Calendula marigolds, also known as pot marigolds, are an old cottage garden favourite, often used as a companion plant to help attract pollinating insects.

Calendula grows relatively quickly, flowering several weeks after transplanting, at 1-2 feet tall and wide. Blooming will likely stop during the summer, but will start again with the cooler weather of the fall months. They are most commonly orange, but can also be red, yellow, pink, or cream.

Calendula should be checked dailly for watering as they are prone to heat stress. Can be used topically for skin conditions, as a tea, or added to dishes for flavor and color. Also watch it attract pollinators to your gardening space!

Height: 12-24 in

Exposure : Full Sun

Growth Rate: Moderate

Water Use: Average

Season of Interest: Early Summer (Flowering), Fall (Flowering)

Attracts Wildlife & Butterflies

Nasturium’s ideal growing conditions include full sun and well-drained soil – avoid overwatering! The flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible and have a peppery taste. Expect flowers in colors like yellow, orange, and red! Also attracts beneficial insects and deters pests.

Nasturtiums thrive in full sun (6+ hours) but will tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be less abundant with less sun. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as it can encourage more foliage than flowers. 

Growth Rate: Fast

Main Use: Culinary

Water Use: Average

Height: Can grow several feet tall when trained / trellised

Exposure : Full Sun

Season of Interest: Spring (Flowering), Fall (Flowering)

Chamomile prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, with minimal maintenance once established. Chamomile is relatively low-maintenance and can even be grown in containers. 8 inches apart in full sun for best flowering chances!

Considered a "cut-and-come-again" herb and will continue to bloom all season long until frost, giving you 3 or 4 good-sized harvests! When temperatures begin to fall and frost is in the forecast, cut the remaining flowers and leaves and bring them inside.

Use chamomile fresh or dry. Dry flowers and leaves completely on a screen, out of direct sunlight. Then store dried chamomile in an airtight jar in a dark, dry place, like a pantry! Or, steep fresh flowers for tea directly after harvesting.

Growth Rate: Fast

Main Use: Culinary

Water Use: Average

Height: 18-24 in

Exposure: Full Sun

Habit: Upright, can support with bamboo if flopping over

Season of Interest: Early Summer - First Autumnal Frost