Mid-summer makeover

Now is a good time to refresh garden areas, as some annuals have likely begun to fade. Choose some perennials that will tolerate the hot days still ahead and bring color to your garden for the rest of the growing season.

Gardens are where plant science and art come together. Start by selecting plants that will grow in Colorado's harsh hot and cold climate and that need very little water. Then select the ones you will plant based on their aesthetic value-color, texture, size, shape.

Some plants have colorful blooms while others offer interesting texture or foliage. Because they grow to different heights, taller plants will be best as a backdrop to other plants while short ones should be placed along borders and mid-sized ones should be placed between the two extremes. Consult a landscape professional or local garden center for recommendations for your landscape conditions.

Here are a few recommendations, including some from Plant Select®, which offers low-maintenance plants that are well-suited to Colorado’s unique climates:

• Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant flower features colorful blooms that pollinators love.
• VERMILION BLUFFS® Mexican sage (Salvia darcyi 'Pscarl') – This North American native features red flowers that attract humming birds.
• Engelmann's Daisy (Engelmannia peristenia) – These bright yellow daisies are tough perennials that can adapt to most conditions—just don’t put them in a very shady spot.

Enjoy perennials for the variety they offer in phases throughout the growing season.