Saturday Mornings

I simply love Saturday mornings this time of year in Monticello. It is a time I pack the kids in the van, head down to the square, buy an ice cream cone, and meet friends while doing some shopping. I refer, of course, to the Market Festival on the Square.

This past Saturday there was so much to offer a gardener; I didn’t know really where to spend my money! That was a treat, itself. Each Saturday, I try to buy something different and new for my garden beds.

While pushing the baby stroller, I came across a number of beautiful shrubs in bloom. I saw hydrangeas in full color, grand knock out roses that will beat our heat, and butterfly bushes that will attract our winged wonders.

In fact, there were even some bushes with variegated leaves, or leaves with two colors. Outstanding beauty all by itself! Also, there were gorgeous hibiscus and even chrysanthemums. Might I encourage you, by the way, to buy some of these soon and plant them in the ground, in order to have a feast for the eyes come this autumn.

My favorite flowers are those that come back every year, and those are called perennials. Saturday morning markets have plenty to offer. One of these is the butterfly and hummingbird attractor, the lantana. Another flower that can be used in the garden to attract these two creatures is the butterfly weed. Though it has a rather ugly name, I reminded my son the other day that a “weed” is simply a plant that is not wanted in a garden bed, and I certainly do want the butterfly weed in mine.

During our hot and dry summers, we need plants that can withstand the lack of water. The marketplace had these to offer, as well. Among these were ferns and hostas for shady areas, and the nearly indestructible daylily. This last one is a must in a Southern garden, as it keeps on performing better and better as each year passes, with little to no maintenance.

Looking to plant some trees? Better do it quick, as it will soon be too hot. While shopping this past Saturday, I saw one of my favorite trees, the Chaste tree. I have one as a center piece in a bed in my yard. In the summer, it has incredible blooms on it during the middle the summer, with blooms strikingly similar to the butterfly bush. I also saw some fig trees for sale, too.

Perhaps you want to try your hand at growing fruits and veggies this summer. Head down to the square and pick yourself up some young tomato bushes and pepper seedlings. I also noticed young strawberry plants peeking out of a booth.

Or, maybe you want instant food. The square offers numerous pies, cakes, and homemade jellies and jams made from fruit grown right here in Jasper County (I bought some very tasty strawberry jam!!!)

Whatever your taste or style in gardening, head on down to the square this Saturday, and you will find something that meets your style. And if you see me, please stop and say hello. See you there!