Platycodon grandiflorus or Chinese bellflower

This perennial is in the family Campanulaceae and only member of the genus Platycodon meaning a broad bell in Greek. It is native to East Asia and has big blue flowers with some varieties of white and pink. According to research the root of this species is used as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of coughs and colds. The plant is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 3 and requires little care.

Phlox paniculata

The Phlox  is a genus of 67 species of perennial and annual plants found mostly in North America in diverse habiatats from open woodland, prairie and alpine tundra. Some flower in the spring, other in the summer and fall.  There is a variety of color from pale blue, violet, pink, bright red, or white. Also, many of the flowers are fragrant. Some species as the garden phlox grow upright, while others grow short and matlike.

Hostas, A Lily Like Plant

Hostas are one of my favorite shade plants. There are about 23-45 specieces in the family of Asparafgaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. They are native to northeast Asia. Hosta are perennial plants growing from stolons, with broad leaves varying widely in size. There are numerous cultivars that can range from light green to dark green, yellow green and a few have a blue hue. There are variegated plants of whte and green. The white flowers grow on long stalks. Hostas are easy to transplant and I have transplanted hostas to many of the shady areas in my garden. At my last count of hostas, I have over 50 plants.

Althaea, Hibiscus or Rose of Sharon

This flowering shrub that I call Althaea or Rose of Sharon, is beginning to bloom in early July. I have several shrubs in the garden. The photo above is a single light blue flower. Another Althaea or Rose of Sharon shrub in the garden has a double flower although not in bloom as yet. Rose of Sharon is not a precise name for the shurb and is mentioned in the Bible as Chavatzelet HaSharon, a Hebrew name which is translated in English language as Rose of Sharon.. The name may be applied to two different plants, Hypericum calycinum or Hibiscus syriacus. The flowering shrub in my garden looks more like Hibiscus syriacus. The Hibiscus syriacus, a deciduous flowering shrub is native to east Asia, and is generally referred in American English as "Rose of Sharon." In South Korea it is the national flower. The first record of the Rose of Sharon grown in Korea is mentioned in an article produced 1,4000 years ago.

                                                              Double pink Althea

                                                              Double rose Althea

Red Monarda or Bee Balm

Monarda or its common name of bee balm or bergamot is now in full bloom. I prefer the red flowers although I have pink Monarda blooming as well. I planted the red flowering plant to attract hummingbirds. In doing some research on the plant I found that there are roughly 16 species of Monarda perennial. It is found in North America ranging in height from 1 to 3 feet. The genus was named for Nicolas Monardes who wrote a book in 1574 describing plants found in the New World.

Native Americans have used the plant for medicinal purposes. A tea made from the plant was used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries and gingivitis. It is also recognized as a strong antiseptic and used as a poultice for skin infections and minor wounds.

Lamb's Ear, Stachys lanate, Rattlesnake Master, and Ferns Are FavoritePlants for a Sensory Garden

Lamb's Ear has a downy softness of the leaves. The plant can grow to two feet with a bloom as seen in the photo above. The flower is lavender and the leaves are silver to light green. It has been called wound wort because the leaves have been used to staunch wounds. It has also been used as a wash cloth. The plant likes full sun and likes to spread. In sensory gardens Lamb's Ear is often planted because of its downy softness illustrating touch.

One year my garden was on a city-wide garden walk. A blind woman was on the walk. When I saw her I immediately took her to the Lamb's Ear and asked her to touch it. She was surprised to feel the softness of the leaves. When I told her the name, Lamb's Ear, she thought it was aptly named.

At the opposite end of downy soft is the bristly or spiny margins of the Rattlesnake Master, Eryngium yuccifolium. This perennial is native to tall grass prairie. The leaves resemble yucca plants. The Native Americans used the root as an antidote for rattlesnake venom.

In between the downy softness of the Lamb's Ear and the bristly flower of the Rattlesnake Master is the fern. Ferns have fonds that are lace like soft to the touch. Maiden Hair fern is a favorite plant to have for the fine soft touch.

Blue Delphinium, A Flower For June and July Weddings

The Delphinium is a perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, with flowers varing in color from purple and blue to red, yellow or white. The flower has five petal-like sepals which grow together to form a hollow pocket with a spur at the end, which gives the plant its name. The scientific name comes from the Latin for dolphin, alluding to the shape of the opening flower. Other names are larkspur, lark's claw, knight's spur and lark's heel from Shakespeare's writings.

Blue is my favorite flower. When I was choosing my bridal bouquet, I asked the florist for blue flowers. Since I was married in early July, I chose blue delphiniums that were blooming at that time.