The summer of 2011 taught us all some lessons about gardening in Denton County.  Some of our old favorites died and some struggled in the record-breaking heat and drought, but some surprised us.  The tough plants pictured here not only survived with minimal maintenance, but came through with flying colors.

These photos were taken in mid-September and early October 2011 at the DCMGA’s demonstration garden, “The DiG”.
 

The Entry Garden

Annuals Angelonia, Celosia, and Zinnia angustifolia “Crystal Yellow” took the heat and brightened the Entry Garden.  Ornamental grasses and Rosemary (not pictured) also thrived.

Angelonia

Celosia and Zinnias

Celosia, Zinnias and Ornamental grass

The Butterfly Garden

Designed and constructed by Denton County’s 4H group, the Butterfly Garden’s plants were selected to provide nectar for butterflies and food for their larvae.   Despite the brutal heat of 2011, these heat- and drought-tolerant plants still provide a splash of color for all garden visitors.

Color in the Butterfly Garden

Purple coneflower (Echinacea)

Salvia (Salvia greggii) and Brazilian Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)

A pair of Monarch butterflies enjoy their garden

Purple trailing Verbena

The Rose Garden

These roses, and their companions in the Rose Garden, survived the heat and came out blooming.

Oso Easy® Paprika Rose

Marigolds bloom profusely and attract bees

Lafter Rose

The Herb Garden

Basil was the summer star in the Herb Garden.  All varieties thrived in the heat, bloomed, and were a favorite with the bees.

African Blue basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘African Blue’)

Cardinal Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Cardinal’)