Siberian Iris (Iris siberica) Deer seem to ignore all irises. I selected the Siberian species here simply because the foliage is softer and more grass-like than that of bearded iris, and I have found it to be easier to care for — or rather to forgive my neglect more readily. Origin: Asia and Europe Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 4 to 7) Water requirement: Average to moisture-retentive soil Light requirement: Full sun or partial shade Mature size: 3 feet tall and wide Benefits and tolerances: Makes a great cut flower Seasonal interest: Spring to fall When to plant: Spring or fall Planting notes: Siberian iris needs dividing every three to four years.
Paprika Yarrow (Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’) Paprika opens with spicy-hot color, as shown here, then fades to shades of terra-cotta. The color lasts for many weeks, and if you take the time to deadhead the old flowers, it will continue to bloom from June to October. Yarrow is inexpensive, which makes it a great choice for massing in the border. Origin: The species is native to Europe, but Paprika is a garden hybrid Where it will grow: Hardy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 3 to 8; find your zone) Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 12 to 18 inches tall and 2 feet wide Benefits and tolerances: Tolerates drought and poor soil; low maintenance; attracts butterflies and bees Seasonal interest: Summer When to plant: Spring Planting notes: Needs well-drained soil
I love the simple, clean lines of these modern birdhouses. A few grouped together would look stunning.
Superbena ‘Violet Ice’ Superbena is a verbena that has been developed to be more vigorous, heat tolerant and mildew resistant than older varieties, and the color Violet Ice is the latest in the series. A quick Internet search for this hybrid will bring up photographs that show the color ranging from shades of magenta and purple to dark blue, yet in my own container the color shown here is a true representation. Violet Ice bloomed profusely in full sun with larger-than-average flowers in my garden. I trimmed it back a couple of times, as it got very big, which made it bloom all the more. The tag suggested it would also grow well in partial sun, but I have to disagree — I had very poor flowering when the plant received only four hours of afternoon sun. Botanical name: Verbena hybrid Origin: Garden hybrid Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 8 to 11); use as an annual elsewhere Water requirement: Average to low Light requirement: Full sun for best performance Mature size: 12 to 16 inches tall and up to 30 inches wide Benefits and tolerances: Drought tolerant; deer resistant; attracts butterflies Seasonal interest: Summer When to plant: Spring Distinguishing tra...
Benefits and tolerances: Deer resistant Seasonal interest: Spring and fall When to plant: Spring or fall Distinguishing traits: Abundant white flowers in spring; fall color; compact form Planting notes: Plant it in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil; it makes a beautiful addition to the spring garden.
Benefits and tolerances: Deer resistant (although deer may nibble the flower buds) Seasonal interest: Spring through fall When to plant: Spring or fall Distinguishing traits: Spicy fragrance; compact; stronger growing than other dwarf varieties; low maintenance Planting notes: Plant in moist, well-drained soil; prune immediately after flowering if desired, although it should not be necessary
Yuki Snowflake Deutzia This spring beauty has so many flowers that the foliage is almost hidden from view — just one of several improvements over the well-known Nikko. Yuki Snowflake has a compact and dwarf habit, so it will fit into the smallest of gardens. Botanical name: Deutzia ‘Yuki Snowflake’ Origin: Garden hybrid Where it will grow: Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 5 to 8) Water requirement: Average Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun Mature size: 2 feet tall and wide
Dwarf Stars changes all that. At just 2½ feet tall, it can be grown closer to the front of the border and does not need staking — even in windy situations. Botanical name: Delphinium ‘Dwarf Stars’ Origin: Garden hybrid Where it will grow: Hardy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 3 to 7; find your zone) Water requirement: Average Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 2½ feet tall and 18 inches wide Benefits and tolerances: Deer and rabbit resistant; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies Seasonal interest: Summer When to plant: Spring Distinguishing traits: Makes a great cut flower; has a dwarf form; suitable for windy locations; does not need staking Planting notes: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil; use as part of a romantic English garden design, within a traditional mixed border or in a cutting garden
Fifth Season Landscape Design & Construction Save to Ideabook Email Photo What to plant in a cutting garden: Fast-growing flowers like cosmos, black-eyed Susan and snapdragons are satisfying to plant because you will be quickly rewarded for your efforts. But any flower you would love to bring indoors in a bouquet would make a worthy inclusion. Try zinnias, mums, irises, sweet peas, roses and peonies.
Choose an out-of-the-way spot that gets full sun for your cutting garden. It will still be enjoyable to look at, but the whole point is to have a place where you can snip blooms freely and not worry about creating blank spots in the garden bed — in other words, don’t put it right in front of the house. If you love cut flowers and have the space, why not replace some of the lawn with a flower meadow?
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa spp) A nearly indefatigable bloomer, this easy-growing perennial produces lavender-blue, deep blue, white or pink flowers from early summer to early fall. It’s deer resistant and tough. The plant’s common name refers to its resemblance to small pincushions. For best effect, plant it in containers or in groups near the front of beds and borders. Deadhead for even longer blooming. USDA zones: 3 to 11 Water requirement: Drought tolerant, though it prefers humus-rich, moist soil Light requirement: Full sun. Can handle partial shade in the southern United States. Mature size: 10 to 24 inches tall and wide
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