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Greetings Friends!

Daylight hours slip away imperceptibly at first after the height of summer solstice. The shortages become quite noticeable in August throughout Finland. As daylight hours dwindle, temperatures fall. The compound effects of these seasonal occurrences are impossible to miss and are a signal to everyone here summer is quickly fading.

Through July and even into the first couple of weeks of August, temperatures remained high and while we’ve had a lot of rain throughout the year, we did find ourselves under fire warnings a few times this summer. High winds have also been situational occurrences which leave their own unique stamp on things. If you are interested the Finnish Meteorological Institute has many articles in English, here is one about the heat wave of July 2025.

July started cooler than usual, but ended with a sweltering heatwave
A record-breaking heatwave with temperatures above 30°C ended July, which was exceptionally warm in some places in Finland.

https://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/press-release/3UkSBIbvStPq0VeuxpVG2D

Situations are now perfect for pollinating insects who are feasting on the bounty of the garden. This year, the number of visiting butterflies are noticeably greater. I have observed a slight decline in bees over the last couple of years. Which is not to say, we don’t have any bees, just a decline. I notice all sorts of insects as I’m outside every day, some are winged and some aren’t. We have frogs and newts and small lizards too. With all this flutter activity though, a glance here or there shows not only motion and movement, but just how well our environment is thriving.

Pollinators visiting our garden have a plenitude of options from which to choose. The following three plants stand out among the other pollen options as distinct yearly favorites and are listed in order of attraction/preference by butterflies, bees and other insects.

Liatris comes in a limited range of colors, with purple being the most popular and most common. All appeared unbothered by the proximity of other pollen-seekers and had a feast while I zoomed in to watch.

Echinacea, on the other hand, is available in multiple colors, and I would say it’s one of the most popular perennial plants because of its ‘daisy’ form. It can be found in nearly every garden in some form or another. This is our cultivar ‘Magnus’, but we also have a white variety called ‘Pow Wow’ and another in vivid dark pink called, ‘Delicious Candy.’

Echinops are globe thistles and have a unique form and leaf shape. The color blue is a tough color to place in a garden, as so few plants are truly blue flowered. I’m very happy to have these growing in the gem bed alongside all the other pollinator favorites. The bluish hue is fabulous and these are really trouble free and look lovely in a mixed bed.

All of this is not to say the other plants we have aren’t attracting pollinators, it’s only to say some are more popular and seem to be of greater attraction year after year. My recommendation to other gardeners and those seeking to start a butterfly haven would be to include pollinator favorites to increase the number of pollinators visiting your garden. I truly think it’s a matter of; plant it and they will come.

I have an abundance of self-seeding Agastache appearing in various places throughout the garden, and just let it do its thing. It is growing in both well-drained soil in full sun areas around the rock garden, and in loamy soil in partial shade. It is a happy type of plant, available in a wide assortment of color variety. I have the cultivar called ‘Golden Jubilee.’

Along with those mentioned, the salvia, hydrangea, roses, and lilies all receive a lot of attention by all kind of insects and keep pollinators busy and happy throughout the gardening season. I know they are happy, because they keep coming back, and in greater number each year.

Even though the sun and its warmth of summer is slowly slipping out of season, the abundance of color, shape and form delight the eye and lift my spirits. I just love being outdoors and try to soak up as much summer glory as I can, while it lasts.

I hope this August message finds you well and that your summer days are filled with light and love. We’re heading to Mustila Arboretum this weekend for the autumn plant fair, rain or shine, and look forward to possibly picking up a couple lovelies to add to spaces here and there in the garden. If you’re in Finland and are looking for a great outing, then this might be the one for you. Mustila offers something for everyone, and operates a tasty café to power you through the arboretum and give you strength to carry home all your new plant purchases! 🙂 Say hello if you see us there!

Until next time ❤