Table of Contents
- Shannon’s Note
- Native Plant Spotlight
- Upcoming Events and Sales
- Selection Guide
- Workshop Waitlists
- Backyard Ecology Resources
- Subscribe to Newsletter
Shannon’s Note
It’s August and the goldenrods are starting to bloom! Did you know that we have approximately 30 species of goldenrods native to Kentucky?
Goldenrods are one of the keystone groups of plants providing late summer / early fall blooms for pollinators. They are also a host plant for several species of caterpillars. Many species of songbirds frequently visit goldenrods to hunt for seeds and insects. Plus, hummingbirds visit the flowers for nectar and insects.
However, not all species of goldenrods “play nice” in garden settings. Many spread too rapidly and are too aggressive for small spaces or for intermingling with less aggressive species. This year we have 3 species of goldenrods for sale that do “play nice with others” and work well in garden settings. One of them even does well in shade! (See the native plant spotlight below to learn more about that one.)
If you’re interested in learning more about other species of goldenrods that do well in garden settings or other species of native plants that bloom in the late summer / early fall and are valuable for supporting pollinators and wildlife, then check out the Backyard Ecology™ resources listed below.
Native Plant Spotlight
If you want to bring the late summer / early fall pollinator powerhouse of a goldenrod into your yard but are concerned that your property might be too shady, then check out the bluestem goldenrod. This species of goldenrod not only “plays nice” in garden settings but thrives in quite a bit of shade.
Blue-stemmed Goldenrod / Wreath Goldenrod / Axillary Goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
Height: 2 to 3 feet (usually 2 to 3 feet)
Blooms: August to September
Sun: Full sun to part shade (best)
Soil moisture: Medium to dry
Provides food for:
- Hummingbirds (flowers, insects)
- Native bees (flowers)
- Honey bees (flowers)
- Butterflies (flowers)
- Moths (flowers)
- Caterpillars (foliage)
- Songbirds (seeds, caterpillars and other insects)
Upcoming Sales and Events
Native Plant Sales
We have multiple native plant sales scheduled for August and September. A list of everything that we will have available will be added to the event listing 1-2 weeks before the event. We will be taking pre-orders for all of our upcoming events and the updated event listing will include information on how to place an order.
If you are interested in native plants and can’t make one of the scheduled events, feel free to contact us and ask if we can meet you on different date. If we can find a mutually convenient time and place to meet in Glasgow or Bowling Green, then we are happy to do so.
Educational Events
Right Plant, Right Place Selection Guide
If you would like some guidance when picking the right plants from our nursery for you, then we’ve got you covered with the Right Plant, Right Place Selection Guide. We developed the Right Plant, Right Place Selection Guide to help you sort through the species we are growing and find the ones that will work best in your location.
Workshop Waitlists
We are making plans for an invasive species workshop and another Native Plants 101 Workshop. Join the waitlists to be among the first to find out about the relevant workshop(s) and receive super early bird registration pricing.
Backyard Ecology™ Resources
Did you know that Anthony and I produce a variety of free educational resources every week to help and encourage you as you grow native plants, create miniature ecosystems on your property, and attract pollinators and wildlife? Below are some of our free resources that you might enjoy.
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Busy Bee Nursery and Consulting
Helping you create the pollinator and wildlife habitat of your dreams, so you can enjoy your land and care for the plants and animals that also call your property home.