In a mass of shimmering light blue/green, the softest of leaves implore one to stay and reach out to brush them. Yes, they are as soft as they look, a must for the sensory garden. Having read descriptions of lambs ear as a classic cottage perennial, I wonder if another attraction was more of a reason to grow this cheerful plant. I have observed lambs ear to be very noisy with visitors here in the Vitalbeebuds spaces and for the longest blooming period (early spring through summer). Meanwhile, the leaves are evergreen most of the winter and provide shelter and food for lady bugs and spiders. Carpenter bees and Leaf-cutter bees spar during mating season, honeybees and various bumblebees cover the tiny raspberry-red florettes that circle the fluffy stems.

When asked what is the best native pollinator plant, this must always be included towards the top of my list.

📸 Lorraine Fitzhugh @vitalbeebuds