April Showers, May Flowers...

A few sprinkles may soothe our way into mild May, but April was mostly dry for lower Michigan--about two and a half inches of rain.  This is no problem for vegetable gardeners, as dryer soils are workable sooner and provide for early harvests and longer seasons for many crops.  Despite the familiar rhyme, flower gardeners also need not be concerned about the dearth of showers in April: the following flowers are especially hardy in dry conditions. 

(And, judging from the prolific and vital blossoms on area flowers and flowering shrubs, it seems winter melt-off provided ample moisture to see thirsty plants through the early spring).

While these species don't usually need extra watering once they're established, remember to keep roots evenly moist until the shock of transplant has passed.

• Black-eyed Susan

• Butterfly Weed

• Catnip

• Buttercup

• Sunflower
  

• Day Lily
  

• Ox-eye Daisy

• Queen Anne's Lace

...and many more!  What are your favorite Michigan native species for looks and taste?

Stay tuned for local restaurant spotlights, coming soon!

Dig In covers food, gardening, greening, and more--what topics would you like to explore?