We asked the City of Cambridge not to plant annuals in the large plants under the tree out front this spring, instead entrusting us to care for the planters and not just let them become unsightly trash bins (which we continue to clear cigarette butts and the occasional coffee cup from). We've always wanted a bit of earth to plant with native species and we finally had the opportunity!
In the 5 planters under the tree you'll find a collection of native plants that were either purchased from the Native Plant Trust Garden in the Woods or started from seeds (thanks, Molly, for the seed donation!). We have little garden markers with the common names of the plants in each planter (tags from Garden in the Woods, wax crayons from Inman Hardware!). We've put together this post which highlights the plants as well as why we were so keen to grow these particular species.
We have two varieties of wild indigo - one yellow, the other blue. Both commonly known as "false indigo". Native to eastern North American prairies, meadows, and along streams, blue false indigo got its common name because it was once used as a substitute for true indigo (Indigofera tinctoria, native to southern Asia) which was used to make blue dye. Simply by pulverizing the leaves of either plant you can create a blue-ish dye for natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, or wool.
Threadleaf tickseed or coreopsis verticilata is a perennial with delicate, dark-green leaves divided into thread-like segments. The long-blooming flower heads have yellow centers and untoothed petals. These plants grow in dense bushy clumps, blooming in early summer. Coreopsis works well for immersion dyeing as well as eco-printing.
Carolina lupine is native to the southern Appalachian Mountains and thrives from Maine to Georgia. Unlike the familiar wild lupine's lavendar flowers, Carolina lupine has bright yellow blooms! It's stalks can reach up to 6'. Another wonderful candidate for eco-printing.
Seaside Goldenrod provides a much needed nectar source for the migrating Monarch butterfly, as well as supporting over 120 other pollinators. It has disc-like flowers that tend to be the largest of the Goldenrod bunch, and its rosettes are evergreen. Salt and deer tolerant.
Common Yarrow is valued for its nectar rich flowers and long-lasting foliage, making it a popular choice for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas making it an excellent choice for those looking to support the local ecology. The flowers are the primary source of the dye, but the stalks can also be used to create a natural yellow dye.
Little Gold Star dwarf yellow coneflowers produce small, profuse blooms and stays low to the soil unlike other coneflower cultivars. A low maintenance, drought resistant native plant that attracts butterflies and bees.
Autumn Onion also known as Prairie Onion is drought-tolerant wildflower found throughout New England blooms from June to September. An edible plant known for having healing properties. Onion skins are used for natural dyeing.
Marshall's Delight Bee Balm produces a full, round bright pink flower and supports local pollinators. Fragrant foliage with blooms lasting through the autumn. We'll be trying to eco-print with Bee Balm flowers and foliage this summer.
You'll also find various marigolds in the planters - great for direct dyeing as well as immersion dyeing. And many of the "weeds" like Ironweed and Milkweed are wonderful direct dye plants.