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Companion Plants
Create a sumptuous combination of texture and colour:
Annual. These precious flowers are an old-fashioned favourite. Beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike, they begin blooming in spring and don’t slow down until frost. Their flowers are loaded with nectar and support beneficial insect populations in the garden. The plants are hardy, very easy to grow and require little maintenance throughout the season. For those who adore cut flower arrangements, these beauties will be the last flower to wilt in the vase. This variety is a mix of red, pink, blue and white shades. Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
Location: Mid-border, Landscape planting, Mixed container, Rock garden
Bloom Period: June to September
Height: 24”
Plant Spacing: 9-12”
Annual. Enormous, fully double, 4” blooms in vibrant pastel yellow. Plants are compact, tidy and sturdy. Heavy-blooming and heat tolerant, this is an outstanding variety for massing in the landscape or making colourful patio containers.
The quintessential companion plant, marigolds are stars in the vegetable garden. They attract bees, butterflies and beneficial predatory insects. They are an excellent companion for tomatoes and potatoes, as they repel harmful insects and soil nematodes. Plant in average soil with even moisture and fertilize every few weeks.
Location: Vegetable garden, Landscape planting, Mixed container
Bloom Period: June to September
Height: 12-14”
Plant Spacing: 6-8”
Annual. The quintessential calendula. Blooming in shades of yellow, orange and gold, their double flowers are long-lasting, heat tolerant and can thrive in poor soils. They make a great cut flower and a lovely background for fall mums.
Calendula are a terrific vegetable companion, as they attract pollinators and repel harmful nematodes in the soil. Their flowers are edible and dried petals can be used in place of saffron, as a garnish, or to make a delightful tea. They are very easy to grow, requiring minimal watering and feeding. Plant in poor to average, well-draining soil and deadhead occasionally for increased blooms.
Location: Mid-border, Vegetable garden
Bloom Period: June to September
Height: 18-24”
Plant Spacing: 12-16”
Annual. A classic variety of this popular annual - and one of my personal favourites. A true workhorse, ‘Carpet of Snow’ is one of the most versatile plants in the garden. As an ornamental, it can be tucked into the corners of raised beds, blanket the edge of a border bed, or drape gracefully over the sides of a mixed container. As a vegetable companion, its lovely, sweet fragrance attracts an abundance of pollinators and repels harmful insects. A low growth habit allows it to act as a living mulch. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with a light peppery taste. Plants prefer moist, loamy soil, and providing a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer will be heartily rewarded.
Location: Front of border, Hanging basket, Mixed container, Vegetable garden
Bloom Period: June to October
Height: 6”, spreading to 12”
Plant Spacing: 5-8”