Pollinator Paradise - Lasting Landscapes by Carol

I’ve noticed my fall garden is a pollinator paradise. Bees, moths and butterflies are loving my Aster and Solidago collection. I’m so glad I took out more lawn last year and added lots of native and non-native plants that enhance the beauty of my home and benefit the natural world around me. Living in harmony with nature is a privilege and a gift. And not one I take for granted.

Solidago is a workhouse in both the shady and sunny garden. Solidago caesia weaves through other plants in my woodland landscape while Solidago ‘Golden Fleece’ and ‘Fireworks’ spread sunny blooms in the brighter areas of my garden beds.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol yellow Solidago weaving through glossy green leaves of Euphobia — Solidago caesia is a wonderful weaver in the woodland. It calmly merges with other plants to display its blooms.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol solidago fireworks yellow arching blooms and purple aster underneath — Solidago ‘Fireworks’ explodes in the sunny border and arches over its Allium and Aster friends.

Over the years my collection of Asters has expanded and includes groundcovers, shade-lovers and sunny characters. Aster divaricatus adds late season interest to the darkest areas in my landscape while Aster ‘Snow Flurry’ rolls out a carpet of white along walkway edges. Aster ‘October Skies,’ ‘Woods Blue,’ ‘Grape Crush’ and ‘Lady in Black’ display gorgeous blooms for weeks and add pops of color and late season meals to the many pollen and nectar feeders that frequent my garden space.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol white carpet of blooms from Aster snow flurry — Aster ‘Snow Flurry’ creates a blanket of white as it creeps along the ground.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol purple aster with bees in center of flowers — In my garden Aster ‘Wood’s Blue’ flowers emerge before ‘October Skies’ and attract pollinators galore.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol delicate white flowers on woodland aster — Aster divaricatus brightens up shady corners and gently seeds around.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol aster lady in black with small white flowers with pink along an arching stem — Aster ‘Lady in Black’ has darker leaves and stems with arching stems adorned with tiny flowers.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol aster grape crush flowers close up in deep purple with yellow centers — The vibrant purple petals of Grape Crush stop visitors in their tracks. Who wouldn’t pause to admire this beauty?

Asters and Solidago plants aren’t the only ones attracting the attention of my insect friends. Salvias, Vernonia, Coreopsis and Caryopteris are some of the other late bloomers joining in the fun. The riot of color in my garden sparks joy all around.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol photo purple flower in bloom with bumble bee — Vernonia’s lavender blooms welcome visits from insects.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol yellow coreopsis blooms with bee in center — Coreopsis tripteris benefits from a ‘Chelsea Chop’ mid-summer so its tall stems reach for the sky and don’t fall over.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol purple blue caryopteris blooms with bee on flower — Caryopteris is a showy shrub that demands attention from humans and pollinators alike.

I’m so grateful to be surrounded by a gorgeous display of color in the fall, while knowing I’m doing my part to support the natural community around me. Living in harmony with nature is easier than you think and benefits human and non-human life in many ways.

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