In our part of the Midwest, today’s March wind is up to its usual tricks, it teeters between blowing fiercely across the open fields that surround our old farmhouse, then subsiding for a bit, only to turn abruptly, change direction, and begin to race toward the woods.
It’s one of those winds, that despite its chill paired with droplets of cold rain, (droplets that our local forecast says will turn to flurries today), still carries the promise of spring. After all, it’s late March, and the hints of springtime are beginning to emerge. There are the green shoots of chives peeking through the soil and just the tips of daffodils that soon will life our spirits with a pop of cheery yellow.
A day like this, even though the wind is blustery, is a fine time to dream of springtime gardens. Today I’m curling up with a notebook, a cup of herbal tea, and making plans for some old-fashioned gardens. It’s fun to sketch out some ideas and make a plant list…going to the nursery is always a simple pleasure I look forward to.
I’ve gathered a brainstorming list of ideas and plants I want to try…just maybe you’ll find something to add to your own gardens!
A Moonlight Garden
Plants that seem to shimmer in the moonlight: silver queen artemisia, silver king artemisia, lamb’s ears, silver tansy, silver sage, silver thyme, grey santolina apple mint, lavender, yarrow, oregano, nutmeg, geranium, and yarrow.
A Butterfly Garden
A place for butterflies to find the sweet nectar they need for food.
Plants to consider: petunias, sweet William, primrose, phlox, goldenrod, white daisies, cosmos, coneflowers, white alyssum, catnip, pincushion flowers, sweet rocket, and butterfly bush.
A Bee Garden
I planted a bee garden a few years ago, and it was amazing to see the bees visit knowing they were working their magic on both my vegetable garden and fruit trees!
Plants to consider: hyssop, catnip, bee balm, lavender, lemon thyme, pineapple mint, lemon balm, black-eyed Susan, butterfly bush, zinnia, sedum, aster, goldenrod
An Everlasting Garden
It’s so easy to dry these flowers! They can be added to a grapevine wreath or gathered into a bundle hanging upside down for a primitive look.
Plants to consider: globe amaranth, baby’s breath, nigella, German statice, strawflowers, yarrow, celosia, astilbe, coneflower, hydrangea, pearly everlasting
A Tea Garden
Herbal tea blends from your own garden…you’ll KNOW they’re organic!
Plants to consider: lemon balm, chamomile, sage, bee balm, apple mint, pineapple mint, peppermint, orange mint, lavender, lemon verbena
A Kitchen Garden
I have an area right outside my kitchen door…oh-so easy to snip fresh herbs whenever I’m cooking.
Plants to consider: basil, dill, tarragon, marjoram, rosemary, parsley, savory, sage, chives, oregano, thyme, garlic chives
Insect Repelling Garden
Snip bouquets and tuck into Mason canning jars on a picnic table…a pretty way to keep those little critters away naturally!
Plants to consider: pennyroyal, oregano mint, marjoram, yarrow, loveage, lemon balm, bergamot, dill, lavender, thyme, savory, sage, borage, catnip, chamomile, rosemary, tarragon, basil, bay, bergamot
A Shakespeare Garden
Also known by our kids, for fun, as a Billy Shakes Garden, these plants have been mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings.
Plants to consider: parsley, rosemary, columbine, lavender, chamomile, carnation, thyme, hyssop, mint, marjoram, pink rose, strawberry, bay, calendula, savory
I hope you’ve found some inspiration for a fun, new garden plan. In this lion & lamb month, it’s the perfect time to plan for the arrival of spring!
Mary is a Midwest farm girl who will tell you, “I love simple, old-fashioned ways. For me, it’s the country pleasures that mean the most … tying on an apron for Sunday dinner, barn sales & auctions, farmers’ markets, county fairs, porch swings, and slow train rides. Add to these the laughter of children, and I couldn’t be happier!” You can visit Windy Meadows Farm here, Windy Meadows Farm.
