Deck Your Yard in Red, White and Blue

The show of patriotism can be expressed in many ways.

This past Independence Day, I noticed many U.S. flags all over Lake Saint Louis. Some displaying a large flag on a pole and banners hung around the front porch, but many people get creative in the way they displayed their patriotism. Some flags were incorporated into gardens, flower barrels, ribbons on the front door, mailbox and on cars.

Although the July Fourth holiday is one of several days that Americans can visibly show their patriotism to their country, it shouldn’t stop there. Keep those flags waving throughout the year to constantly show everyone, in particular all of our military troops both past and present, that we deeply appreciate their sacrifices and are proud of what they do to keep our freedoms intact.

I remember Independence Day 2002, there were many flower gardens planted strictly with a red-white-and-blue theme all over the USA to show our love of this country.

Here is a list of some annuals that can be used if you want to plan a garden for next year with a patriotic theme.

Blue flowers are not as easy to find but you can use:

• Ageratum
• Pincushion flower
• Blue Salvia
• Alyssum (not a true blue but a little purple in color)

For red color: 

• Snapdragon
• Salvia
• Begonia
• Petunia
• Flowering Tobacco
• Geranium
• Celosia
• Coleus
• Marigold
• Pentas
• Pincushion flower
• For shade there are the Impatiens.

For white color:

• Petunia
• Bacopa
• Begonia
• Flowering Tobacco
• Geranium
• Euphorbia "Diamond Frost"
• Salvia
• Snapdragon
• Pentas
• Impatiens

As you can see, many of the plants suggested come in several colors so you can keep it simple and use the same plant but in the different colors or have each color be an entirely different plant and vary the heights.

I’m sure there are more than I have listed so talk to your favorite nursery and ask what annuals they have or can get for you to complete your theme. Don’t forget you can use colorful pots to get the blue color, or use a red table. Be creative and don’t limit yourself to just plants for color.

I hope you had a safe and fun day celebrating our independence.

If you have a beautifully landscaped yard or have unique garden ornaments that you are proud of and would like to see featured on Patch.com, or have any gardening questions, contact Peggy at Bahrmasel@msn.com.