Shake your honey maker

One thing that was consistent throughout all the gardens in the Lewes Garden Tour last weekend was the pollinator-friendly plants. Some native, some unusual, some historic. Some all of the above.

Like this Scarlet Bee Balm that has medicinal qualities used by Native Americans and valued by the Shakers. Looking a little like an explosion-perhaps like fireworks- which makes it popular for July 4th flower arrangements. It's blossoms are used for bergamot, one of my favorite herbs, used in tea which the colonists tossed into the harbor as a statement to English rulers; just to bring the whole historic thing full circle.

You can guess that any bee, hummingbird or butterfly would be attracted to this aromatic and colorful herb of the mint family.