The long raised bed of annuals just east of the Shelterhouse 
patio is fun to watch as it fills out over the growing season. 
Each spring, the CPOR garden supervisor creates a striking design of different plant colors, shapes and heights to greet visitors. Garden volunteers assisted with this year’s planting 
on May 12.

The 2026 plants, all sun-loving and drought resistant, include:

Diamond Frost Euphorbia: This plant offers clouds of airy white flowers all season and is low maintenance as deadheading is not necessary. Plus it is deer resistant.

Monarch Magic Ageratum: This plant returns this year as it was a butterfly magnet last year. It is also low maintenance, needing no deadheading.

Mystic Spires Salvia: This plant is naturally compact and well-branched with dark green leaves covered by masses of purple/deep blue flowers. It is also heat loving and sturdy. Hummingbirds and pollinators love it.

Roman Red Salvia: This beautiful scarlet red salvia has good resistance to most common garden diseases when planted in well-drained soil and full sun. Loved by hummingbirds and pollinators.

Taishan Yellow Marigolds: These striking marigolds are generally robust and exhibit resistance to common diseases like powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spots, and Botrytis. They are generally low-maintenance, but there is a potential for such pests as aphids and spider mites.  Deer generally avoid them.

The Tenerife Canna Lily, which is not an annual, but grows from a tender rhizome, adds dramatic contrast and height. It’s a vivid palette of red, white and blue as a nod to our nation’s 250th anniversary, with yellow and orange accents.

 

Consider some of these combinations for your own garden!