•ultimate•
•ultimate• summer summer
plant now,
bloom later BY JAMES DUPREE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
94
CHATHAM MAGAZINE
W
ith the kids out of school, summer can be a great time to give the young ones a little handson learning in the garden while sprucing up the yard with native perennials. “My favorite fall perennial is Maryland golden-aster (Chrysopsis mariana) because of its cheery yellow flowers. They resemble chrysanthemums and seem to bloom forever,” says Rachel Nelms, landscaper and owner of Rachel’s Native Plants nursery, which opened in April at The Plant in Pittsboro.
SUMMER 2023
Rachel Nelms offers a variety of perennials at her nursery at The Plant.
Another native plant, the aromatic aster, has puffy seeds that persist through winter, and with a height reaching 12 to 24 inches, they are short enough to make great border plants. The aromatic aster is shrub-like and will be covered in lavender daisy-like flowers from late September through October. Paired with the Maryland golden-aster, it can create a stunning visual. “Include dwarf fothergilla to make a showstopping combination with its vibrant fall color,” Rachel says.