Common name:Balloon Flower
Botanical name:Platycodon grandiflorus

These unusual perennials bloom from mid-summer through fall with deep blue, bulb-shaped buds that open into star-like cups. Plants emerge in late spring, and should be placed under full sun in average, well-drained soil. Overall growth reaches 1 1/2-2' in height. While the plant is reliable and requires low maintenance, it resents transplanting once it it established. -Holland Wildflower Farm

Common name:Common Yarrow, Milfoil
Botanical name:Achillea millefolium

Highlighting this perennial are spreading mats of fern-like rosettes, along with deeply divided leaves of a green or grey green color. In this form, the flowers are usually a white tone. Stems can reach 2-3ft above foliage. The yarrow propagates easily from rooted cuttings or division, which should be performed in the early spring or fall. Following bloom, one should dead head the plant and divide the clumps when it appears crowded.

Compost for Healthy Soil and Plants

The natural world works in cycles. Everything is changing form and moving from place to place in an endless energy exchange system. The leaves and twigs that fall to the ground, not to mention other life forms that might die, decompose and combine with water, air and minerals of the soil to create a medium for future plants.

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