tree
Preferably a fruit bearing tree. Blossoms in spring, watching the fruits
grow during summer, enjoying pies, muffins, marmalade etc. during fall.
I think even the smallest garden has room for at least a little apple
tree. Also, the vertical shape of a tree gives the garden a
three-dimensional look. And don't forget, a tree provides shade on a
warm day, and a place for the birds to stay.
4. Foxgloves
Like the above mentioned tree, foxgloves add vertical shapes to the
garden. They make the garden look less flat. Also, they attract bees,
bumblebees and other insects. And of course they're simply beautiful.
Very easy plants too. If there's one on a spot you don't want it, just
dig out the shallow roots, move the plant to a more appropriate place in
the garden (sunny, shady, the plant doesn't mind - it's originally a
forest plant), make sure to water it daily and it will continue happily
on it's new spot. Just keep in mind all parts of this plant are
poisonous, so wear gloves or wash hands.
5. Composite flowers
Ask a child to draw a flower and it will draw you a composite flower.
It's the most basic form of flowers and therefore I think it should be
in every garden. There's enough to choose from: daisies, asters,
coneflowers, sunflowers, even dandelions if you like.
6. Spring bulbs
Could anyone imagine a spring garden without tulips, daffodils or
crocuses? Me neither. So plant those bulbs in September/October, and
surprise yourself with a sea of colours in spring, when all other plants
are still asleep.
7. Phlox
Is there any flower more connected to summer than phlox? To me it's the
ultimate summer flower. When the phloxes are blooming, it's truly
summer. They come in many colours so they fit in any garden. And they're
easy plants, too. Plant them once and clip off the old branches at the
end of winter or early spring, they'll return every year without ever
complaining.
8. Lady's Mantle
This is a modest plant. Pale green foliage, yellowish
flowers. But nevertheless, I think they belong in every garden. They
bring an atmosphere of calm and peace, and no other plant is able to
hold dew drops as photogenic as they do.
9. Lavender
I used to own a garden with acid soil and no lavender was able to
survive there. And all those years I felt like something essential was
missing. So I'm very glad I'm able to grow lavender now.
10. Clematis
Better even to plant two: one that flowers early, like cl. Montana, and
one flowering during early summer. Clematis brings colour on places that
were previously dull, like your side of the neighbour's fence, a boring
shrub, a bare wall.
