Today we’re visiting Jonathan in Millville, Massachusetts. His garden may only be in its second year, but it’s already packed with layers of flowers, foliage, and plants for pollinators. Here’s what Jonathan has to say about his garden:
I am a new gardener, and my zone 6 garden is only in its second year. I enjoy blending formal and cottage elements to create a balance between whimsy and order.
My color palette relies heavily on purples, pinks, and whites, and I also include many natives and nativars to support wildlife. As a veterinarian, it is very important to me that the garden can be enjoyed by wildlife, too.
Rabbit browsing is my biggest challenge. I try to choose plants they usually avoid, but sometimes they still surprise me!
In the foreground, Iseli fastigiate blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Iseli Fastigiate’, Zones 2–7), Afternoon White cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Afternoon White’, annual), and Fire Light Tidbit panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Fire Light Tidbit, Zones 3–8) lead into layers of roses, alliums, hydrangeas, coneflowers, clematis, and ornamental grasses.
I call this area pollinator heaven. Queen Lime Blush zinnias (Zinnia elegans ‘Queen Lime Blush’, annual), Beelicious Purple anise hyssop (Agastache ‘Beelicious Purple’, Zones 5–9), and Royal Carpet sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima ‘Royal Carpet’, annual) create layers of color while providing plenty of flowers for visiting pollinators.
Three garden plants I absolutely could not live without are Beelicious Purple anise hyssop, Little Lime Punch panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime Punch’, Zones 3–8), and tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis, Zones 7–11).
‘Airbrush Effect’ hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus ‘Airbrush Effect’, Zones 4–9) is a showstopper in late summer. Behind it, foxglove (Digitalis cvs., Zones 4–9) flower spikes are drying so I can collect and spread the seeds.
Don’t be afraid to make a bouquet with an abundance of blooms. The garden can be enjoyed inside, too!
My garden in June is filled with fresh green foliage, peonies (Paeonia cvs., Zones 3–8), roses (Rosa cvs., Zones 3–11), clematis (Clematis cvs., Zones 4–9), salvias (Salvia cvs., Zones 3–10), and foxgloves (Digitalis cvs., Zones 4–9).
One of my proudest moments in the garden has been growing foxgloves from seed!
Instagram: @jodago.97
Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your absolutely gorgeous and impressive garden with us. It’s hard to believe this is only its second year — it already looks so well established!
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