Once upon a time this bed was full of Hostas. I removed all but two of them in 2021 as the loss of a neighboring tree put this area in too much sun. More light, coupled with hotter, drier summers led me to fill the space with Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta and Allium 'Millennium.' The new planting looked fabulous all season and was an absolute bee magnet.
I also put in a small plant of Geranium wallichianum 'Crystal Lake' which worked its way up and through all the Calamintha to add its small bright blooms.
To see what other garden bloggers are sharing during this "Week of Flowers," visit the blog of our host Cathy at Words and Herbs.
I love this combo. This is on the north side, right? We had to remove a tree in front of our house, and some of my hostas are struggling as its replacement is tiny. I also have a terrible time on the west side of our house which is dry shade under a large oak most of the day, but also gets some pretty hot sun sometimes. I need to do some more research, but thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kristin | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 07:46 AM
What a pretty display!
Posted by: Ginny | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 09:29 AM
KRISTIN— Yes, the north side but quite sunny. Lots of sand and salt as it's right at the curb. But everything is happy.
I have had so many plants self-seed in a spot that seems all wrong for them that it is hard sometimes to figure out what to plant where.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 09:50 AM
You made inspired choices to replace the hostas. They meld together beautifully.
Posted by: Kris P | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 12:13 PM
These go so well together Linda. Calamintha is something I would like to try as it is apparently very drought hardy. The Geranium looks pretty growing up through it and I bet it is a lovely sight when you turn into your driveway! 😃
Posted by: Cathy | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 12:39 PM
CATHY — Calamintha has become a local favorite as it is grown in our botanical gardens in sustainable gravel gardens with little or no added water.
Be sure to get Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta as it does not self seed which can be a problem with other Calamints and Nepetas.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 02:02 PM
Love it, what an awesome combination! I need to get a calamintha. I was impressed by the one growing next door, but then never swiped a division and of course now have my regrets since that one died!
Posted by: Frank | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 06:47 PM