Backyard
Alliums are one of my favorite plants in the garden. Their architectural, globe-like flowers emerge in the late spring and add amazing structure to garden beds. The seed heads can be left in place after the flower finishes to provide interest throughout the summer as well as to encourage pollinators to do their magic. Botanical name: Allium spp USDA zones: 4 to 8 Soil requirement: Well-drained soil Light requirement: Full sun to light shade Size: 8 to 30 inches
Garlic may be the most useful bulb you can have in your garden. Plant garlic bulbs on the outer edges of your vegetable plot (leaving room for plantings throughout the spring and summer) and you will be rewarded with gracefully curving, edible seed heads (called garlic scapes). Once the leaves yellow, the bulb can be dug up, dried and used for cooking. Homegrown garlic is juicier than the store-bought variety, and you can choose from numerous heirloom options in different colors and sizes. Botanical name: Allium sativum USDA zones: 3 to 8 Soil requirement: Well-drained soil Light requirement: Full sun to light shade
The Fritillaria meleagris, or Snake's Head Lily, produces intricate checkerboard-patterned flowers in the spring. It prefers moist, acidic soil and will slowly multiply to create little groups of flowers. These make a great feature planting for border fronts or in rock gardens. Botanical name: Fritillaria meleagris USDA zones: 3 to 8 (find your zone) Soil requirement: Well-drained, acidic soil Light requirement: Full sun to light shade Size: 8 to 12 inches
Purple Sage (Salvia 'Celestial Blue'). This hybrid loves extreme heat and is great for the sunny areas of your garden. In addition to butterflies, swallowtails adore the nectar of its amazing blue blooms.
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