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 How to Plant
Wildflowers in Containers : Garden Space
While most wildflowers are native to the region in which they grow,
some are descendants of flowering plants introduced from other
places. Experts estimate that there are over 20,000 species of
flowering plants in North America. These flowers are primed, in
nature, to grown on their own. No matter where you live, there is a
wildflower combination that will provide color to your planned area.
The distinction between a weed and wildflower depends on the
personal objective. A weed is a plant that is out of place, growing
where it is not wanted, while a flower, even when not in bloom, is a
fascinating part of creation.
Some weeds, such as creeping Charlie, can actually be desirable.
They “creep” throughout your yard and have tiny purple flowers that
bloom in early spring. It is also good groundcover and provides
shade to the earth beneath it which promotes a moist environment for
earthworms.
Morning glories spread rapidly and quickly take over small areas
making them an enemy to people with small gardens. However, for
those with a big back forty, morning glories are a no-care plant
with lovely flowers that produce wonderful floral displays.
There are, however, some pesky weeds you would not want to contend
with, especially if you are barefoot in your yard. Burweed has sharp
burrs that hurt your feet if you walk outside barefoot. Some people
call it sticker weed or spur weed.
The plants many call weeds play a vital role in the ecosystem. They
protect and restore damaged soil left exposed by natural and
human-caused disturbances. Beneficial weeds fertilize the soil and
increase moisture creating a habitat for valuable insects. On the
contrary, weeds also repel pests that are not beneficial to the
garden. Some weeds provide nourishment and habitat for wildlife. So,
while we don’t want weeds in our gardens, they play an important
part in conservation and restoration of our environment.
Three Great
Uses for WEEDS!
Wildflowers on the other hand are fascinating, a species of flower
known to be hardy and self-reproducing with little attention from
the gardener. With the wide variety, complicated shaped blossoms,
gorgeous colors, and pleasant fragrance they are a perfect
complement to any garden or meadow. Wildflowers are considered a
low-cost alternative to high-maintenance gardening.
Many wildflowers are ideal if you have a tough to maintain area on
your property. It does not mean, however, that they are maintenance
free. The good news is that most of the effort is in getting the
wildflowers started. Before sowing seeds, be sure the ground is a
clean palatte with no weeds or vegetation. Wildflower mixes are
available for different areas of the United States and are great for
getting started but it is better if you can begin with an actual
plant.
Because wildflower seeds are small it is best to mix them with sand
to make it easier to spread evenly. Rake lightly to be sure the
seeds are touching the soil. Seeds need to be moist until they are a
few inches tall. Much like starting grass seed, it is a good idea to
lightly mulch to keep animals from eating the meadow.
Tutorial on
Planting & Growing A Wildflower Meadow
Some perennials won’t bloom the first year, so it is okay to plant a
few annuals for color and wait for the rest to bloom the next year.
As the perennials start to take over the area, an occasional
reseeding will help maintain the balance of the wildflowers. This
can be done when you notice an imbalance, perhaps every couple of
years. Likewise, as the garden becomes larger and more abundant each
season, some wildflowers that spread from runner or seeds may have
to be thinned to keep them within the boundaries of the garden
space. Keeping a clean edge to the planting will help keep some
plants from spreading too quickly.
For early spring color, Bluebells are a rapidly spreading perennial
found in wooded areas of the United States. Native to a range of
environments, they work well in different types of gardens. The
wildflowers are long and narrow, creating the perfect cup for
hummingbirds to take nectar from. The plant has long stems and grows
to be 12 to 18 inches tall. While called Bluebells, they are not
always blue in color. Sometimes they are an off-white color.
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 The White Trout Lily is also found in moist
woodlands. Found in many counties of Illinois, the wildflower blooms
in early spring when sunlight penetrates through the trees. Growing
in large colonies they help stabilize the forest ground. The white
six petaled flower with bright yellow stamens grows on a stalk about
four to six inches tall. The flower is a source of food for deer and
for bees that need the pollen in early spring. The flowers as well
as the leaves are used by humans for medicinal purposes. Blooming in
early spring, with the right conditions, petals will continue to be
seen until mid-March to mid-April.
The Woodland Phlox prefers dry deciduous woodlands. This native
wildflower is found in almost every county in Illinois. Pollinated
by long-tongued bees, butterflies and moths, the blossoms of the
Woodland Phlox appear in a blue-violet, lavender, or white color.
The shoots of wildflowers grow about 1 to 1 ½ feet tall. The cluster
of flowers span 2 to 3 ½ inches across. Each blossom has five
spreading lobes that are fused together at its tubular base.
Blooming from mid-spring to early summer, the wildflowers last about
a month giving off a floral scent that is pleasantly sweet and
fragrant. The foliage of Woodland Phlox serves as food for
herbivores including rabbits, deer and livestock.
Illinois'
Woodland Wildflowers
Cornflowers are best grown in clumps since their
stems are slender and flowers not very large. These wildflowers
prefer to grow in an open sunny location and like most wildflowers
can tolerate poor soil. To promote more growth cut the stems just
before the buds open. A second planting of Cornflowers in mid to
late summer will keep flowers in bloom well into the fall. Popular
for wedding boutonniere’s the Cornflower comes in a range of blossom
colors including white, pink, red, deep burgundy, and blue.
Attracting butterflies and bees, the Cornflower is a welcome
wildflower in gardens, as well as, meadows.
The Cleome Spider Flower is named for its tall leggy appearance and
the shape of its leaves. Petals found in pink or lilac color with
white are intricate and large. The fragrant wildflower planted in a
vegetable garden will help attract useful insects and ward off bad
bugs which damage crops. The scorching heat of summer does not deter
the Cleome Spider Flower from blooming and may last well until the
first frost.
Don’t forget to add personal features to your wildflower cover
including mulched or paved walkways, fencing, a gate, or a gazebo
with a decorative bench. Add an old wagon wheel, large boulder,
birdhouses, sculptures, or a bird bath. Remember, accessories can
make or break your wildflower garden so don’t overdo. Adding
decorative elements to your wildflowers will give it style and
reflect your personality. You’ll enjoy the space more if it is tied
together with extras that you love.
AK1570
“Accessorize Your Garden” Planting a
patch of wildflowers in containers, gardens, meadows, or pastures
can help take care of those boring spots of emptiness. Since
wildflowers require less water and less maintenance and attract
butterflies, hummingbirds, and valuable insects they are a perfect
addition to just about any landscape.
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