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| Courtesy: Good Earth Plants |
This Fourth of July is the 244th anniversary of the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The first organized celebration with fireworks followed in Philadelphia in 1777 and continued through the 19th century, though the date did not become an official federal holiday until 1941.
This year we’ll miss ballgames, big family gatherings and fireworks displays, but we can still decorate with Old Glory’s red, white and blue. Planter boxes with summer annuals liven up outdoor spaces and add a patriotic touch. Red or white petunias and geraniums are easy to find favorites and can be the base for outdoor pots. Add dainty lobelia for a touch of blue and you’re done.
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| Lobelia Photo: Pam Hill |
Water and deadhead periodically and you should have flowers throughout the summer.
If you have a little more time and space, perennials can echo the patriotic theme year after year. Think red or white roses paired with blue salvia to attract hummingbirds and pollinators all summer. Other possibilities are white Shasta daisies, Red Beard-Tongue, red yarrow and blue flax. Again, keep watering and deadheading to extend blooms throughout the summer.
Possibilities include:
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| Blue Marvel Salvia Photo: Pam Hill |
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| Red Beard Tongue Photo: Pam Hill |
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| Sensation White Salvia Photo: Pam Hill |
Finally, the key for those of us with questionable green thumbs is to pick tough plants that can survive Colorado’s fickle winters and dry summers. Read plant tags and be realistic. Does your choice require sun or shade? Does it like moist loamy soil, but your lot is sun baked clay? And of course know your plant hardiness zone and choose accordingly. (You can go to https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov and enter your zip to find your zone. )
