It’s time to take stock of how your garden is shaping up and make some mental notes for next year. Almost everything is at peak now, so if your garden isn’t looking its best, maybe some changes are in order. Or maybe it’s time to do some careful editing and reworking to those gardens that have long since hit their stride and are rapidly on their way to reckless abandon. The task can seem daunting, but I always recommend fixing the problem that gives you the most grief. That fix will feel so good you’ll want to keep going on to the next insurmountable task and the next.

• Tips for Evaluating This Year's Garden Design
  and Planning for a Better One Next Year
• Garden Makeovers - Re-Engineering Your Garden
• Regaining Control of the Over Grown Garden

Most gardeners are familiar with the spiky blue anise hyssop. Lovely as it is, there are a lot more Agastache out there, in a variety of colors and scents. What they all share is a hardy disposition, drought tolerance and a long season of bloom. ‘Licorice Mint Hyssop’, shown here, is part of a garden design to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Take a peek at Agastache and then keep an eye out for the different varieties available in your local nurseries. They’re beautiful additions to almost any garden.

More Info:

• Plants to Attract Butterflies
• Drought Tolerant Plants

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc..