Plant some
sun-worshippers--look for nursery sales and good deals on plants starting with Heli – Latin for SUN.
Examples include Helianthemum nummularium (Sunrose, Cistus) – an evergreen shrub and
Helichrysum--The annual Strawflower
is one kind, but there are also shrubby perennial forms. An old-fashioned garden favorite is the Heliotropium (Cherry Pie Plant) – a highly
scented purple flowering plant. Despite the name, this one may need partial
shade.
It’s not too late to plant certain varieties
of sunflower – Helianthus Annus! Some will mature in 80 days. Plant seed 2” deep in well-drained soil and
keep moist until germination.
 |
| Vanessa cardui on Heliotropium Arborescens |
Of course without the MOON, there would
be no eclipse! Bethany Schiminsky of Thyme Garden Herb Company (www.thymegarden.com) shared her ideas for
creating a MOON
GARDEN with the Evening Garden Club of Corvallis at
our March meeting. Key elements include
white and silvery plants, night scented plants, water and/ or a mirror for
reflections, both high and low plantings and lighting well below eye
level. Some of her favorite silvery
plants are Dusty Miller, Cape Blanco Sedum and Wooly Thyme. She uses Alyssum,
Daturas and Brugmansia for scent and Globe
Thistle and enormous Cardoons
for height. (Thyme Garden has a wonderful moon garden
to visit at their nursery -- 20546 Alsea Highway.)
