Featured Flower: Marigolds (June, 2004)
Marigolds are an old standby and have been for generations. They are easy to grow in pots or flower beds. Now available in a suprising variety of shapes, sizes, and shades and patterns. The colors can range from palest yellow to orange to blazing red. While they are said to repel many insects in the garden, I have found that they are highly susceptible and attractive to slugs, so you might want to use slug bait if you put them in the ground.
I recommend the "Pinwheel" variety for flashy color and "Moonlight" for its' butter yellow petals. There is a rare variety called "Nomatocidal", which, when planted as a cover crop tand the tilled into the soil, will deter harmful nematodes. Rich fragrance and petite flowers attract many beneficials.
Other great Marigolds :
- French Brocade: The classic brocade variety; early and prolific.
- Double Pinwheel Mix: An unique combination of intense colors.
- Cempoalxochitl: (Pronounced "zem-pul-so-chee-tul") Originated in Oaxaca Mexico, where the marigold is honored on the Day of the Dead; Brilliant orange, intense gragrance.
