One of the things I've thought of doing for the last couple years is picking some "Garden All Stars". As the gardening season comes to an end, I've thought that I really should spend some time reflecting on what plants did the best, and then spread the good news so maybe next year you can enjoy them too. So... for the next few days, I'll be posting my choices for Garden All Stars.
For me, an All Star is first and foremost a plant that is easy to grow. That means that other than giving it a good start, it has to thrive without much (or any!) care from me. It won't take much (or any!) watering. It will resist disease without being sprayed (I don't spray anything. Ever.) And it will grow well under a variety of conditions (sun, shade, sun and shade, hot and dry, wet and cool, whatever).
Second, it has to do an exceptional job of doing what I want it to do. Basically, I grow plant either for their flowers, their edible produce, or their ability to attract animals. Of course, the best plants will do a combination of the above and perhaps even all three. I figure most all of us have limits on the garden space available, which makes that space valuable. If a plant can do double or even triple duty, so much the better.
Third, I'd like the plant to what it does over an extended period of time.
As for categories, I had to think about this one. I think I settled on best flower overall, best tomato overall, best beefsteak tomato, best flower for attracting hummingbirds, best flower for attracting butterflies, and just for the heck of it, the best weed (that sounds kind of bad, doesn't it?!).
If you can think of any categories I missed that interest you, let me know. I'll add it to my list.
When you post non-fruit, tell us (if you know) whether or not the plant is native.
Keep up the great blogging!
Posted by: Alan D | October 12, 2009 at 12:50 PM
I'm looking forward to your all star list.
Posted by: Kris | October 12, 2009 at 09:21 PM