Plants that attract Hummingbirds

While Hummingbirds are attracted to red, they will feed from any color flower that has nectar. Annuals and perennials, vines, shrubs, trees, bedding plants and hanging plants: you can choose from all these categories in selecting flowers for attracting hummingbirds. Since there is such a dizzying array of plants that will help you achieve your goal, here is a list of the flowers, shrubs and vines that are commonly used to attract hummers. Flowers Bee Balm Digitalis Cardinal Flower Delphinium …

Basil Collection

As we all strive to maintain healthy diets with flavorful food, cooking with fresh herbs and veggies becomes normal kitchen practice. Basil plays a large part in any herb garden and our new collection covers all the basil bases. We have two types of sweet basil: the traditional variety as well as the wonderful basil Genovese with larger, darker leaves. Because they grow at different speeds, it is best to plant both to provide a constant supply for the kitchen. Two interesting …

For the Love of Iris

Bearded irises are the royalty of my spring garden with their tall, frilly blooms and sword-like foliage. They add a perfect upright element to the garden, and they come in such a huge variety of colors that you are unlikely to ever get bored growing them. Bearded Iris bloom after spring bulbs and prior to summer flowering plants, providing color and beauty to every part of your garden. If you’ve planted your bearded irises in good soil in a sunny spot, …

Grow your own herb garden with Papa Joe Herbs

Wenke Greenhouses carries their own line of herbs called Papa Joe Herbs. Herbs are used for health, flavor, or fragrance. Herbs can be used to make teas; perk up cooked foods such as meats, vegetables, sauces, and soups; or to add flavor to vinegar, butters, dips, or mustard. Many herbs are grown for their fragrance and are used in potpourris, sachets, and nosegays; or to scent bath water, candles, oils, or perfumes. Herbs are relatively easy to grow. Begin with the herbs …

Geraniums

Geraniums are a very popular plant and have been for many years. I can’t speak for everyone, but I believe that they are a favorite not only because of their beauty but also because of their strength. Geraniums are able to thrive in hot, dry and sunny locations better than almost any other annual. Red is the color most people request but that should not deter anyone from noticing the beautiful salmons, purples, pinks and whites that are available. Geraniums …

Ride the Wave

Wave® Petunias are perfect for your summer gardens. The abundant blooms will flower continuously all summer long in full sun. Wave® Petunias create a ground-hugging carpet of color and are perfect for flower beds, hanging baskets, containers and window boxes. Plant the Wave® Petunias 12in. apart in planting beds and watch them spread up to 4 ft! These easy-to-maintain plants are ‘self-cleaning’ meaning there is no need for you to cut back or ‘dead-head’ the spent blooms. They will simply drop old blooms …

Basil Lemonade

A great go-to summer lemonade recipe — the basil adds a delicious twist. The recipe is perfect for a party as you can make non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions. Basil Lemonade 2 cups basil lemon syrup 2 cups cold water 2 cups ice cubes 1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice Garnish: fresh basil sprigs; lemon zest strips Preparation Stir together all ingredients in a large pitcher, then pour into tall glasses half filled with ice.   Basil Lemon Syrup 4 cups packed …

Lantana

Sometimes an old, familiar plant is revitalized with new breeding, which is certainly the case with Lantana. New varieties, like the Bandana series, have large flower clusters in an impressive range of vivid colors – hot cherry to apricot to sunrise-type color combos, sometimes all on one plant! Lasting longer in hot weather than many other annuals, lantana is a long-time favorite for sunny spots. It is excellent in hanging baskets and outdoor patio containers, especially on a deck or by a …

Angelonia

Hot, sunny and a bit dry? Those are perfect conditions for a big show of color from Angelonia, a summer garden favorite. Some people call angelonia the “summer snapdragon” because its blooms are spiky and a bit tubular. But snapdragons are cool-weather plants while angelonia thrives in hot, sunny weather. Also like snaps, angelonia will attract the occasional hummingbird or butterfly. Angelonia is perfect in mixed containers as a thriller or a filler. For garden beds, try planting odd-numbered groups …

Hostas

Hostas are favored by many gardeners for their exceptional foliage. Growing best in shady spots, they can add color and drama to your garden in places other plants may not grow. Leaves come in a wide range of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures and may be solid in color or variegated in different combinations of blue, green, white, and yellow. Although they do flower, they are grown mostly for the decorative foliage and the plants remain attractive from spring till …