WHAT TO GROW NOW | Drought Tolerant Grasses
To ease watering duties this summer, consider introducing drought tolerant native grasses. Not only are these showstoppers good for the planet (and your schedule), they thrive in full sun, typically resist pests, and require less H20 and maintenance than most other perennials. Grasses also add structure, movement, height, texture, and seasonal color, providing backbone to beds and borders while supporting pollinators and creating habitat for beneficial insects and birds.
Here, five standouts ideal for East End gardens. Despite their prairie associations, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) are true eastern natives that handle dry spells well and provide textural contrast—think arching stems and bluegreen blades that shift to coppery gold by fall. For added flair, hairawn muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) creates a latesummer haze of soft pink seed plumes that bob in the breeze. What to boost vertical interest? Consider yellow Indian grass (Sorgastrum nutans), a host plant for several butterfly species, whose showy deep-orange to purple autumn foliage can reach seven feet. And for partshade or edge planting, graceful northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) offers billowy form and shimmery, buff-to-bronze seed pods.
Can’t find these grasses locally? Arthur’s Point Farm in Ghent, NY, offers a fine selection of climate-resistant natives online and ships bareroot plants. Visit USDA.gov and search “native grasses” to explore more options suited to Zone 7 gardens. — Monica Michael Willis
Get Your Glow On
Handcrafted using a proprietary blend of organic plum varietals grown on a family farm in Northern California, Le Prunier’s clean Plum Beauty Oil is a luxurious, naturally scented miracle worker that rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and moisturizing Omega fatty acids. Try it after a day at the beach. You’ll be hooked. Promise.
“Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
— Henry James
GOOD GARDEN GEAR
Chic enough to wear to lunch on Main Street, Gardenheir’s waterproof Italian garden clogs feature cushiony, suede-lined cork insoles and chunky, slip-resistant treads. Available in 11 colors, from caramel to navy to oxblood; $78.
LA DOLCE VITA
“As any Italian will tell you, “Delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Cathy Whims, the chef and owner of the iconic Italian restaurant Nostrana in Portland, Oregon.
In her debut cookbook Italian Summer Kitchen ($28; Countryman Press), the six-time James Beard nominee shows how it’s done, with charming illustrations and more than 80 authentic no-fuss recipes that don’t require a lot of money, time, or fancy equipment, just a commitment to finding the best seasonal ingredients available. “Otherwise,” asks Whims, “What’s the point?” So shop your vegetable garden or the local farmstand, then whip up Whims’ Fresh Tomato, Peach, and Basil Salad, Eggplant Caponata, or Basil, Hazelnut, and Ricotta Pesto.
For a lovely al fresco supper, start with a Negroni Sbagliato, Whims’ lighter version of the classic made with Prosecco instead of gin, then serve up crusty Italian bread and a crisp green salad with Zucchini Parmigiana, Pappa al Pomodoro, or Chicken with Tomatoes and Red Peppers. Finish with a summery Fruit Crisp with Almond Cream, made the Italian way, with the freshest fruit of the day. — Monica Michael Willis