Western Mountains and High Plains
August, 2006
Regional Report
Web Finds
Singing Insects of North America
Learn more about the habits of insects and why they do what they do. At this Singing Insects Web site you'll discover interesting facts about the singing insects that often visit our landscapes.
Favorite or New Plant
Rose-of-Sharon
When color is lacking in the summer garden, look to the Rose-of-Sharon (Althea 'Hibiscus syriacus') to come to the rescue. This old-fashioned shrub is very hardy and will bloom from mid to late summer until early fall. Also known as shrub Althea, the flowers are much like the tropical hibiscus and come in pinks, reds, purple, lavender, and white. Hummingbirds love to visit the blooms as they migrate from the mountains to the plains. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. You can find container-grown specimens for sale at many of the garden retailers now, so it's not too late to add some color to the landscape.
