ECLIPSE MANIA IN THE GARDEN

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.)