10 Must-Have Plants for Your Garden

Creating a garden that delights the senses and offers visual interest throughout the year requires careful selection of plants. From captivating blooms to captivating foliage and enticing fragrances, here's a curated list of 10 must-have plants that ensure your garden remains a feast for the eyes and nose all year long:

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): This fragrant herb is not only prized for its heavenly scent but also for its long-lasting blooms that attract pollinators. Depending on the variety, lavender can bloom from late spring to early fall, adding both color and fragrance to your garden for months on end.

2. Roses (Rosa spp.): Renowned for their timeless beauty and enticing fragrance, roses are available in a variety of types and colors to suit every garden. Choose from hybrid teas for continuous blooms throughout the growing season or old-fashioned varieties for a burst of color in spring and early summer.

3. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): Loved for their large, showy blooms, hydrangeas are a popular choice for gardeners everywhere. Plant them in partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist for best results.

4. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Known for its stunning foliage and graceful form, the Japanese maple is a versatile ornamental tree that adds year-round interest to the garden. While its foliage steals the spotlight in spring and fall with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, its delicate leaves provide a striking backdrop for flowering plants throughout the growing season.

5. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.): Not only do scented geraniums offer an array of delightful fragrances, but they also boast attractive foliage that adds texture and interest to the garden. From lemon-scented to rose-scented varieties, there's a scented geranium to suit every taste and preference.

6. Salvia (Salvia spp.): With their long flowering period and attractive foliage, salvias are a favorite among gardeners seeking to attract pollinators and add color to the garden. Whether you opt for culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) or ornamental varieties like Salvia nemorosa or Salvia microphylla, these versatile plants are sure to impress.

7. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): Also known as Lenten roses, hellebores are prized for their early spring blooms and evergreen foliage. These shade-loving perennials offer a welcome splash of color when most plants are still dormant, making them invaluable for brightening up shady areas of the garden.

8. Erigeron (Erigeron spp.): Commonly known as fleabane, erigeron is prized for its delicate daisy-like blooms and ability to attract pollinators. These hardy perennials bloom from late spring to fall, offering a continuous display of color and charm in the garden.

9. Bulbs (Various): From the cheerful blooms of crocuses and tulips to the elegant beauty of lilies, bulbs are a must-have for any garden. Plant them in fall for a spectacular display of color in spring and early summer, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your outdoor space.

10. Trachelospermum (Trachelospermum spp.): Also known as Confederate jasmine, trachelospermum is prized for its sweetly scented white blooms and glossy green foliage. This evergreen vine adds a touch of romance to the garden and attracts pollinators with its fragrant flowers.

By incorporating these 10 must-have plants into your garden, you can create a stunning landscape that offers year-round beauty, fragrance, and visual interest. Whether you're drawn to vibrant blooms, captivating foliage, or enticing fragrances, there's something for everyone on this list. Happy gardening!