Gaillardia is a member of the family Asteraceae ⁄ Compositae or Aster family of the genus Gaillardia Foug. or blanketflower containing the species Gaillardia ×grandiflora Van Houtte [aristata × pulchella] or blanketflower. The plant is native to the western hemisphere and is one of more than two hundred plants documented by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Bats—the world’s only flying mammals—are, indeed, amazing flyers and give birds a run for their money. In Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida, bats are also important native pollinators. Those majestic Saguaro and Organ Pipe cacti you see in southern Arizona and Northern Mexico….they’re pollinated by bats. As is agave
If you’d like to see more birds fluttering nearby your home or want to help the local ecosystem stay in or return to a vibrant, natural state, consider planting a bird-friendly yard or container garden.
Star of Bethlehem is a member of the family Liliaceae or Lily family of the genus Ornithogalum L. or star of Bethlehem P, containing five species.
Are you looking to attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden? It’s a good idea! Not only are they fun to watch, but they’re also pollinators: as they stick their long skinny beaks into flower after flower, they’re doing the same work as bees, butterflies, and other insects that pollinate plants (and we know how important pollination is). Make a conscious effort to invite these tiny birds into your space by planting some of their favorite flowers and plants.
Hyacinth is a member of the family Liliaceae or Lily family of the genus Hyacinthus L. or hyacinth P containing one species Hyacinthus orientalis L. or garden hyacinth P. The plant is native to Asia Minor, which is the Asian region of Turkey, and its nomenclature originated from an ancient language spoken approximately 4,000 years ago known as “Thracopelasgian.”
Freesia is a member of the family Iridaceae or Iris family of the genus Freesia Eckl. ex Klatt or freesia P. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not list this genus containing species.
Mints are easy-to-grow perennials that are a beautiful and (usually) lovely-smelling addition to your garden—even if your garden is limited to a balcony, like mine is. They do well at sea level. They do well at mountainous elevations. They can hack cool, damp summers or hot, intense summers. They are fine being buried in snow and will be there waiting for you in the spring. While mints generally prefer rich and well-drained soil, I’ve grown them in heavy clay soils.
Daffodils are a member of the family Liliaceae, also known as the Lily family of the genus Narcissus L. or daffodil P, containing eleven species. The plant is native to Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa, and was cultivated into the present flower on the Iberian Peninsula. The flower then found its way throughout the Mediterranean basin and the pioneers brought the plant to North America.
Did you know the flowers and vegetation you're growing might be invasive species? Native plants often get overlooked when people design their gardens and lawns, instead opting for popular plants from other regions. This is unfortunate, considering native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions which means they require far less water.