2020 Summer Home and Garden

Page 18 2020 Summer Home and Garden Lincoln Daily News June 11, 2020 T ypically, we think of wildflowers as a flower that grows in the wild; a flower that has not been planted where it stands. Yet, more and more, people are intentionally planting wildflowers in gardens, yards, and meadows because wildflowers offer extravagant colors and can be grown in containers and gardens, as well as, pastures and meadows. 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 CONTINUED u Getting wild with your gardening space