Rewilding My Lot

I first became acquainted with Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) when I started volunteering in Seguin’s Park West pollinator garden, where they have two of these plants. Once they started blooming (June), they were clearly very popular with hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies.

So I decided weeks ago that I wanted to plant Flame Acanthus here, and I have purchased two small plants. (Side note: With hard and stony soil, digging smaller holes is easier and the plants will help to break up the ground themselves as they grow. Also, smaller plants are cheaper to buy.)

One plant is going in the front bed, so that I can hopefully share hummingbirds with my neighbors, and one is going behind the house, where I spend more time myself.

The front plant is now in the ground. I’ve given it some space, because I’ve seen how big they can grow. If necessary, later on I’ll extend the bed forward.