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’) |