JB266 Japanese Arailia ( Fatsia japonica )
A very versatile plant for indoor and outdoor use. Large, exotic, rich green foliage adds an exciting and bold tropical look to landscapes and patios. Great in a shaded entryway or patio, or in a sheltered spot near a water garden or dipping pool. Perfect for outdoor containers or as a houseplant. Ideal for low light, urban settings. Winter flowers are followed by black ornamental berries. Evergreen. One of the most familiar house plants around. Its huge star shaped leaves will decorate any patio or hallway. It also makes a good yard plant if given lots of light. Zones 8A-11 outside.
JB105 Korean Mint ( Agastache rugosa )
Bring the bees and butterflies to your garden when you start Korean mint seeds and grow this wonderfully fragrant perennial Agastache herb plant. Agastache Rugosa has tall flower spikes that are full of mauve flowers that bloom at different times.
Korean Mint usually reaches 36 inches in height and it's popular with the insects with its liquorice-like scent. These flowers are also very nice for cutting and adding to fresh flower arrangements.
Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Korean Mint usually reaches 36 inches in height and it's popular with the insects with its liquorice-like scent. These flowers are also very nice for cutting and adding to fresh flower arrangements. Height: 36 inches. USDA Zones: 4-9. Deer resistant.
JB182 Queen Mix Cleome
This cleome flower seed mix is brilliant giving you a colorful display! Cleome is also drought, deer and rabbit resistant. Excellent cut flower. Also known as Spider Flower, the large 4 - 6 inch airy blooms are quite aromatic and an excellent addition to a cutting garden. Grows 36-42 inches tall.
JB076 Melton Fire ( Potentilla nepalensis )
Tricolor flowers of deep red, soft crimson, and vanilla on spreading plants, excellent container plant, grows about 16" tall. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Evergreen ground cover and border plant. Excellent cut flower. An almost perpetual flowering hybrid, this mounder produces its large bicolored strawberry-red ; lemon-yellow flowers all summer. Zones 4-9.
JB261 Scarlet Pimpernel ( Anagallis Arvensis Scarlet )
One of our favorite, low-growing wild flowers. The scarlet flowers are star-like and dense. Because of this flower's habit of closing at dusk and before stormy weather, it has also been called Poor Man's Barometer. The abundant red flowers also remain closed in cloudy weather, opening only to the sun. Deer resistant. Grows about 6 inches tall, an annual plant for zones 5-10.
How To Grow Pimpernel: Sow Pimpernel seeds in peat pots and gently press the ground cover seed into soil and barely cover. Pimpernel seeds need light to germinate. You can also directly sow Anagallis Arvensis seeds after all danger of frost has passed in groups of 3-4 seeds spaced 12 inches apart. Thin to the strongest plant. If consumed, Pimpernel ground cover plants can be toxic to livestock and humans.
TPF173 Lavender Hyssop ( Agastache foeniculum )
Attractive honey plant; produces abundant nectar which yields a light fragrant honey.
Strongly anise-scented, it is delightful for tea or as culinary seasoning.
Deer cannot stand the aromatic foliage.Beautiful, fragrant purple flowers growing 12-36" tall. Perennial. Zone 4-7.
Seed packs will contain many dormant seeds that may take until second second season to germinate, in addition to seeds that will germinate the first seaon, so be patient with them.
3221 Orange Buttterfly Milkweed ( Asclepias tuberosa )
Butterfly weed is a native perennial with flat-topped, orange or yellow flower clusters at the ends of its stems or in its leaf axils. From midsummer to autumn, it produces clusters of brightly colored flowers that attract insects, followed by fruit and showy seed. Plant in a border, meadow, butterfly garden, or wildflower garden.
Very bright orange or yellow flowers. U.S. native. This plant's milky white sap may irritate skin. Its stiff, thick branches may act as treillage to support weaker neighboring plants. Attracts bees and butterflies. At any given time you may see species of Monarch, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Cabbage White, Gray Hairstreak, Western Swallowtail, and many other butterfly varieties feeding on this plant.
Perennial for zones 3-9, grows about 28 inches tall. Cannot ship to HI
TPF079 Heavenly Mix ( Linaria maroccana )
Good resistance. Also known as Spurred Snapdragon, a hardy
annual growing to 24" tall with pink/yellow/violet flowers.
JB085 Cherokee Sunset Mix ( Rudbeckia hirta )
A beautiful Rudbeckia that attracts bees and butterflies, is deer resistant and makes great cutting flowers! Large, double flowers in a range of colors. 4–5" blooms of orange, golden yellow, bronze, chocolate, and various bicolors are produced all summer long. Provides a pleasing blend of autumn colors and late season flowering. Plants produce mostly double blooms and some singles and semidoubles. Also known as blackeyed Susan and gloriosa daisy. Tender perennial in Zones 9–10, best grown as an annual. AAS winner. Ht. 24–30".
JB241 Purple Robe ( Saxifraga Arendsii )
An excellent groundcover that is compact, free-flowering, and easily raised from seed. These charming perennials quickly form an evergreen verdant mat. The surface-spreading mossy leaves are evergreen for year-round effect.
When your spring bloomers are starting to fade, the dense mats of Purple Robe become covered with small carmine red, cup-shaped flowers held upright on ankle-high, strong stems.
Also, known as Mossy Saxifrage or Purple Robe ground cover, Saxifrages grow well in containers, beds, rock gardens, and anywhere a low-growing, spreading ground cover plant is desired. Mossy Saxifrage plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade conditions. Purple Robe does not do well in the hot humid areas. It is both deer and rabbit resistant.
Grows about 6 inches tall, a perennial hardy for zones 4-9. Very tiny seeds! About the size of petunia seeds.
Seeds for Deer Resistant Bushes, Shrubs and
Trees
TPF275 Texas Bluebonnet ( Lupinus texensis )
No wildflower is so well known as Texas Bluebonnet. It's easily grown from seeds, and it can transform a field of little interest into a colorful display of lovely blue wild flowers! The Texas Bluebonnet wildflower was adopted as the State Flower of Texas in 1901 and is most often seen in beautiful floral displays along road sides, in woodlands, and in pastures all over the state. They begin to bloom in March and are usually in full bloom by April. Though native to Texas, these wild flowers will grow in other areas and when planted in mass, the visual effect is stunning. A sea of blue is created!
Low growing but prolific blooming, Texas Bluebonnet requires some patience, but little maintenance, once established. The same toughness and tenacity that makes this little Lupine the perfect representation of the Lone Star state also makes it slow to germinate and bloom--but once it does you will not be disappointed!
Bluebonnet flowers are prolific bloomers in early spring and are known for attracting butterflies and a variety of bees, including honeybees.
How To Grow Texas Bluebonnet From Seed: It is recommended to soak Texas Bluebonnet seeds in tepid water over night before sowing outdoors. After soaking, sow the Texas Bluebonnet wildflower seed directly into prepared soil that is loosened and weed free. A late fall sowing is recommended.
To keep Texas Bluebonnet wildflowers year after year, allow the seed pods to form and drop their flower seeds. Texas Bluebonnet Lupine is moderately deer resistant and the flowers attract butterflies. An annual that will grow in zones 3-10.
D7880 Rocky Mountain Junifer ( Juniperus scopulorun )
Rocky Mountain juniper is an evergreen large shrub or small
tree to 50' tall, but usually much smaller. Specimens are
variable in habit, sometimes squat and shrubby, but usually
narrowly cone shaped. The trunk is short and stout, often
dividing near the ground. The branches are rather thick and
spreading to partly erect. Rocky Mountain juniper has reddish
bark that is stringy in narrow strips but does not exfoliate.
Most of the leaves are like overlapping scales, closely pressed
to the twigs. Juvenile leaves, usually only found on young
seedlings, are more like needles, and they spread away from the
twigs. The foliage is dense and pleasantly aromatic.
Trees may have male or female cones, but not both. The
fruits are fleshy berrylike spherical cones, about one-third
inch in diameter. They are bright blue with a whitish bloom and
sweet tasting, with thin skins. Rocky Mountain juniper is
closely related and quite similar to eastern redcedar, and was
once believed to be the same species. But eastern redcedar has
fruits that mature in a single season, whereas those of Rocky
Mountain juniper take two year to ripen. Also, eastern redcedar
had exfoliating bark. The two species hybridize where their
ranges overlap.
Location: Rocky Mountain juniper occurs in isolated and
scattered localities within a wide band from British Columbia
to North Dakota, and south to Arizona and New Mexico. It grows
from near sea level in the northern part of its range to more
than 8000' above sea level in the south. Rocky Mountain juniper
grows in alkaline soils on ridges, cliffs and rocky slopes,
sometimes in pure stands, but more often in association with
other mountain loving evergreens such as ponderosa pine, pinyon
pine and Douglas-fir.
Culture: Rocky Mountain juniper is a slow growing tree
(6-12" per year), but one that can live more than 300 years. In
cultivation it tolerates acidic to alkaline soils, and does
best in those that are loose and well drained. It is best
adapted to culture in western and northern North America.
Light: Seedlings and saplings can tolerate rather dense shade,
but Rocky Mountain junipers, even the smaller cultivars, need
full sun to grow to their full potentials.
Moisture: Rocky Mountain juniper is tolerant of drought, but
perhaps less so than the other junipers. It should be watered
before the soil becomes completely dry. This juniper does
poorly in humid climates, but does fine in hot, dry
climates.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 - 7.
Usage: Use any of the cultivars of Rocky Mountain juniper for
attractive foliage effects in all seasons. This evergreen is
useful as a screen, hedge or foundation plant. They make great
anchors or focal points for the ends of hedges or mixed
borders. Rocky Mountain juniper is a tidy, formal accent shrub
alone or in small groups.
Features: Although most cultivars are probably too formal for
naturalistic gardens, Rocky Mountain juniper is ideal for neat,
well-organized landscapes. Most cultivars require little or no
pruning and are relatively free of cultural problems, insects
and diseases. They tolerate heat and drought well.
D7884 Colorado Blue Spruce ( Picea pungens )
Native to southwestern United States and hardy to zone 3. It is
an evergreen tree with horizontal, stiff branches that tend to
go to the ground. Has a narrow, dense, conical shape and can
grow to 60' tall and spread up to 20'. Young cones are a
stricking viloet color when young, mature cones are cylindrical
and pointed at each end, up to 5" long and about 1" wide
turning to a medium brown at maturity.
Bark is a gray brown color. Very similar to the Black Hills
Spruce. One of the most famous spruces. Often used as a
Christmas tree as well because of its shape and fragrance. You
must see one in the wild to appreciate its full beauty.
Seeds for Deer Resistant Herb Plants
HR145 Hyssop ( Hyssopus officinalis )
The Hyssop herb is an aromatic plant, and the young leaves are somewhat bitter and minty in flavor. A widely used culinary herb, both the flowers and leaves are used in salads although the leaves are much stronger in flavor. It is also used to flavor pork, chicken, soups, teas and stuffing.
Hyssop is also considered to be a medicinal herb, with the oil obtained from the leaves used to make herbal baths and facials.
Hyssop is an excellent bee plant. Legend has it that beekeepers rubbed their hives with hyssop and other herbs to encourage bees to stay. Hyssop also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; claims that it keeps cabbage butterflies away from crops or repels flea beetles have not been substantiated.
A perennial hardy growing about 24" tall in zones 3 to 10.
3481 Lemon Catnip ( Nepeta cataria citriodora )
Lemon Catnip is a subspecies of the common catnip, the attraction to cats is the same. The difference lies, not only in the lemon scent but also the appearance. The plants are a bit smaller than common catnip and the foliage is a soft green rather than gray green. Tastes great in teas and has the same mild sedative effect. Blue blooms in summer attract honeybees.
Growing Lemon Catnip is a wonderful way to bring a lemony scent to your landscape or garden, and it's a reliable plant giving years of pleasure. Start these flower seeds indoors in late winter for transplanting out after frosts have passed.
A perennial best suited for zones 4-9.
JM202 Mexican Hat ( Ratibida columnaris )
A robust, drought tolerant annual to perennial variety native to the midwest and has naturalized throughout North America. The characteristic black, cone shaped heads are surrounded by drooping, fire red ray flowers with a splash of yellow accent. At maturity the upright branching stems may become woody. Prefers full sun in well drained soil. Outstanding in hot humid climates.
The Mexican Hat flower is a great source of nectar for beneficial insects, and the Ratibida plants are deer resistant.
Suggested Use: Prairies, roadsides, waste places, slopes. Miscellaneous: An excellent variety for cut flower arrangements lasting 5 to 10 days . Flower resembles a colorful Mexican sombrero, hence the name. Mexican Hat.
Good for zones 3-9, will grow 12-36 inches tall depending on conditions.
HR154 Lavender Lady ( Lavandula angustifolia )
If there is one plant that defines the quintessential cottage garden, it is the Lavender Lady. This award-winning variety of Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) was specifically bred to bring the luxury of the French countryside to your backyard in record time.
Most lavenders make you wait, but Lavender Lady is a game-changer. It is one of the few varieties that blooms in its very first year from seed. You don't have to wait seasons for that iconic purple haze; you can enjoy it this summer.
Why Lavender Lady is a Garden Royalty:
The Purest Aroma: As an English Lavender, it carries the sweetest, most refined scent of the species—perfect for aromatherapy, lavender sachets, or culinary use in shortbreads and teas.
A Sea of Blue-Purple: It produces dense, uniform spikes of deep lavender-blue flowers that stand proudly above mounded, silvery-green foliage.
Compact & Tidy: Growing to a perfectly manageable 10–12 inches, it is ideal for low hedges, edging garden paths, or spilling over the sides of patio containers.
A "Triple Threat" Perennial: It is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and a magnet for pollinators. Bees and butterflies will treat your garden like a five-star resort.
Lavender Lady isn’t just for looking at. Harvest the stems to create stunning fresh bouquets, or dry them to keep your linens smelling fresh all winter long. It’s the ultimate "stress-relief" plant—simply brush against the foliage as you walk by to release a wave of calming perfume.
Why settle for ordinary greenery when you can have a first-year floral masterpiece?
AW80 Lavender Vera ( Lavandula vera )
Sweetly fragrant blooms and evergreen blue-green foliage! The richest in essential oils, this is one of the most aromatic Lavender plants of them all. Reaching 24 to 36 inches high, it boasts 2 1/2 inch, linear, downy leaves on strong stems. The leaves first open white, then turn a pale gray-blue-green color. Stalks of tiny purple flowers grow up to 14 inches tall.
Lavender herb plants are prized worldwide for the gentle and soothing therapeutic properties. Lavandula Vera is one of the richest in essential oils, meaning more fragrance power both fresh and dried. Fresh Lavender flowers can be crystalized and used in candies and cakes; dried flowers are used in potpourris and sachets; oils are used in creams and perfumes. And these are only some of the more common uses - imagination can create endless more!
HR167 Lemon Mint ( Monarda citriodora )
A wonderful annual that attracts beneficial insects. Monarda Citriodora is commonly called Lemon Bee Balm, Lemon Mint, and Purple Horsemint. As the name suggests, it is an herb in the mint family. Lavender-to-pink, tuft-like, whorled flower heads attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. The Lemon Mint herb plant blooms from spring into late summer. Often late in the season the scent is described as resembling oregano more than lemon. Plants will grow about 36" tall.
HR209 Spearmint ( Mentha spicata )
Sweetly aromatic, Spearmint, can be used in both cooking and in potpourri and other fragrant decorative items. Spearmint herb is used to make mint jellies and sauces and of course, tea! Spearmint also has medicinal benefits as well. It is a wonderful addition for the garden that can easily be started with seeds.
Spearmint has strong flavor and fragrance that is released with simple bruising. It's the best mint variety for hot and cold drinks. Toss bruised leaves into ice water for a refreshing summer drink or add to iced tea. Spearmint is favored for flavoring beverages such as mojito. Also know as Yerba Buena. Spreading plant is great for containers. Tolerates light frost.
A perennial plant for zones 4-9, and can be grown in containers.
HR141 Horehound ( Marrubium vulgare )
Did you eat Horehound candy when you were a child? You may not have known it, but your parents were actually giving you "medicine"! Candy made from the herb Horehound was often given as a cough drop to sooth deep chest coughs.
Grow the Horehound herb plants in any well-drained soil in full sun. Keep cutting back for new flushes of growth and extended harvests. The leaves and flowers lose their flavor quickly, so snip them into smaller pieces to dry on screens. When dry, crumble and store in jars. Cut the flowers and harvest it heavily each season as this plant is a liberal self-sower, dropping its own Horehound seeds and spreading.
A perennial plant for zones 4-8, growing 18-24" tall.
H811 Oregano, True Greek ( Origanum heracleoticum )
True Greek Oregano is one of the most flavorful and aromatic oreganos, prized for its classic Mediterranean taste and strong, spicy fragrance. This hardy perennial herb produces attractive, bushy plants with small green leaves that are excellent for seasoning sauces, meats, vegetables, soups, and traditional Italian and Greek dishes.
Plants grow well in containers, herb gardens, raised beds, and sunny borders. Once established, True Greek Oregano is drought tolerant and easy to maintain, making it a dependable choice for gardeners who want both beauty and usefulness. Small white to pale pink flowers may appear in summer and are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
For best growth, plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Harvest leaves as needed during the growing season, or cut stems for drying to enjoy the rich flavor year-round.
- Classic culinary oregano with strong flavor
- Excellent fresh or dried
- Great for containers and herb gardens
- Drought tolerant once established
- Attracts bees and beneficial pollinators
HR180 Pennyroyal ( Mentha pulegium )
A strong but pleasantly scented plant used to repel insects and
protect linens. Makes a beautiful ground cover.
Ground pennyroyal is one of the most
effective tick deterrents available.
As a flea deterrent, dried pennyroyal leaves can be scattered around pet's bedding area.
As a pest repellent, crushed pennyroyal stems stuck in your hat and pockets really will repel gnats and mosquitoes. Dog owners often see their dogs rolling in pennyroyal patches, and dog instincts can usually be trusted.
A perennial plant for zones 6-9, but can also be grown inside.
HR183 Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis )
Rosemary is a classic Mediterranean herb prized for its fragrant, needle-like leaves and rich, savory flavor. This attractive evergreen herb is excellent for seasoning poultry, meats, roasted vegetables, breads, soups, and herbal blends. Its upright, woody growth also makes it a beautiful container plant for patios, porches, herb gardens, and sunny windowsills.
Rosemary grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, plants are drought tolerant and prefer slightly dry conditions rather than wet soil. In warm climates, rosemary can be grown outdoors year-round, while gardeners in colder areas often grow it in containers and bring it indoors during winter.
Small blue to lavender flowers may appear on mature plants, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators. With its evergreen foliage, pleasant fragrance, and culinary value, rosemary is one of the most useful and rewarding herbs to grow.
Hardiness Zones:
Rosemary is generally hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. In colder zones, grow as an annual or in a container that can be moved indoors before freezing weather.
Germination Instructions:
- Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.
- Sow seeds lightly on the surface or cover very thinly with seed-starting mix.
- Keep soil warm, around 70-75°F, and lightly moist but never soggy.
- Germination is naturally slow and uneven, often taking 14-28 days or longer.
- Provide bright light once seedlings emerge.
- Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and plants are well established.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun for best flavor and growth.
- Use well-drained soil or a container mix with good drainage.
- Avoid overwatering; rosemary dislikes wet roots.
- Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth.
- Harvest sprigs as needed for fresh use, or dry leaves for later use.
HR187 Rue ( Ruta graveolens )
Rue is a fascinating old-world herb that has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental beauty, aromatic foliage, and historical significance. This attractive perennial forms a compact mound of finely divided blue-green leaves that provide striking contrast in herb gardens, cottage gardens, and mixed borders. During summer, clusters of cheerful yellow flowers appear above the foliage, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Rue thrives in sunny, dry locations and is remarkably tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils. The plant's distinctive fragrance has made it a traditional companion plant in gardens, while its ornamental qualities make it an excellent choice for edging pathways, herb collections, and xeriscape plantings.
Rue is easy to grow and requires little maintenance once established. Its unique foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing texture and color even when not in bloom.
Hardiness Zones:
Rue is a hardy perennial in USDA Zones 4-9. In colder regions, plants may die back during winter but typically return from the roots in spring.
Germination Instructions:
- Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, or direct sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil surface and cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil.
- Maintain soil temperatures between 65-75°F.
- Keep the seed-starting mix lightly moist but not wet.
- Germination typically occurs in 14-28 days.
- Provide bright light after seedlings emerge.
- Transplant outdoors when seedlings are large enough to handle and weather has warmed.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun for best growth and flowering.
- Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates poor, rocky conditions.
- Once established, Rue is highly drought tolerant.
- Avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soils.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
- Excellent for herb gardens, pollinator gardens, and xeriscape landscapes.
Note: The sap of Rue may cause skin irritation or increased sensitivity to sunlight in some individuals. Wear gloves when handling plants if you have sensitive skin.
HR195 Sage ( Salvia officinalis )
Common Sage is one of the world's most treasured culinary herbs, valued for its rich flavor, silvery-green foliage, and ornamental beauty. Native to the Mediterranean region, this aromatic perennial forms attractive mounds of soft, textured leaves that are as beautiful in the garden as they are useful in the kitchen.
Sage is widely used to season poultry, stuffing, sausage, soups, sauces, vegetables, and countless traditional recipes. The strongly fragrant leaves can be harvested fresh throughout the growing season or dried for year-round use. In addition to its culinary value, Sage produces lovely spikes of lavender-blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Its drought tolerance, ease of care, and year-round beauty make Sage an excellent choice for herb gardens, containers, raised beds, cottage gardens, and edible landscapes. The striking silver foliage provides wonderful contrast to green herbs and flowering plants alike.
Hardiness Zones:
Sage is a perennial in USDA Zones 5-9. In colder climates it may benefit from winter protection, while gardeners in warmer regions enjoy year-round harvests.
Germination Instructions:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
- Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in a fine, well-drained seed-starting mix.
- Maintain soil temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.
- Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days.
- Provide bright light after germination.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off and once weather has warmed.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun for best flavor and growth.
- Prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet feet.
- Water moderately until established; mature plants are drought tolerant.
- Trim plants regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth.
- Harvest leaves as needed throughout the season.
- Replace older plants every few years for maximum vigor and leaf production.
Whether grown for cooking, pollinators, or ornamental appeal, Sage is a timeless garden favorite that rewards gardeners with beauty, fragrance, and harvests for many years.
HR123 Catnip ( Nepeta cataria )
A very easy to grow plant for pots, baskets and gardens.
Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family. It has a square, hairy stalk with typically gray green colored heart shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Flowers grow in spikes, reaching 1/2 inch in length.
It is best known for its ability to get cats high.
Native to Europe and Asia, catnip became naturalised in North America and Canada after being introduced by the colonists in the 1600s. The name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy, and Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat.
The active ingredient that causes a high in cats is an essential oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the leaves and stems of the plant.
Because cats affected by catnip roll on the floor, which mimics a female in estrus, it has been suggested that the plant acts as an aphrodisiac, but this is unlikely, as males react the same way as females. What is probable is the cat is reacting to similar feel good pheromones released during sexual courtship/activity. However, non sexual behaviour including playing, chasing, and hunting can also be observed.
Around 50 to 66% of cats are affected by catnip, and to differing degrees. Kittens younger than eight weeks old aren't able to enjoy its effect; in fact, they show an aversion to it. The response to catnip is mediated through the olfactory system. When nepetalactone enters the cat's nasal passages, it binds to olfactory receptors located at the olfactory epithelium. This stimulates sensory neurons, which trigger neurons in the olfactory bulb to send signals to the brain. The response to catnip is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene, which means the gene only needs to be passed on from one parent.
It's not just domesticated cats who enjoy the effects of catnip; many other wild species of cats also enjoy it. Cats can smell 1 part per billion in the air. Males and females, fertile or desexed there appears to be no one group more readily affected by catnip than another.
A typical response includes sniffing, chewing, licking, head shaking, and chin, cheek, and body rubbing (in that order). Additional responses may include stretching, drooling, jumping, licking, aggression, and hyperactivity. Sniffing that produces the high; it is believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip, thereby releasing more of the nepetalactone. The high produced will usually last between five and ten minutes, followed by a one hour refractory period.
Interestingly, researchers say that nepetalactone is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. It was also discovered that catnip repels cockroaches! Plants aren't alone in containing nepetalactone; some insects and ants also contain it. It's been speculated that this protects them from other insects.
Rats and mice are also believed to have a strong dislike of catnip and will avoid places where it grows.
Is catnip harmful to cats? Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won't overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough and will refuse any further offers.
A perennial best suited for zones 4-9.
HR199 Soapwort ( Saponaria ocymoides )
Soapwort is a charming, low-growing perennial that creates a beautiful carpet of color in the spring and early summer garden. Plants form spreading mats of small green leaves covered with masses of bright pink flowers, making them excellent for rock gardens, slopes, borders, walls, and groundcover plantings.
This easy-care plant is especially attractive when allowed to spill over stones, pathways, containers, or retaining walls. Once established, Soapwort is drought tolerant and thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Its colorful blooms attract pollinators while the plant remains naturally deer and rabbit resistant, making it a smart choice for gardens where browsing animals are a concern.
Soapwort is well suited for cottage gardens, xeriscape plantings, alpine gardens, and naturalized areas. With its spreading habit, cheerful flowers, and low maintenance needs, it is a dependable perennial for adding long-lasting beauty to difficult sunny spots.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun to light shade.
- Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates poor or rocky conditions.
- Excellent for rock gardens, slopes, walls, edging, and groundcover use.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Trim lightly after flowering to encourage a neat, compact appearance.
HR250 Winter Savory ( Satureja montana )
Winter Savory is a hardy, aromatic perennial herb prized for its peppery flavor, attractive evergreen foliage, and exceptional garden performance. Native to the mountains of southern Europe, this compact herb forms dense mounds of glossy dark green leaves that remain attractive throughout much of the year.
Often called the "bean herb," Winter Savory has long been used to flavor beans, soups, stews, meats, stuffing, and vegetable dishes. Its stronger, spicier flavor distinguishes it from Summer Savory and makes it a favorite among herb gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.
In summer, plants are covered with small white to pale lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. The evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in herb gardens, rock gardens, borders, and containers, while its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Winter Savory is particularly well suited for container growing, where its neat habit and fragrant foliage can be enjoyed close at hand for easy harvesting throughout the growing season.
Hardiness Zones:
Winter Savory is a hardy perennial in USDA Zones 5-8. In warmer climates it remains evergreen year-round, while in colder regions it may die back slightly during winter before resuming growth in spring.
Germination Instructions:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press lightly into the growing medium.
- Do not cover deeply, as light aids germination.
- Maintain soil temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Keep the soil lightly moist but not saturated.
- Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days.
- Provide bright light after germination.
- Transplant outdoors after seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun for best flavor and compact growth.
- Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates poor, rocky conditions.
- Once established, plants are highly drought tolerant.
- Harvest sprigs regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth.
- Excellent for herb gardens, containers, rock gardens, and edging.
- Flowers attract pollinators while aromatic foliage naturally discourages deer.
With its spicy flavor, evergreen beauty, pollinator-friendly flowers, and exceptional hardiness, Winter Savory is one of the most rewarding perennial herbs for both the kitchen and the garden.
HR219 Tansy ( Tanacetum vulgare )
Tansy is a vigorous, long-lived perennial prized for its attractive fern-like foliage, clusters of bright golden-yellow button flowers, and long history as a companion plant in traditional gardens. Native to Europe and naturalized throughout much of North America, Tansy brings bold texture, color, and usefulness to herb gardens, pollinator plantings, cottage gardens, and naturalized landscapes.
Throughout summer, sturdy stems are topped with flat clusters of cheerful golden flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The finely divided, aromatic foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season and provides excellent contrast to neighboring flowering plants.
Tansy has long been valued as a companion plant in vegetable and herb gardens. Gardeners traditionally plant it near crops to help attract beneficial insects while its strongly scented foliage is often associated with repelling a variety of nuisance insects. For generations, Tansy has been grown near doorways, patios, orchards, and garden borders as part of natural insect-management strategies.
The plant's distinctive fragrance, drought tolerance, and ease of cultivation make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Once established, Tansy forms dependable clumps that return year after year with minimal care.
Garden Benefits:
- Excellent companion plant for vegetable and herb gardens.
- Traditionally grown to help deter certain insect pests.
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial predatory insects.
- Produces long-lasting clusters of golden flowers.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Provides attractive fern-like foliage throughout the growing season.
- Excellent for cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalized plantings.
Growing Conditions:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a wide range of conditions.
- Water regularly during establishment.
- Once established, plants tolerate periods of drought.
- Deadhead spent flowers if self-seeding is not desired.
- Divide mature clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
With its bright golden blooms, aromatic foliage, pollinator appeal, and reputation as a useful companion plant, Tansy remains a favorite among gardeners seeking both beauty and practical garden benefits.
HR229 English Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris )
English Thyme is one of the most versatile and beloved culinary herbs in the world. This hardy perennial forms a dense mound of tiny aromatic leaves that provide exceptional flavor for soups, stews, poultry, vegetables, sauces, and countless traditional recipes. Its compact habit and attractive evergreen foliage also make it a beautiful addition to containers, herb gardens, borders, and rock gardens.
Beyond its culinary value, English Thyme is highly prized for its role in supporting pollinators. During summer, plants become covered with masses of delicate pink to lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The nectar-rich blooms provide an important food source while adding color and charm to the garden.
English Thyme is also valued as a companion plant in vegetable and herb gardens. Its fragrant foliage is traditionally planted near crops to help attract pollinators and beneficial insects while contributing to a healthy and diverse garden environment. The low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for edging garden beds, pathways, and raised vegetable gardens.
Drought tolerant once established and exceptionally easy to grow, English Thyme thrives in containers and sunny locations where its fragrance can be enjoyed throughout the growing season.
Hardiness Zones:
English Thyme is a perennial in USDA Zones 5-9, returning year after year with minimal care.
Germination Instructions:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
- Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and press lightly into place.
- Do not cover deeply, as light aids germination.
- Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Keep the growing medium lightly moist.
- Seeds typically germinate in 14-28 days.
- Provide bright light after germination.
- Transplant outdoors once seedlings are well established.
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun for maximum flavor and flowering.
- Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates poor, rocky conditions.
- Excellent for containers, herb gardens, borders, and rock gardens.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Harvest regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth.
- Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Useful companion plant for vegetable and herb gardens.
Combining culinary excellence, ornamental beauty, pollinator value, and companion planting benefits, English Thyme is one of the most rewarding herbs for both beginning and experienced gardeners.
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