The Class of 2023 has developed a model demo garden with lots of native and pollinator plants.
A sketch of the garden plan by Lynn Daddario
The Garden at the Middletown Grange is a project of the Class of 2023. With the relocation of Extension services to the Middletown Grange, Master Gardeners were invited to develop the lawn adjacent to the office into a demonstration garden. Designing around the needs of the Annual Fair, the 2023 trainees who have been working on this Garden have developed a 'temporary' model with raised beds, containers, and a mulched path. Because the concept was for this garden to also be an outdoor gathering space for meetings, classes, and other social events, the garden also features benches that convert to picnic tables, a "Little Library", and garden art made from salvaged and upcycled materials.
Learn more about the plants in each bed!
Native Plant Bed (Left side)
All selections grow in full sun and are deer resistant
Mountain Mint (Pynanthemum muticum)
Fragrant foliage with silvery bracts. This mint is part of the Lamiacae or mint family that does not become a problem of aggressively spreading as many other mint plants do. It is a wonderful choice for a fragrant garden without overtaking the garden.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulate)
Beautiful border plant that blooms in the spring. It forms a mat-like green foliage that is up to 6 inches tall and 3 feet wide. Blossoms are lavender, pink white or red.
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum leave)
A herbaceous perennial in the aster family. It is a late-season bloomer and attracts many pollinators. The 2-4 feet tall plant is covered in daisy-like purplish-blue flowers in September to late fall.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
This tall plant that grows up to 7 feet with 3 feet spread is a great focal plant for the center of the garden. It displays clusters of purple blossoms through summer into fall. Joe Pye Weed prefers moist to wet soil and does best in full sun.
Little Blue Stem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
A perennial, ornamental, warm-season grass in the Poaceae (grass) family with attractive foliage. The narrow erect clumps may grow to 2 to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. The leaves have a bluish cast in summer and a warm copper throughout the winter.
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium aquaticum)
The bluish-green leaves, resembling those of a yucca plant, are up to 2 feet long with pointed tips and small teeth along the margins. Grows from 2 to 5 feet tall and blooms in July and August. The greenish-white thistle-like nectar-producing flowers are attractive to many types of insects including bees, butterflies, beetles and moths.
Narrowleaf Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
This stiff, compact, clump-forming mint has narrow leaves. The minty-smelling plants are 20-30 in. tall and have beautiful flower clusters varying from whitish to lavender, with purple spots that bloom when the plant reaches a width of about 1 foot wide and attracts pollinators.
Native Plant Bed (Right side)
All selections grow in full sun and are deer resistant
Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb')
Attracts butterflies, blooms July-August with airy foliage that adds texture to a garden
Perennial Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Flame Pro Lilac')
A dwarf cultivar that blooms mid to late summer, attracts hummingbirds.
Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)
Lavender blue flowers from spring to fall, attracts butterflies (larval host) and pollinators.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Cape Beeze')
Seeds attract birds, and is a host for butterfly larva.
Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis ‘Pocahontas’)
Pink flowers in spring with attractive burgundy foliage, supports pollinators, butterflies and birds
Wrinkled leaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks')
Cascading yellow flowers in fall, supports pollinators, butterflies, and birds
Shrubby St John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum)
Yellow flowers in summer, host to 20 species of butterflies and moths
Whorled Mountain Mint (Pyncnanthemum verticillatum var. pilosum)
Small white flowers from June until fall attract all manner of pollinators
Blue Giant Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Lavender purple flowers all summer, attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinators
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata 'Kobold')
Purple flower spikes in summer, supports birds, butterflies and pollinators
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Herb Beds |
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Plant Common Name |
Plant Botanical Name |
Annual or Perennial |
Notes
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Bush Basil |
Ocimum basilicum ‘Pistou’
|
Annual |
Flavor is more intense than sweet basil.
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Basil ‘Genovese’ |
Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ |
Annual |
Did you know that basil is in the mint family? |
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Holy Basil |
Ocimum tenuiflorum |
Perennial |
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Sweet Basil |
Ocimum basilicum |
Annual |
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Purple Basil |
Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens ‘Red Rubin’ |
Annual |
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Calendula |
Calendula officinalis ‘Erfurter Orangefarbige’ |
Annual |
Petals can be eaten and used as a dye. Stems and leaves can be eaten. A variety of Pot Marigold. |
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German Chamomile |
Chamaemelum nobile |
Perennial |
May get leggy and bolt in summer heat. |
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Chives |
Allium Schoenoprasum |
Perennial |
Often grown in pots in ground due to spreading nature. |
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Cilantro/Coriander |
Coriandrum sativum |
Annual |
Tastes pungent, bright, lemony, and a little peppery. Often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Leaves of plant are referred to as coriander and seeds are referred to as coriander. |
|
Curry |
Helichrysum italicum |
Perennial (in colder zones, they are annuals) |
Rich in Vitamins A, B, C, B2, calcium and iron. The flowers retain their color after picking and are used in dried flower arrangements. Often used in Indian cooking. |
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Dill |
Anethum graveolens ‘Bouquet’ |
Annual |
Leaves are typically used in cooking or as garnish. Seeds can also be used and are typically ground to flavor vegetables and sauces. |
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Bronze Fennel |
Foeniculum vulgare ‘purpureum’ and ‘rubrum’ |
Perennial, normal grown as an annual |
This is not the bulb variety. Aniseed flavor. Aromatic seeds are used in cakes and breads. Leaves are used in sauces and vegetables. Excellent pollinator. Can be used in tea. |
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Hyssop |
Hyssopus officinalis |
Perennial |
Both flowers and leaves can be consumed in tea or in salads, pastas and summer soups. Sweet, light licorice flavor. |
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Lavender - English |
Lavandula angustifolia ‘rhidcote blue’ |
Perennial |
Flower buds, leaves and stems are widely used in cooking and baking either fresh or dried. Often used in potpourris. |
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Lavender - Munstead |
Lavandula angustifolia Munstead |
Perennial |
Munstead is a cultivated variety of English Lavender and is hardier than English. |
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Lemon grass |
Cymbopogon citratus |
Tender Perennial |
Needs to be taken indoors in winter. Mild citrus taste with a hint of ginger. Often used as a lemon substitute in cooking. |
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Lemon verbena |
Aloysia citrodora |
Perennial |
Stronger scent than lemon grass. Often used in tea. |
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Lovage |
Levisticum officinale |
Perennial |
Flavor and smell are reminiscent both of celery and parsley, only more intense and spicy. Stalks, leaves and seeds can be used in stews and in salads. |
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Pot Marigold |
Calendula officinalis ‘Safari Bolero’ |
Annual |
Not the marigold typically grown in gardens. Most cultivars have a spicy aroma. Flowers are edible and are used in soups, meat, egg and rice dishes as well as salads. Leaves are also edible and used in salads but are quite bitter. |
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Marjoram (Sweet Marjoram) |
Origanum majorana |
Annual |
Sweet pine and citrus flavors. In the mint family. Often used in meat dishes. |
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Spearmint |
Mentha spicata ‘Kentucky Colonel’ |
Perennial |
Has .5% menthol compared to the 40% in peppermint. Therefore tastes sweeter than peppermint. Used in teas as well as toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum and candy. |
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Peppermint |
Mentha ×piperita |
Perennial |
Minty flavor with a cooling aftertaste and a strong sweetish odor. Add peppermint to teas, salads, desserts, smoothies and even water. |
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Candy Mint |
Menta x piperita ‘Candy Mint’ |
Perennial |
Try it in lemon-mint sorbet! |
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Chocolate Mint |
Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate' |
Perennial |
Leaves used in teas and desserts either fresh or dried. You will see that it has been planted in a pot in the ground. Mints are invasive and are often contained in a pot. |
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Mojito Mint |
Mentha villosa 'Mojito' |
Perennial |
Mild, citrusy mint flavor. Muddle some leaves the next time you drink a mojito. |
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Pineapple Mint |
Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’ |
Perennial |
Mild, fruity mint used in teas, fruit salads and as a garnish. Try some in your lemonade next time. |
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Nasturtium |
Tropaeolum majus |
Annual |
Sweet fragrance. The delicate blossoms have a sweet, peppery taste similar to watercress. Leaves and flowers are often used in salads and as a garnish. |
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Cuban Oregano |
Coleus amboinicus |
Semi-succulent perennial |
Often used in meat dishes either fresh or dry. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Flavor said to be stronger than Greek oregano. |
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Greek Oregano |
Origanum vulgare |
Perennial |
Pungent, peppery smell and somewhat resembles the scent of mint. Has a deeper flavor than Italian oregano with heavy notes of camphor. |
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Spicy Oregano |
Origanum vulgare ‘hot and spicy’ |
Perennial |
Often used in salsa and chili dishes. Often used in Mexican cuisine. |
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Italian Parsley |
Petroselinum crispum ‘Neapolitanum’ |
Biennial |
Said to have a smoother texture and stronger flavor than curly parsley. Dried parsley is usually made from flat leaf parsley. |
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Curly Parsley |
Petroselinum crispum |
Biennial, mostly grown as an annual |
Used as a garnish or in bouquet garni. |
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Rosemary |
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’ |
Perennial |
Scent is pungent, woody, and herbal evergreen that is fresh without being sweet. Most cold hardy variety of rosemary. Often used in lamb, venison, poultry and potato dishes. |
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Barbeque Rosemary |
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Barbeque’ |
Perennial |
Long straight stems can be used as skewers for your summer barbeque. |
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Creeping Rosemary |
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Rosmarinus’ |
Perennial |
Also used in cooking and baking. |
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Rue |
Ruta graveolens |
Perennial |
Sweet, citrus-like and used in cooking, particularly Ethiopian cuisine, especially in coffee. Do not eat raw as it may have a mild numbing effect on the tongue. Rue is also a host plant for butterflies. |
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Golden Sage |
Salvia officinalis ‘Aurea’ |
Perennial |
A savory taste and leaves are used in stews, soups and sauces. |
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Tricolor Sage |
Salvia officinalis - tricolor |
Perennial |
Same uses and flavors as common garden sage just visually more interesting and therefore often used as a garnish as well. |
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Pineapple Sage |
Salvia elegans |
Perennial |
Blooms are attractive to hummingbirds. Flowers are like honeysuckle. Consider making edible flower ice cubes with them. Leaves have pineapple aroma when you rub them but taste more herbal. |
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Stevia |
Stevia rebaudiana |
Tender perennial |
Sugar substitute. 100-300 sweeter than sugar. |
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French Tarragon (Estragon) |
Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’ |
Perennial |
Appealing flavor similar to sweet anise and licorice. |
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Garden Thyme |
Thymus vulgaris |
Perennial |
Minty or pungent clover flavor. Also known as English Thyme. |
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Lemon Thyme |
Thymus x citriodus ‘variegatus’ |
Perennial |
Super hardy and usually survives harsh winters. |
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Variegated Creeping Thyme |
Thymus serpyllum |
Perennial |
Often used as a ground cover. |
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Blue Violet |
Viola sororia
|
Perennial |
Although the taste of the flowers is bland, they are edible and are used in salads or candied for desserts. |
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Winter Savory |
Satureja montana |
Perennial |
Used in salads, especially bean, lentil and potato salads and stuffings. |
Pollinator Beds
| Common Name | Latin Name | Pollinator | Eastern PA Native Status | Perennial / Annual | Fun Fact |
| Allium | Allium sativum | honey bee and bumble bee | non-native | annual | Alliums are sometimes described as fireworks frozen in mid-explosion |
| Aster | Aster amellus | bee and syrphid fly | native | perennial | Asters were burned and smoked in ancient times as a means to ward off negative energy |
| Beardtongue | Penstemon | hummingbird | native | perennial | Known as beardtongue due to hairy sterile stamen which looks like a tongue located in the center of the lip-shaped flowers |
| Bee Balm | Monarda didyma | bee and butterfly | native | perennial | Native Americans used bee balm leaves and flowers to make a variety of medicinal salves and drinks |
| Butterfly Weed | Asclepias tuberosa | monarch butterfly, hummingbird and bee | native | perennial | Although butterfly weed is sometimes called orange milkweed it has no milky sap |
| Giant Hyssop | Agastache urticifolia | bee and beetle | native | perennial | Giant hyssop can grow unusually tall for a mint plant, up to 6 feet |
| Golden Alexander | Zizia aurea | bee, wasp, and beetle | native | perennial | Native Americans used golden alexandar to make tea to alleviate fevers and headaches |
| Goldenrod | Solidago altissima | moth, butterfly | native | perennial | Goldenrod flowers can be used to make yellow dye |
| Nasturtium | Tropaeolum majus | bee, butterfly, and hummingbird | native | annual | Nasturtium flowers are edible |
| Phlox | Phlox paniculata | butterfly | native | perennial | Garden phlox is a medicinal plant. The leaf extract can be used as a mild laxative |
| Sneezeweed | Helenium autumnale | bee and butterfly | native | perennial | All parts of the plant (leaves, seeds and flowers) are poisonous if ingested in large quantities |
| Swamp Milkweed | Asclepias incarnata | monarch butterfly | native | perennial | Milkweed seeds can be used for hypoallergenic pillows |
| Zinnia | Zinnia elegans | honey bee and bumble bee | non-native | annual | There are a large variety of zinnias that vary in color. They are grown in 7 primary colors: pink, purple, orange, red, yellow, green, and white |
