Planting for Pollinators

What a treat to visit the home garden of a horticulture power couple! Rita Venable is amazed by all the great plants that support pollinators in a very long border bed. Also on the property is a utility right-of-way that they are transitioning into a beneficial plant palette. In the 4 years of garden transitions,, the goal is to continue to shovel out plants of an invasive growth habit, and replace with environmentally beneficial trees, shrubs and perennials. Plus, we’ll be introduced to a new and unique spot in the garden they call the ‘loggery’.

Plants Featured in this Clip

AGASTACHE 'Crazy Fortune'
CLEOME hassleriana (spider flower)
Supertunia Vista Bubblegum
ANDROPOGAN gerardii (Big bluestem)
PYCNANTHEMUM virginianum (mountain mint)
PHLOX paniculata 'Jeana'
COLCHICUM autumnale (autumn crocus)
RHUSCOPPALINA (shining sumac) 'Lanham's Purple
RUDBECKIA laciniata (Autumn sun coneflower) 'Herbstonne'
VERBESINA virginica (Frostweed, White Crown Beard)
ONOCLEA sensibilis (sensitive fern)
POLYSTICHUM acrostichoides (Christmas fern)

Gardener Extras

  1. AILANTHUS altissima (tree of heaven) is a rapidly growing deciduous tree native to China that has become a widespread invasive species across North America.
  2. Butterfly weed (ASCLEPIAS tuberosa) grows up to 2' tall. It is more drought tolerant than other milkweed species.
  3. Monty Don is a British horticulturist, broadcaster and writer who hosts the 'Gardener's World' television series for BBC.
  4. Planted in the meadow is a Cotinus (smoketree) and Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone'. The goal is to have these mature and inhibit the growth of less desirable plants.
  5. Japanese stiltgrass (MICROSTEGIUM vimineum) can grow in a variety of habitats where it forms dense stands, and crowds out native species.

Rita Venable

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