Buzzworthy blooms in our native gardens this week

September 26, 2024| Education, Environment

By: Laurie Kane

Fall has arrived, and our native gardens continue to bloom! Right now, asters are taking center stage, with both New England asters and blue wood asters adding vibrant splashes of color throughout our gardens. As many other plants fade with the shortening days, these late bloomers continue to shine, bringing beauty and supporting pollinators well into the season.

New England Aster	Blue Wood Aster

With magnificent flowers ranging from blue-purple to lavender-pink, New England aster (Aster novae-angliae) is a highlight of the late-season landscape, blooming from August to October. Easily grown in a broad range of soils and conditions, it thrives in full sun but does well in partial shade. This native can grow quite tall, topping off at 6’ or more. If height is not desired, pruning the stems in early summer will result in bushier plants that are less likely to need staking. Generally avoided by deer, New England aster provides a critical fall nectar source for pollinators, especially monarch butterflies preparing for migration to Mexico. Native Americans used the edible leaves and flowers for a number of medicinal purposes including the treatment of fevers, pain, and respiratory issues. 

The blue wood aster or heart-leaved aster's (Aster cordifolium) heart-shaped leaves create a nice groundcover in spring and grow higher throughout the summer, topping off at 2' to 3' tall. Small daisy-like blue flowers with yellow centers appear in early fall, attracting bees and butterflies.  Blue wood aster is tough and adaptable, prospering in sun or shade. Native Americans ground the roots to use as incense. This deer-resistant plant will likely be the last to flower before your garden goes dormant for winter.

We invite you to visit our native plant gardens at 125 Landing Road, Landing, NJ, to see these buzzworthy blooms firsthand.  We hope you will be inspired to incorporate native plants into your yard or garden, supporting local wildlife and contributing to a healthier environment!