would not be complete without the tall Phlox filling your garden with large clusters of fragrant flowers. The tall Phlox will grow to 2 to 3 feet tall and just as wide in a large clump with dense foliage that is dark green in color and narrow pointed. The flowers have five-petals and are flat from side to side about one inch wide. The flower always has two shades in the petals with the center either darker or lighter in color. The center of the flower has a noticeable hole in it that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds while in bloom. The flowers begin to form in august and last well into September. The colors are shades of pink, red, salmon, purple, blue, mauve, white and many bi-colors. When you plant in your garden be sure to select a sunny location in the garden and keep the plants out of gardens that have a sprinkler system. Tall Phlox will do best is a well-ventilated area so give them room to allow the air to circulate during the summer. If the plant is in a cramp area or gardens that get watered often the foliage will quickly develop Powdery Mildew disease and fall apart quickly. The back of perennial borders or a windy location is best. When planting be sure to add soil conditioners such as peat moss, animal manure and compost. Tall Phlox loves to be fertilized monthly with a granular fertilizer or chicken manure. The best soil is one that is well drained and never holds water during the spring. You can divide in the spring when the plant is about one inch tall by splitting the plant into small clumps. Plant clumps 2 feet apart in mass plantings, mixed borders, cottage gardens or in your cut flower garden.
In the fall most of the garden has begun to die back for the year but if you want color into October, then think of the New England Aster. This wonderful fall flowering Aster begins in September and last thru October covering the dark green foliage with one- inch diameter daisy-like flowers. The flowers come in blue, purple, pink, red or white and butterflies and bees love the flowers. Fall Aster can grow 2 to 3 feet tall if not pinched but I prefer that you cut the plant in half on the 4th of July to make the plant bush out and double the amount of flowering stems on the plant. This keeps the Fall Aster shorter and it will not topple over in the fall. Fall Asters will have a more pleasing look and easier to divide in years to come. Divide every three years to keep them under control. When you plant, Fall Asters select a sunny location to a little light shade, as heavy shade will make the plant stretch for the sunlight and plants loose their shape. The plants will grow in most any soil as long as there is no standing water ever. This fall you may notice them growing wild on the side of the road, as you search for the beautiful fall foliage. Fall Asters will stay full and produce more flowers if you plant them with animal manure and compost. Proper planting will keep the plant healthy during summer drought. The fall Aster will not tolerate a sprinkler system planting bed as watering on a regular basis on the foliage will develop a fungus problem called Powdery mildew a white fungus that turns the foliage black in the summer. Plant Fall Asters in meadow, wildflower, woodland, cottage or border garden. Plant Asters in a windy location or in the back of the flowerbeds to allow for good air circulation and feed monthly for healthier plants.
The best daisy type flower for the summer garden is the Black-Eyed Susan and once you plant it in your garden, you will agree with me, that it is a top performer. The Flower color is extremely rich looking with beautiful bright golden-yellow petals and a dark brown, cone-shaped center that will turn black in the fall. The sunny appearance of the flowers will add excitement to your garden because it will attract butterflies while in bloom and in the fall and winter the black cone will be visited by seed eating birds. The plant is strong and has no insect pest or disease problems a real prize. The Black-Eye Susan has rich dark green foliage that is oval with a pointed tip an