Are you looking for a companion plant to plant amongst your phlox? One idea would be the Asiatic Lily “Tiny Bee.” This summer bloomer like to keep a “sunny” disposition and grows to about 14 inches tall. It has an upward-facing bloom and like deep, fertile soil and weekly watering during dry spells. Plus lilies in general are great for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.

Asiatic Lily Tiny Bee grows well in loamy soil (loose combo of soil, clay and organic material).

If you grow and cook with fresh herbs, you know what great flavor they can add. Perhaps you are looking for something new to try this year.  Flowerland Recommends Chef Jeff’s Herbal Tea Chocolate Mint.  Its leaves are peppermint-scented but with a subtle, underlying reminder of chocolate. It also produces edible pinkish-lavender flowers in the summer. Chocolate Mint can be used in jellies, herb teas and iced drinks. This flavorful plant likes its sun but can handle part shade as well. Rich, moist soil is also a must! It grows to about 18″ – 24″ tall and can spread to 36″+. To prevent it from spreading into your surrounding landscape, Flowerland Recommends planting it in a container rather than directly in the ground.

Chef Jeff Herbal Tea Chocolate Mint is available in Grand Rapids exclusively at Flowerland!

Are you looking for a flowering shrub that doesn’t require a lot of fussing? You may want to consider an Azalea.

Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron family or genus. They are similar in appearance to a Rhodie but typically have less stamens (5 vs. 10) as well as thinner, more pointed leaves.

Azaleas are fairly easy to grow, relatively pest-free and like moderate temperatures (zone 6 – 8). They typically bloom in the spring, from mid-April to mid-May (although with the early heat in March, some may have bloomed early).  Azaleas grow best slightly acidic soil, making them a great choice if you are looking for something to plant around the base of your oak or pine tree. Azaleas also prefer moist but well-drained soil (no “wet feet” here!) and variable sun and shade.

This landscape broadleaf evergreen Azalea prefers slightly acidic soil and variable sun and shade.