The first bed is predominantly green with lavender flowers. The contrast of leaf textures should keep it attractive, even when not in bloom.
The Monarda will spread and may need dividing after about 5 years. Deadheading will keep it in bloom longer and shearing back the whole plant when it starts to look tired, will revitalize it and keep it attractive into fall.
The cilantro (corriander) is an annual plant that will self-seed a bit, if you don't collect the seeds to use in the kitchen.
NOTE: The number of plants suggested will vary depending on the size of the plants purchased, the mature size of the variety suggested and your patience in allow the garden to fill in.
1. Lavender Bee Balm (Monarda) 3 - 5 Plants
Two good choices:
Monarda x hybrida 'Petite Delight'
- Height: 12-15" (30 - 38 cm)
- Width: 12" (30 cm)
- Zones: 4 - 9
- Flower Color: Lavender
- Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
- Exposure: Full Sun
Monarda didyma 'Blue Stocking'
- Height: 30 - 38" (76-96 cm)
- Width: 18 - 24" (46 - 60 cm)
- Zones: 4 - 9
- Flower Color: Lavender
- Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
- Exposure: Full Sun
2. Common or English Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 1-3 Plants
- Height: 12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
- Width: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
- Zones: 4- 8
- Flower Color: Rose
- Bloom Period: Mid-Spring
- Exposure: Full Sun
3. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) 5 - 7 Plants
- Height: 18-24" (45-60 cm)
- Width: 9-12" (22-30 cm)
- Zones: Annual
- Flower Color: White
- Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
- Exposure: Full Sun
4. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 1 - 3 Plants
Chose a cultivar suited to your climate:
'Munstead'
- Height: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
- Width: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
- Zones: 5 - 9
- Flower Color: Deep Purple
- Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
- Exposure: Full Sun
'Jean Davis'
- Height: 18 - 24" (45-60 cm)
- Width: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
- Zones: 5 - 11
- Flower Color: Pale Pink
- Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
- Exposure: Full Sun
'French Perfume'
- Height: 12" (30 cm)
- Width: 12" (30 cm)
- Zones: 5 - 10
- Flower Color: Deep Purple
- Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
- Exposure: Full Sun
'Grosso'
- Height: 24 - 30" (60-76 cm)
- Width: 18 - 24"(45-60 cm)
- Zones: 5 - 10
- Flower Color: Violet
- Bloom Period: Late Summer
- Exposure: Full Sun