Attracting Bees to Your Garden

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

“If you build it, he will come,” says a voice to Kevin Costner in the 1989 hit movie Field of Dreams. The same is true for the bees and other pollinators. If you plant the right plants, the bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects will in turn come.

Bees love thyme. After you picked the leaves for use in your kitchen, let the herb continue to grow. The bees will appreciate the blooms. Other herbs that are known to attract bees are: borage, chives, cilantro, mint, oregano, rosemary, and sage.

Borage grows about 18” tall with a spread of 12”-24”. The leaves are used in salads and lemonade. Bees are attracted to the flowers of this annual herb. There are a couple choices when it comes to chives, all of which are perennial. The leaves and the flowers are both edible. Sizes vary depending on which choice of chives.

Cilantro is used with fish and meats. The height ranges from 12” to 24” and the spread is 12”. Cilantro is our featured herb this quarter. See page 26 for more information on this annual herb.

Mints are great in teas, marinades, and desserts. This perennial includes spearmint, peppermint, and orange. There are a couple varieties of Oregano. The Cleopatra offers a spicy flavor. Common and Italian are good in Italian dishes and sauces. They are more sweet than the Greek variety, which has more of an earthy flavor. All varieties of oregano are perennials.

Rosemary and sage are also perennials, as is thyme. Rosemary is very fragrant. It is used with meats, Sage can be dried and used for crafts in addition to cooking.

 

So which flowers are inviting to bees?

Agastache, Asters, Bee Balm, Blanket Flower, Butterfly Weed, Catmint, Coneflower, Goldenrod, Joe Pye Weed, Penstemon, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sedum, and Yarrow.

Agastache is a great border plant which attracts bees and hummingbirds, as well as other pollinators. This sun loving plant can tolerate heat and dry soil. Burpee offers a new variety of Agastache this year called Peachie Keen. The small tubular flowers are an apricot peach color.

Asters are a low spreading perennial used frequently in rock gardens or as a border. It flowers in late spring to mid summer.

Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is a colorful sun loving perennial. Its flowers make great summer arrangements and cut flowers. There are many different varieties of the Monarda, including Bee’s Knees, a Burpee exclusive. Scarlet in color, the Bee’s Knees is simply captivating and can stand up to mildew.

Butterfly bushes grow from 2 feet to four feet depending on the variety so they are best normally in the back of border or bed. They love the sun and quickly attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Coneflower, known as Echinacea, are super easy to grow. They bloom summer to fall.

Penstemon loves the full sun. It blooms between early summer to late fall, depending on the variety. It likes its soil damp and is a flowerbed favorite.

Perovskia is in the mint family. Although there are 10 species, the Russian Sage variety is my favorite perennial. The silver stems are covered in lavender flowers which give off a deep relaxing aroma. They are super easy to care for and love the heat of the summer sun. this tall plant can grow up to four feet complements ornamental grasses.

Rudbeckia, or Goldstrum, is probably best known as Black Eyed Susan. This popular perennial blooms mid-summer to early fall. It complements sedums, perovskia, and ornamental grasses.

Salvia add color to borders and window boxes with their vibrant summer bloom. They love full sun and prefer a well-drained soil.

Sedum are heat tolerant perennials. They are at home in rock gardens and as bordering plants. Sedums are a summer bloom.

Yarrow is another mid-summer bloomer. This perennial loves full sun to mid-shade. They are drought tolerant and make a great border plant.

When planting, do so in clumps when possible. This attracts the bees and other pollinators more so than planting single plants. Another attraction for pollinators are nesting sites. A tree stump or felled branch can house most varieties of bees.

As you plant these flowers and herbs, remember your soil and maintenance plan. Avoid pesticide use. Consider your mulch. I prefer using hardwood over black. While the black mulch does make the colors of my flowerbed pop, I just hate the idea of the dye potentially running off into the ground and eventually the water tables.

This article originally was published in Spring 2017 Issue 2.

(C)2017-2020, Therapeutic Thymes, LLC

Safety Advice for Community Gardens Amid COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA – The PA Department of Agriculture has issued guidance for volunteers and employees of community gardens to continue working, with precautions, in recognition of them being critical to the resiliency of local food systems in Pennsylvania. While this was issued from PA, it is helpful and relevant across the nation right now as we continue to live amid COVID-19.

“Community gardens are an important piece of our commonwealth’s food and agriculture system,” said Secretary Redding. “Many of these gardens in Pennsylvania fill a void and address food deserts; this guidance is critical to further curbing food insecurity in the wake of COVID-19.”

The guidance issued is in effort to protect the volunteers and employees who keep community gardens in Pennsylvania operational and includes the following:

  • Garden leadership should notify all members of new garden protocols;
  • Post signage restricting access to only those who are healthy to protect the well-being of all volunteers and employees;
  • If there is a shared tools library for gardeners, leadership should establish a protocol for sanitizing tools after each person’s use with EPA-registered disinfectants;
  • Gardeners should wear a cloth face mask and frequently wash or sanitize hands;
  • Gardeners should practice social distancing with at least six feet of separation at the garden site and avoid gatherings of people to avoid risk of exposure during off hours;
  • High contact surfaces (locks, gates, tools, etc.) should be disinfected.

“Pennsylvania’s community gardens will play a key role in supporting communities throughout COVID-19 mitigation and recovery,” added Redding. “This pandemic has brought with it a real awareness of where our food comes from, the intricacy of the system. Providing a way for the most local food sources to continue is quite literally essential.”

For a complete list of guidance documents and information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

(c) 2020, Therapeutic Thymes, LLC

Free Thyme at Lancaster Native Plant Festival

Therapeutic Thymes Magazine is offering FREE THYME with every subscription (new or renewal) purchased this Saturday at the Lancaster Native Plant & Wildlife Festival. Wendy Brister will present “Native Plant Gardening: Bringing Our Natives into the Designed Yard.” “Creative Gardens Inspired by Nature” will be presented by Bob Goodhart and Mary Kirk Cunningham. The Festival will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Overlook Community Campus at the Manheim Township Library, Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA.

© Therapeutic Thymes, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Tips When Attending an Herb Festival

Herb Festivals are popular nationwide, among avid gardeners and weekend or hobby gardeners alike. There is so much to see and do and learn and, of course, buy!

  1. Wear comfortable shoes. If it is an indoor show, like the Pennsylvania Herb & Garden Festival (York, PA) in April, sneakers or soft cushion shoes will do nicely. If it is an outdoor show, boots may be more appropriate.
  1. Most events have websites with schedules and speaker listings. Review the fair website before you get there. Some shows note the vendor layout. Others simply list who the vendors will be at the show. Workshops and talks are also often listed ahead of time.
  1. Capture the moment / idea. Most of us carry cell phones and almost all have cameras. If you see a great idea that you want to try out in your garden, snap a photo. Unless the vendor has a sign requesting no photos, of course. While you’re at it, take a selfie at the show and post on social media. Be sure to tag the event.
  1. Interested in a talk? Find the classroom or space ahead of time. Some talks fill up quickly so if you want a seat, plan to get there a few moments early. Be aware too, some talks are included in the admission cost. Some are an additional charge.
  1. Bring a wagon. When the spouse’s arms fill up – and they will quickly – a wagon is a great way to cart around your purchases. Many shows also have a stand set aside to hold your purchases while you enjoy. Kind of like a coat check, but with plants!
  1. Bring some cash just in case. Most vendors accept credit cards but there is always a possibility of bad signals or a vendor who does not accept cards. Some – especially at a local show – may also accept checks.
  1. Most importantly … enjoy! This is a time to learn new things, try new things, make some new friends and contacts, and just relax.

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the Spring 2018 Issue #6.
© Therapeutic Thymes, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Raised Garden Beds for Veggies

Raised Garden Bed. Photo by Julie Kingston
Raised Garden Bed. Photo by Julie Kingston

Do you know which soil to use in your raised garden bed for vegetables?

Gardening in raised beds is very beneficial especially if you blend up your own soil mix and it can be the least expensive. Julie Kingston, of Aaron’s Homestead Products, walks us through mixing your own soil versus store bought soil, and more in the Spring Issue of Therapeutic Thymes.

Look for it on shelves the first week of March. Don’t see a store local to you? You can purchase single issues as well as subscriptions through our website. We also ask that you send us suggestions of stores and businesses near you that might be a perfect fit for Therapeutic Thymes!

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Importance of Native Plants Discussed at PA Farm Show

HARRISBURG – Blair County Conservation District’s Suzanne Black discussed how to help native plants survive and thrive yesterday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania’s native plants are constantly under threat to be crowded out by invasive plant species.

“Native plants are plants indigenous to a given area in geologic time,” said Black. “This includes plants that have developed, occur naturally, or existed for many years in an area. One-third of plants in the United States aren’t native, and this causes a significant problem.”

Natives are well adapted to the climate and therefore easier to care in comparison to non-native species. They do not require fertilizer because they are naturally adjusted to their habitat and soil. When the native species is in the proper environment there is little to no upkeep besides the possibility of adding organic matter or compost to the soil. Non-native species, on the other hand, are difficult to care for and lack the qualities to support biodiversity.

Natives are important because they are well adapted to the climate around them. They preserve Pennsylvania’s natural biodiversity and many insects rely on native plant hosts and cannot live off or eat exotic plants. A popular and supportive Native Plant includes Red Bud Trees. The Red Bud supports all aspects of natural biodiversity; butterflies eat the seeds, deer browse the foliage, and humming birds consume the nectar.

Black advises purchasing Native plants from a reputable source and buy only nursery propagated native species if you are planning to plant. Learn more at www.extension.psu.edu.

Another great resource for Native Plants is the PA Native Plant Society. The Society has several upcoming events, such as a Native Plant Seed Germination Workshop. The workshop, according to the Society’s website, will include discussion on the seed germination requirements of various perennials. It will also include demonstrations on sowing seed in flats and the “wintersow” method in milk jug mini greenhouses.

Editor’s Note: The above is largely from a press release from the PA Farm Show. The 102nd PA Farm Show continues through Saturday, 13 January 2018.

(c) Therapeutic Thymes, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Pennsylvania Herb & Garden Festival Announces Schedule

The Pennsylvania Herb & Garden Festival, coming up in April, has announced the 2017 schedule. There will be five speakers and workshops on Friday and seven on Saturday, including the Featured Speaker. Nadia Rousselle, of My Trim Line, is the featured speaker.

Susanna Reppert Brill, of The Rosemary House, will open the festival speaking on the “Herb of the Year 2017 – Cilantro/Coriander.” She will speak again on the same subject Saturday. Saturday afternoon she will also hold a workshop on tea blending.

Judy Bono, of The Gardener of the Owl Valley, will hold a workshop Friday on creating an air plant terrarium. On Saturday, she will hold a workshop titled, “Create a Tiny Landscape.”

Friday afternoon learn tips for using essential oils as Sue Morris, of Sue’s Salves, speaks on “Aromatherapy: The Art of Enhancing Health for the Mind, Body, and Spirit.” On Saturday, she will speak on “Plant Based Healing for Natural Skin Care.”

Lisa Newman, of White Horse Nursery/Fresh Flowers, will hold a “Herb Container Garden” workshop both days.

Ninette Jackson of Josiah’s Oils, LLC, will hold the final workshop of Friday. It will be “Making Your Own Essential Oil Blend.” She opens Saturday speaking on “The Basics of Safe Essential Oil Usage.”

Click here for the detailed schedule. There is an additional cost for the workshops and many require registration. The Pennsylvania Herb & Garden Festival will be held Friday, 7 April and Saturday, 8 April at the York Expo Center, in the Memorial Hall. The Expo Center is located at 334 Carlisle Avenue, York.

(c) Therapeutic Thymes, 2017

August Gardening Tips

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

There is a time to plant and a time to harvest. Late summer to fall is not the time to take a break. It is the time to water, plant, gather and plan.

seeding-hand-wateringWe’ve been having some hot, humid days lately and today is going to be another so, if your garden is not getting enough rain, be mindful to water it at least weekly. Veggies and herbs need an inch of water – by rain or irrigation – each week. Hot days, like these lately, they may want even more. While you’re outside remember to hydrate! You need water too, especially on these heat advisory days.

Plant your leafy greens now. Lettuce, spinach, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage are in stock in most nurseries. As for flowers, this is the time to plant pansy seeds as well. Now is also the time to begin sowing your herbs, especially basil and dill.

Gather up your herbs and get them to drying. Flowers – the annuals that is – too! Cut back any poor looking perennials. Allow perennials to go to seed so they can flourish next year.

It’s also harvest time for those potatoes. It is time to dig them up when their foliage up top kind of flops over.

Dracula Plant from Michigan Bulbs
Dracula Plant from Michigan Bulbs

Plan for spring. Get your spring bulbs planted now for beautiful flowers in a few months. Bulbs are easy to grow. Daffodils and Tulips are two of the more popular flower bulbs but don’t overlook Saffron Fall Bulbs or Hyacinths. One I really love is the Ranunculus. These beautiful flowers bloom in May and June. They grow about a foot or two and love the sun! Irises and Cyclamen are also gorgeous flowers.

One plant I found recently while glancing through my Michigan Bulbs catalog, was the Dracula Plant. I have never seen this one before. To me, it looks like a vibrant red feather with an old ink pen in the center! Michigan Bulbs describes it as, “Maroon flower spathe features a long fleshy, black pistil that resembles a pointy tongue.” Either way, this late spring bloomer is stunning! I should point out that other nurseries had other Dracula plants – after I went searching – and some look vastly different.

Happy gardening!

© Therapeutic Thymes, 2016

Plant now for Fall crops

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

cherry-tomato-plant-146147There is a time to plant and a time to harvest. Mid to late July is a time to plant if you are looking for fall crops. Now is the perfect time to plant eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes.

The Farmers’ Almanac points out that it is a good time to plant fall crops which will bear aboveground. In other words, plant veggies that grow above the ground. The Almanac also notes it is a good time to sow those forage crops as well as any grains.

Both tomatoes and peppers require six to eight hours of sunlight. When planting, loosed the soil and mix your soil with compost or peat moss. Also consider using a fertilizer like Espoma’s Tomato Tone to help nourish your tomatoes and field against diseases specific to tomatoes. The Tomato Tone can be used now as part of the soil preparation and again as a fertilizer.

Happy gardening!

© Therapeutic Thymes, 2016

Don’t Let Mosquitos Ruin Your Holiday Picnic

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

mosquito-biteImagine for a moment family and friends are in the back yard getting ready for your Fourth of July picnic. The kids are squealing with delight playing with a sprinkler. The smell of burgers on the grill fill the air. Your friends comment on how great your landscape looks, with just the right blend of color against the verdant lawn. The lawn is an even green, beautifully mowed. There is a nice breeze so that it is warm but not unbearable. Even so, there it is … mosquitos!

What can you do? You could decorate your yard with citronella candles and hand out bug spray to everyone. Or you could go natural. No, not THAT kind of natural!

Plan ahead with some plants that naturally repel mosquitos. Citronella Geranium is a great plant for that morning sun / afternoon shade spot. Given room, it can grow as much as four feet tall and spread out two feet wide. It also works nice as part of a container arrangement.

Lantana-VioletLantana is known as a bedding plant and offers a wonderful array of colors. For this reason, it works great in containers. Not only does it repel mosquitos, but is also is not tasty to deer and other critters. Another positive is that it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Lemongrass is another great plant. It is actually an herb used most often in Asian dishes. Here many people grow it as an ornamental plant. It also likes morning sun / afternoon shade and can be planted either in ground or as part of a container arrangement.

Plants are not the only natural repellant. Essential oils are a wonderful way to repell insects. Citronella, clove, patchouli, lavender, and plectranthus oregano are all wonderful oils that can be used either topically or aromatically.

bug repellentOne Bug Repellent recipe I stumbled upon awhile back is:

14 oz. Witch Hazel

12 drops Lavender Oil

15 drops Citronella Oil

15 drops Lemongrass Oil

Mix together well. Try using a spray bottle.

no bite meOne final suggestion – before I go shopping for our holiday picnic! – is “No Bite Me” by SallyeAnder Soaps. This is an all in one preventative and after bite cream. It is DEET Free and safe for the kids. Its active ingredients are: eugenol, cedar oil, lemongrass oil, geranium oil, mint oil, thyme oil, clove oil, and rosemary oil. Inert ingredients include: purified water, soy and canola oils, beeswax, lecithin, and rosemary needle. I got my 2 fl. oz. container from Stauffer’s of Kissel Hill for $12.99. I have also found the same product on Amazon for less.

No matter which option you choose, have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.

© Therapeutic Thymes, 2016