by Gardens of Babylon | Jun 18, 2024
As the summer sun warms our beautiful Middle Tennessee, there’s nothing quite like stepping into a garden buzzing with life. As we celebrate pollinators this week, diving into the world of flowering perennials makes the perfect sense! These beauties not only add a splash of color to your landscape but also attract those lovely pollinators we all adore. So, grab your garden gloves and a cup of iced tea, and let’s explore some native beauties that are perfect for your garden.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
is a beauty that isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant purple petals and prominent centers; it’s a pollinator magnet! Bees, butterflies, and even birds can’t resist it. These perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade and are incredibly drought-tolerant. To keep them blooming beautifully, consider deadheading spent blooms. Not only do they attract pollinators, but they also make fantastic cut flowers for your home.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
is a tall, elegant plant with clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that serve as a beacon for butterflies, especially Monarchs. Standing tall in the garden, it’s perfect for adding height and a touch of wild beauty. Joe Pye Weed prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Its robust nature allows it to handle a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for many gardens.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
brings cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers that resemble little rays of sunshine. They bloom profusely, creating a dazzling display that bees and butterflies adore. These hardy plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they’re quite resilient, tolerating a bit of neglect. Their bright, sunny disposition makes them a must-have for any pollinator garden.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
stands out with its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers, making it a showstopper in any garden. True to its name, it’s beloved by bees and is also a favorite of hummingbirds. Bee Balm prefers moist, well-drained soil and can be planted in full sun to partial shade. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Its aromatic leaves can also be used to make tea, adding an extra benefit to this lovely plant.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
features succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers that are a favorite among bees and butterflies. This plant is incredibly low-maintenance, making it perfect for busy gardeners. Sedum thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s drought-tolerant, making it ideal for areas with less frequent watering. Its unique texture and form add variety to the garden, and it can even be used in rock gardens or as ground cover.
Creating a Pollinator Paradise
When planting your pollinator-friendly garden, think diversity. A variety of shapes, colors, and bloom times will attract a wider range of pollinators. Grouping plants together can also make it easier for pollinators to spot and access their favorite flowers. Remember to provide a mix of nectar and pollen sources, and include some host plants for caterpillars to encourage butterfly populations.
Ready to transform your garden into a buzzing paradise? Let our designers plan our your perfect pollinator garden. And come visit us at our garden center, that is brimming with a fantastic selection of native perennials. Our friendly staff is always here to help you choose the perfect plants for your space!
by Gardens of Babylon | Jun 26, 2023
As the height of summer swiftly approaches, it’s time to to make your patio sparkle, readying it for that quintessential Fourth of July celebration. From jubilant potted plants to creating an atmosphere that’s just right for your guests, we’ve got you covered. At Gardens of Babylon, we’re all about creating beautiful, memorable spaces with the magic of landscaping and gardening. We understand that the right greenery can turn a dull outdoor area into a lively party setting. This year, make your party unforgettable by transforming your back patio into a vibrant, outdoor haven for your guests.
make your patio sparkle
Make Your Patio Sparkle & Party-Ready
When it comes to outdoor patio designs, comfort is key. Start by decluttering and cleaning up your patio space. Once the stage is set, consider what furniture and amenities your guests might appreciate. From patio dining sets to outdoor lounge chairs, make sure your guests have plenty of places to relax and enjoy.
a firepit
Light Up the Night
The right lighting creates the perfect ambiance for a night under the stars. String lights draped around your patio provide a soft, inviting glow, while tiki torches or lanterns add a warm, festive feel. If you decide to take lighting further, we can help with low voltage landscape lighting to give you just the right ambiance! Need more ideas on lighting up your outdoors? Check out our recent blog for tips on creative lighting here.
warm and festive night
Dress Up Your Patio with Potted Plants
Potted plants are the secret to an inviting, vibrant patio. They can fill empty corners, act as natural privacy screens, and breathe life into your party space. Consider brightly flowering plants like geraniums or petunias for a pop of color. For a more dramatic effect, add some tall plants like ferns or even small potted trees. Succulents in decorative pots can also be a great low-maintenance choice and do well in the Nashville summer heat. Adding American flags to those pots is an easy and quick way to accent vibrant colors.
independence day
Opt for Plant Rentals
Not looking to commit to new plants just for the party? We’ve got the perfect solution – Plant Rentals! Renting plants for your Fourth of July event can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. You’ll be able to select from a wide variety of plants without worrying about their long-term care.
plants
Add a Splash of American Color
Don’t forget the star-spangled decor! From American flag-themed table runners to red, white, and blue potted flowers, your Fourth of July patio decor should sparkle with celebratory spirit. Bring out the themed cupcakes, star confetti, fireworks, and classic anthems for what is sure to be a memorable party!
independence day cupcakes
Keep the Bugs Away
Summer nights often mean pesky bugs. Include plants that repel mosquitoes like citronella, lavender, or marigolds. You can also opt for citronella candles or torches that serve both a functional and decorative purpose. Read our blog here to get more tips on how to take the bite out of summer! And, if you want to get serious about ridding mosquitos in your yard, reach out to us and schedule a yard treatment. Our methods are natural, sustainable and safe to humans, pets, and pollinators alike!
candles
a torch
The Fourth of July deserves celebrating in style! With these tips in mind, you can transform your back patio into the perfect party space. We’re ready to help you with all your landscaping and gardening needs. Contact us for more help in making all your events this year unforgettable!
by Gardens of Babylon | Jun 19, 2023
Every time we sit down to a meal, we owe a huge thank you to the tiny, often overlooked, workers of our natural world – the pollinators. This incredible group of animals, consisting of bees, butterflies, birds, bats, beetles, and even some mammals, play a fundamental role in the wellbeing of our planet’s ecosystems and the diversity of life on Earth, including our own survival. Let’s delve into the life of pollinators and explore the immense importance they bear upon the environment.
Who are Pollinators?
Pollinators are animals that move pollen from the male structure (stamen) of a flower to the female structure (pistil) of the same or another flower. This process, known as pollination, fertilizes the plant, allowing it to produce fruit and seeds, thereby ensuring its survival and propagation.
butterfly as pollinator
The most familiar pollinators are bees and butterflies, but there are many other creatures that play a role in this critical process. Hummingbirds, bats, beetles, moths, and even small mammals like lemurs and possums, act as pollinators, each with their unique methods and preferences, contributing to a rich and diverse ecosystem.
Pollinators and Biodiversity
Pollinators play a pivotal role in biodiversity, directly influencing the genetic variation in the plant world. By transferring pollen among a broad range of flowers, pollinators ensure the ongoing evolution and adaptation of plant species, fostering the creation of new species and subspecies. This genetic diversity also strengthens plant communities, increasing their resistance to diseases and pests.
Furthermore, the work of pollinators isn’t restricted to flora. Many animal species rely on fruits, seeds, and berries as food sources. Consequently, the ripple effects of pollination also sustain a rich diversity of wildlife.
pollinators
Pollinators and the Human Food Supply
Pollinators are incredibly important for human food production. The United Nations estimates that nearly 75% of the world’s crop species, either directly or indirectly, depend on pollinators. This includes most fruits and vegetables, nuts, as well as plants that provide oils, fibers, medicines, and other non-food products.
Without pollinators, our plates would look vastly different and much less colorful. The variety of our diet would be severely limited, affecting not only the taste and aesthetics of our meals but also the nutritional quality.
bats as pollinators
Pollinator Conservation: A Growing Concern
Sadly, pollinator populations worldwide are in decline. Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, diseases, and invasive species all contribute to their decreasing numbers. The decline in pollinators poses a significant threat to global food production and biodiversity, underlining the need for urgent attention and action.
We can contribute to pollinator conservation in many ways; here are a few suggestions:
beetles as pollinators
Conclusion
Our planet’s pollinators are more than just nature’s matchmakers. They’re essential components of our global ecosystem, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring food security. Their silent, tireless work nurtures the Earth’s landscapes, sustains numerous animal species, and fills our tables with delicious, nutritious food. As the guardians of our environment, let’s strive to understand, respect, and protect these unsung heroes – because a world without pollinators is a world none of us want to imagine.
