I am wondering; I want to grow a perennial; "bee attracting" garden,for 2013. Question? Is it best to buy a beeblam plant or buy seeds and start my plants in early spring? Also, what Beeblam variety is less mildew resistant? Does anyone have experience with this and I'd like to add a Purple cone flower (echnaiche ) and also the lovely bright yellow with brown centered {gloriosadaiseys?}so seeds or buy plants? Any help would be appreciated here in Kelowna BC Canada Its hot and dry, but I do have mildew issues on my squash plants:(
I presume you mean less mildew prone, or more mildew resistant :-) Consider a drip watering system; it's a great way to conserve water and reduce mildew problems. This February /March the bees were going crazy over my snow crocus. That would give you some early season interest and they'd be dried up and gone by the time our other perennials get going.
Growing perennials from seed can increase your plant choices, can save money, and some rare items can only be found this way. It can be challenging to grow some things from seed and many perennials will not produce flowers until the second year or longer. I have not tried Monarda (bee balm) from seed, but it is a commonly sold perennial, thus inexpensive--I would just put in plants. You may just want to try a plant or two and growing from seed. I think the "the lovely bright yellow with brown center" you mention would be Coreopsis. These can be easily grown from seed and will bloom the first year. You might be thinking of Gaillardia, blanket flower. I have never grown that. Echinacea (coneflower) is also a bit more challenging to germinate from seed. You should read up a bit if you want to try that. (Try an internet search for "germinating echinacea".) Once again plants are readily available and inexpensive.
