Moxie Gardener

Ageratum make good edging plants for flower beds or trailing over hanging baskets.

Ageratum, also called “flossflowers” are native to Central America and Mexico, although four species are identified as native to the United States.

The most commonly grown variety is Ageratum houstonianum. Ageratum is from the Greek “a geras,” which means “non-aging,” most likely referring to the longevity of the flowers.

The flowers are fluffy and available in lilac, pink or white, as well as the ever-popular lavender-blue. They spread in compound umbels, giving them a fluffy appearance, sort of like flattened pompoms.

Because most varieties grow less than a foot high, Ageratum are popular as edging plants or tucked into containers or hanging baskets. They bloom profusely from June until killed by frost. Although they prefer full sun, they are happiest with a little shade during the hottest parts of summer.

You can seed them directly in the garden but they won’t bloom until past midsummer. For earlier bloom start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. The seeds need light to germinate, so sprinkle them on the seed starting medium and lightly press down with your hand.

Water from below by placing the starter pots into a larger container containing an inch or so of water. Remove the pots from the water when the surface of the seed starting medium looks moist. This keeps the seeds from being washed into the depths of the soil. Allow the excess water to drain and don’t let the starter pots sit in standing water. Remember: the seeds need light to germinate so they need to stay at or near the surface of the soil.

Flossflowers need warmth to germinate, so put the starter pots in a warm location, like on top of the refrigerator. The seeds will rot if the soil temperature is below 75° and they will be even happier at 80°. If you have difficulty providing these temperatures, set the starter pots on a seed starting mat or even a heating pad set to the lowest temperature and covered with a folded towel.

Once the seeds are germinated (in about 7 days) and they have two sets of leaves, you can grow them on at temperatures as low as 60°. Paradoxically, they need very warm temperatures to germinate but prefer cooler temperatures when in active growth. Go figure.

After hardening off, plant outdoors a week or so before your average last spring frost. Although they are frost tender, plants that are adequately acclimated to outdoor conditions and that have been growing in the ground for a week or so show some tolerance to light frosts.

Remove the faded flowers by deadheading to prevent seeds from forming. Ageratum can become rampant weeds when grown outside of their natural range.

Some species are used medicinally, although there is little data on specific uses or on its medicinal effectiveness. Ageratum houstonianum is known to cause liver damage or tumors if ingested.

Plant flossflowers near marigolds or any other yellow flowers for a stunning, eye-popping display.

Purple coneflowers grow wild in many parts of North America.

Purple coneflowers were used extensively by Native Americans to treat a variety of maladies. Its botanical name Echinacea purpurea comes from the Greek echinos, (their word for hedgehog) which refers to the spiny-like center of the flower, and the Latin purpurea which refers to its purple-red color.

Echinacea purpurea are perennials that grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet. They are often propagated by root division, but are just as easily started from seed. Plants started from seed will bloom in October the first year and in July thereafter.

Plant echinacea in full sun to part shade in fertile loamy soil, although they will grow in clay or sandy soil. They are relatively drought resistant, but will show signs of wilting if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Divide the plants by digging up and dividing the roots every 4 to 5 years.

Purple coneflowers attract a variety of different bees and butterflies. Goldfinches eat the mature seeds in early fall. Their pointy seed heads add a unique component to dried flower arrangements.

They were used by Native Americans to treat everything from toothaches to colds to minor cuts, wounds and burns. Rather than using the plant’s parts to make a healing tea, the roots were chewed or the foliage was mashed up and made into a salve.

European settlers adopted the use of the plant for medicinal purposes until it fell out of use in the 1930’s. It has been re-discovered in recent years primarily as a cold and flu preventative, although its medicinal uses are far more extensive than that.

The juice of the roots was mixed with water and sprinkled on hot coals in traditional Native American “sweat lodges” for purification purposes. It is regarded today as an antibiotic and blood purifier which builds up the immune system. Some claim it provides immunity to a host of non-specific diseases.

Scientific research has not yet determined the exact compounds in purple coneflower that give it medicinal properties, but a long history of use in traditional folk medicine suggests that it is, in fact, effective as a medicinal herb.

Cucumbers' cool flavor and high water content quenches your thirst and fills your stomach.

The phrase “cool as a cucumber” does have some basis in fact. Cucumbers growing in the garden on a hot summer’s day can have an interior temperature as much as 20 degrees cooler than the air temperature.

Cucumbers originated in India and have been cultivated for at least 3,000 years in western Asia. It is thought that the English word for cucumber is from the Indian word kachumbar. The Latin botanical name is Cucumis sativus.

They were mentioned in the bible and also in the ancient tale of Gilgamesh, a story that pre-dates the bible by thousands of years.

The Romans went to great lengths to grow cucumbers under cover so they could eat them at all times of the year. They are reported to have used them to treat scorpion bites and bad eyesight. Roman wives who wished to conceive wore them tied to belts around their waists.

Cucumbers are not overly picky about the type of soil they grow in, as long as it drains well and has a pH slightly lower than the neutral 7. They need full sun and respond well to additions of compost to their growing bed.

Plant them directly in the garden about a week before your average last spring frost. Space hills in a grid about 3 to 4 feet apart and sow 3 to 4 seeds per hill. You can also grow them in a row and climbing up a trellis; space the hills about 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart.

When the seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days, thin to the strongest seedling in each hill. Mulch the soil after it has had time to completely warm up, in early to mid June, depending on your location.

Cucumbers are ready to harvest about 60 days after germination. Check the plants daily and pick the fruits when they are about 6 inches long. Do not let them mature or grow too large. These large fruits will be inedible and the vines may stop producing.

Be on the lookout for aphids, mites and cucumber beetles, 3 common pests of cucumbers. Treat aphids and mites with a strong spray from the garden hose followed by a red pepper spray. Handpick cucumber beetles and manually destroy them. These beetles will be more prevalent when the seedlings are just emerging from the soil.

Cucumbers can only be eaten raw fresh or pickled; there is no other known way to preserve them.

Monarda flowers are edible and their unique minty taste is a welcome addition to summer salads.

Monarda or “bee balm” as it is more commonly known, has a place in American history. Colonists drank it after they dumped the highly taxed English tea into the Boston Harbor.

Commonly called bee balm because of its attractivness to bees, Monarda is also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

A member of the Lamiaceae or mint family, Monarda didyma is the species historically used for medicinal purposes. Monarda contains thymol, which is an antiseptic. Native Americans used poultices of the plant for skin infections and the treatment of minor wounds. It was also used to treat mouth and throat infections, such as gingivitis. Thymol is used today as a primary ingredient in commercially manufactured mouthwashes.

The genus contains both annual and perennial varieties, with the perennial varieties most often grown in home gardens. They produce flowers at the ends of the stems in colors ranging from crimson, to red, to pink and light purple.

Plant bee balm in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They can stand a little afternoon shade but flower production will suffer if they don’t get enough sun. You can start them from seed by scattering it in the garden after soil temperatures have warmed to about 70 degrees.

Because it needs to be divided every 3 to 4 years, Monarda is most often propagated by root division. Divide the plants in early spring and replant at least 18 inches apart for the shorter varieties and 2 to 3 feet apart for varieties that grow up to three feet high.

Monarda often is susceptible to white powdery mildew, especially if they don’t have enough room to breathe. If plants begin to show signs of mildew, start by removing the affected lower leaves, as this will sometimes prevent it from spreading up the plant. A strong spray of water from the hose followed by a good spray with a mixture of 1 part milk to 2 parts water can stop powdery mildew from spreading. Milk changes the pH of the leaves and prevents the mildew from adhering to them. Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves as well. This can also be used as a preventive measure if sprayed weekly from midsummer on.

After the flowers fade, cut the plants down to within a few inches of the ground and they may give you another round of blooms in late summer.

Yarrow has been used medicinally for thousands of years.

Yarrow’s Latin binomial classification, Achillea millefolium, is named after Achilles of mythology, who reportedly used the leaves to stop the flow of blood of his soldiers’ wounds on the battlefield during the Trojan war.

It has been used in that context ever since.

Yarrow thrives even in poor soil but does best in full sun in sandy soil with good drainage. You can grow it from seed, root division or woody cuttings taken in spring. Space yarrow plants 1 to 2 feet apart to help guard against mildew, which is a problem when spaced too close together. Mildew is more prevalent in areas with high humidity. Destroy plants that are badly infected.

Yarrow is beneficial in the garden. It attracts Syrphid flies (also known as flower flies or hover flies). These are bright yellow or black and orange flies that resemble yellow-jackets. Harmless to humans, they consume large quantities of harmful insects, especially aphids. They feed early in the season when weather is too cool for other beneficial insects.

It also works as an activator to speed up the decomposition of compost. You only need about one finely chopped leaf of yarrow added to a wheelbarrow load of material for it to be effective.

Yarrow has a rich history in herbal medicine and folklore. It was used medicinally to treat colds, fevers, and even to lower blood pressure. It is also used topically to help bruises heal faster and to help varicose veins fade. A leaf applied to a wound will stop the flow of blood.

Its essential oil contains the anti-inflammatory azulene. Taken internally it reduces fevers, increases perspiration and relieves indigestion. It also soothes inflammed gums when used as a mouthwash.

Yarrow’s common name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word gearwe, which means to prepare or to be ready. One popular use of yarrow was to repel evil. Bundles were hung over doorways of homes or an infant’s crib on Midsummer’s Eve to bring good health to the occupants in the coming year.

The pollen of yarrow, along with other herbs, was found during excavation of a Neanderthal burial site, having been placed there 40,000 to 60,000 years ago.

Hollyhocks grow and thrive with very little help from the gardener.

Hollyhocks are one of those charming old-fashioned flowers grown by our grandmothers. They deserve a place in modern flower gardens, if only for their unusual upright habit that stands out among bushier perennials.

Native to Asia, it is thought that they are one of the oldest flowers in cultivation, grown by the ancient Chinese. Hollyhocks have been found in Stone Age burial sites.

They derive their name from the Old English holi (holy) and hokke (mallow). Another early name for the plant is “St. Cuthbert’s cole.”

The leaves were formerly used as  pot herbs or in salads, best collected in the cool of early winter.

Most hollyhocks are classified as biennials, but there are a few perennial varieties and even a couple of annual varieties. The perennials are short-lived though, often only living 2 to 3 seasons. They self seed readily and will reappear in the garden even years after removing the mother plants.

Sow seeds of hollyhocks in mid to late summer. The plants will return in spring and bloom the following summer. They like full sun and moist, rich, well drained soil. Barely cover the seeds and keep moist until they germinate. Cover the small plants before consistent freezing weather sets in.

Hollyhocks are susceptible to rust and indeed it is the most often heard complaint about them. Removing the two lowest leaves shortly after they appear sometimes helps keep the rust from attacking them. You may be able to contain the rust to the lower leaves even if it does appear. Another option is to plant shorter flowers near them to hide the rust-infected lower leaves.

Water from below and provide plants with a lot of space in which to grow and breathe. Treat plants with fungicide if you cannot tolerate looking at the rust. These measures will sometimes keep rust from attacking. If it does appear, remove the affected leaves and put them in the trash. Do not add to the compost pile.

Hollyhocks are sometimes found growing on abandoned farms or along roadsides. They also make good additions to cottage-style gardens. They grow to heights ranging from one foot up to nine feet. The taller ones work great in the back of the flower garden and the shorter varieties can be tucked in wherever the look of their spikes is desired.