The Plant that Keeps on Giving: Spotted Bee Balm
The first time it came to my house, it was in a vase with some lovely companions, like Black Eyed Susans. The rest of the companions I do not remember. I enjoyed the flowers and tossed the whole tired bouquet right out the door onto the pile of yellow sand. Our new house had just been built and there were other things to do than tend to the builder’s sand, in almost fully blazing Florida sun, right out my kitchen door. A few months later as spring rolled around, I planted a few perennials, and some new plants came up. So, I was game to add some water a few times a week.
Let the Mystery Plant Grow
Forever curious, I let some mystery plants grow. The Black Eyed Susan was easy for me to recognize as it had been a long-time garden friend. There was a plant I was not quite sure about, and soon it grew into its own. It had square stems and opposite leaves. In the mint family, the leaves smelled like a mixture of oregano and thyme, how could you go wrong? Then it started to flower and now the ID was easy. It was some Spotted Bee Balm, Monarda Punctata.
Violating Every Cardinal Rule of Horticulture
What a gem, fun to admire, EASY to germinate from seed in horrible soil, with no amendments and no mulch, violating every cardinal rule of Horticulture I had ever learned! Maybe plants don’t read books. I would say it likes to have sandy, well-draining soil and definitely some hot sun. It is native and pulls in the pollinators, from the bumble bees to the love bugs. Ok, that may not be its most redeeming quality but the love bugs look like they are all tucked up in bed and under the sheets getting some shut eye, doing who knows what to make more love bugs. I digress, but the plant easily roots from cuttings.
My Florida Thyme – Oregano Substitute
I see it listed as a perennial to short lived perennial, so “thyme” will tell. I feel like it is my Florida thyme, as this is what it reminds me of, also just as easy to dry and powder and add to the spice rack as to the teacup for a spicy brew. I reach for several cups a day, when I get a sore throat and chew on it when I have a mouth sore. It grows with volume and I love that there is plenty to pick, dehydrate and save for the winter. So, in my house this is my Florida thyme or oregano substitute, whether I am using the frying pan or the tea pot. The growth of the flowers layer like adding floors to a high-rise building, as the first floor is completed the second floor is under construction and so on. Four floors built and others will be coming as the season progresses. Enjoy seeding, growing and harvesting your native herbals.
