FLOWERS/S.BORISOV/SHUTTERSTOCK / WOMAN/SYDA PRODUCTIONS/SHUTTERSTOCK


LIFE & TRENDS


suggests Rushing. “That is the secret to design — contrasts of spiky, roundy, frilly, fl oppy.” This advice is often referred to as “gardening in threes.” “And the color of the pot itself can


Patriotic Gardening


Celebrate national pride this summer by cultivating flowers that salute Old Glory. ::


BY SHELLIE FAULKNER E


arly summer is not too late to add a touch of natural beauty to outdoor spaces. For gardeners who


take pride in both their country and their yard, a red, white, and blue- themed garden off ers a beautiful way to celebrate our American heritage throughout the summer.


CHOOSING YOUR PLANTS When browsing for plants, there are important factors to keep in mind other than simply whether they bloom in red, white, and blue. “What may fl y in Chicago may fry in New Orleans,” says Felder Rushing, horticulturalist and host of the podcast The Gestalt Gardener. A visit to a couple, or three, local garden centers will give you some great ideas, he says, but for a


professional look, keep just a handful of easy guidelines in mind:


Some fl owers have bloom periods. Look for what is durable, easy to care for,


and long blooming. Sticking to your


local garden center should help with selecting plants that thrive within your USDA region.


68 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | JUNE 2025 Experiment with diff erent


shapes. Rushing advises, “Start with something roundish, like a geranium or shrub rose, then add something tall and spiky, such as salvia, snapdragon, or Angelonia. Then, fi ll in with something like dusty miller and Artemisia, which are great white foliage fi ller plants.” Do not overlook vegetables and herbs. Rushing recommends adding these as companion plants to fl owers. Flowering basil and ornamental peppers not only contribute to a patriotic color theme, but also yield fresh ingredients to incorporate into healthy homemade meals.


PATRIOTIC CONTAINERS If you’re new to gardening,


starting with hanging planters, fl owerpots of all sizes, and window boxes is a way to


venture into gardening without committing to a major project. Small yard? No yard? No worries! Containers aff ord splashes of life to porches and to apartment terraces, and container gardening is easier on aging bodies than digging garden beds. “For


containers, add a


cascading plant,”


make a bold splash!” he suggests. For an added patriotic fl air, search for containers of varying sizes in red, white, and blue, and arrange them in clusters. You can also experiment with decorating the pots by painting white stars on a blue pot or adding horizontal red stripes to a white pot. (This is a great way to include children and grandchildren in on the activity.) Don’t forget to accessorize!


Tuck small American fl ags into arrangements or adorn pots with festive ribbons.


THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING


Caring for outdoor plants can be a challenge as the summer roars on, but there are a few tricks to keep your plants thriving. “Even potted plants need mulch on the top to shade and cool the soil and reduce watering needs. Rather than watering often, always water twice, a few minutes apart, to really soak it in; then, let the top few inches of soil dry so down deep roots won’t rot,” Rushing says. “Pinching away faded fl owers can keep some plants producing more.” The benefi ts of gardening go


beyond beauty — from helping local pollinators to engaging in mild exercise, gardening has proven over time to positively impact mental health. “In these tense times, planting and tending a few fl owers, whether in a garden bed, on the porch, patio, or balcony, is good for the soul,” says Rushing. “Like making up the bed, it helps give us a grip and stave off the anxiety we are all experiencing these days. And it does not have to be diffi cult — even a small pot of fl owers can do the trick. In fact, a container of fl owers, herbs, and ornamental veggies can be mentally and emotionally liberating.”


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