Welcome to my June Collection. Here you will find many different links to some of my favorite plants to grow in the garden, in addition to some fantastic summer recipes. Enjoy!
ZINNIAS
I grow a few different varieties of zinnias in my garden. My favorites are a smaller variety of cut-and-come-again zinnias, in addition to the larger variety like these California giants. There are many different varieties of zinnias that offer all kinds of characteristics, so have fun with it and try growing whatever makes you happy! Also, check out Etsy for unique varieties from small nurseries.
BLANKET FLOWER
Gaillardia pulchella, also known as firewheel or blanket flower, is native to the Southeast and is a fantastic nectar source for butterflies! It will come back each year and re-seed and spread (which I love). Purchase some here.
BLACK-EYED SUSANS
Rubeckia is native to North America and you can often see it growing in the wild, along roads and ditches. They are a striking addition to the garden and pollinators love them. Purchase some seeds here.
AVOCADO TOSTADA
This tostada is made using my creamy pinto refried bean recipe as the base. I particularly love loading it up with ripe avocado and fresh chilies for a kick but you could use whatever vegetables you’d like!
SPOTTED BEE BALM
Monarda punctata has become one of my favorite native flowers to grow! The buggies LOVE them, the flowers and leaves are just stunning, and it boasts many medicinal properties. I cannot recommend this plant enough! Purchase some here.
PARTRIDGE PEA
This important native plant is the host to many different butterflies, including the cloudless sulphur (my favorite!). I like to buy the seeds in bulk from here and throw them into the yard. They are not too fussy and will come up after a good rain (although, if it is dry, I would keep them watered until they are established.) After only a month, they are already blooming these gorgeous yellow flowers and the bees go wild for them!
PURPLE PASSION FRUIT VINE
When planting passion vine, if you are looking to harvest fruit, you need to make sure you are buying the correct variety. Many are ornamental, meaning they will only flower and NOT produce fruit. This variety is Frederic and it does well here in New Orleans (zone 9b) but it does not like freezing temps, so be aware! You can buy an established plant here.
TROPIC BEAUTY AND TROPIC SNOW PEACHES
In addition to passion fruit vines, you also need to make sure you are planting the proper peach variety for your zone. Here in New Orleans, we only get 200 chill hours each winter, so I made sure to find these particular varieties, as they only need 200 chill hours. Many peach varieties need 500+ hours, so do your research. I love this online nursery as they specialize in trees that do well in my area.
BALSAM IMPATIENCE
These are incredibly easy to grow and reseed beautifully. They will bloom all summer long and then die back. But don’t worry—they will pop back nicely and provides lots of gorgeous color each and every year. Buy some seeds here.
BERRY CHIA PUDDING
This has been one of my go-to breakfasts because it is easy and also rich in plant protein! A great recipe to use with summer berries. Here is the recipe.
AMETHYST EGGPLANT
I love these gorgeous magenta eggplant. They are delicious, especially if you harvest them when they are small which means they will have less seeds. I have grown them for a few years now. Purchase some seeds here.
CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD
Super quick and easy to make, my creamy cucumber salad is very satisfying and perfect for the summer. A great way to use up any extra cucumbers you may have!
Thank you for joining me for this June Collection. I will be back next month with some more offerings.
Happy cooking and gardening,
Timothy