Blanket Flowers are beautiful additions to any perennial garden. Native to the US, they are low maintenance, and tolerate poor soil as long as it is well-drained. They are pleasing to the eyes with their bright yellow to red blooms, and brown to deep red centers. Blanket Flowers are good choices, if you are planning a pollinator garden, as they attract many varieties of bees and butterflies.
Blanket Flowers can be sensitive to rich soil and over-fertilization. Be mindful not to fertilize too often. They grow best in full sun and are heat-tolerant. If planting from seed, your Blanket Flower(s) will likely bloom in its second year. However, if you purchase plants from a local garden center, you will see blooms during purchase or shortly after.
Black-eyed Susan grows all across the United States. A person can plant them from seed, or purchase the plants from a local garden center. They are natives, and attract a variety of pollinators in summer, and birds in fall and winter when they produce seed. Black-eyed Susan is a resilient plant, with the fortitude to tolerate drought and poor soil.
They love full sun but will tolerate part shade. Take time to deadhead, and you will encourage more blooms to develop, and help establish a sturdy, compact plant. If your area is prone to local wildlife such as deer and rabbits, consider planting repellent plants ( rosemary or lavender) nearby to keep them from making a meal of your Black-eyed Susan(s).
Yarrow is a hardy plant that withstands a lot of adverse conditions from poor soil to drought, yet it does not like shade. Plant in full sun, but give it plenty of room to grow, as Yarrow can become invasive. Yarrow is also an excellent choice, if your goal is to attract pollinators. Butterflies and bees will flock to your garden to visit them daily. Early Native Americans used this plant medicinally for mental disturbances, such as depression and anxiety. There have been studies that suggest, though not proven, that Yarrow can assist with ADHD. However do not take any herbal derivative prior to consulting your doctor.