Summer is such a spectacular time for blooms, but two of the very best are:

STOKES ASTER OR STOKESIA LAEVIS

If you find things blue to be just irresistible, this is your plant!   I only wish it bloomed all summer, but this is the time of year for it – It is dependable, eye-catching, assuredly a vision that will make your day!  Buy several and plant them together – Stokesia prefers sun, well drained and nourishing soil, and you will want to set them where they can be noticed in June!  You’ll only see them in June, but they are worth waiting for!

RUDBECKIA TRILOBA (BROWN-EYED SUSAN)

This bloom is the cutest little sunflower-like blossom ever!  It blooms for several weeks beginning mid-summer and it just makes everyone happy! When the blooming is done, the birds are happy, because nutritious seed is everywhere! And yes, they will spread because of that seed. However, you will love your triloba so much that you can give the extras to friends and it will be sharing the cuteness!

Stay tuned for next week, when we will talk about the many benefits of the Heuchera!