By: Eleanor Moyer, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

Finally, we have had some rain! While that’s 99% good, it does make for more work. It’s been a busy summer for me with not enough time in the garden, so after a walk-about in my own yard, I decided the weeds can wait while I peruse the Master Gardener’s Discovery Garden for some inspiration. Whenever possible it’s a good idea to see a plant that is growing ‘in situ’ before placing it in yours. Something like trying on the dress that looks smashing on the 5’10”, 100 lb. model before handing over the credit card. What a fortunate adventure it was, and I heartily encourage you to take a peek as well!

There is corn for the first time, though it isn’t “as high as an elephant’s eye” yet, it looks spectacular. The same can be said for the tomatoes, peppers, beets, etc. The harvested produce is donated to our local Matt’s Ministry. The time it takes to have a vegetable garden look this good is certainly a heroically, generous act on the part of the volunteers.

There were a couple of plants that caught my eye. The first is the native elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to the lacey flowers and birds to the purple fruit. While the whole plant is poisonous, the berries have been used medicinally for centuries. The secret is cooking the berries first which are high in vitamins A and D, phosphorus, potassium and iron as well as antioxidants and immune supporting properties. It is used primarily to make jams, preserves, pies, wine and cordials. The plant grows in moist, fertile soil in full sun. It’s shallow rooted, so may need to be irrigated until established. Elderberry can become unruly but will take even severe pruning in late winter or early spring. While admiring the bush, I discovered a small fairy nestled below. Think there are more hidden about as well as other “treasures” which would be fun to seek out if children are your companions on this adventure! Master Gardeners develop new treasure hunts each month.

The other plant was purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), an easy to grow native that attracts pollinators and whose seed heads provide food for over wintering birds. It was just eye popping! Besides providing long lasting color in the middle of summer, it is deer, heat, humidity and salt resistant. There has been a robust breeding program for the flower with a kaleidoscope of colors resulting. It is perennial, but seeds are easy to propagate, so one plant will easily produce many more.

It has been hot, so a stroll in the cool of evening seems like a great idea. The Master Gardeners will host an open house in the Discovery Garden on Fridays, July 26 and August 16, from 5 to 7, with volunteers there to give tours and answer questions. It is located across the street and down the hill from the library-an easy walk from the square before the music starts. Hope to see you there!