The Okanagan Xeriscape Association celebrated the official start to spring with the first Dig with Sig volunteer event recently in the greenhouse, as we began potting-up plants for our upcoming plant sale.

Spring is an exciting time for gardeners and our annual spring plant sale is a highlight of the season.

I’d like to describe some of the new cultivars which will be available for purchase at our May 10 sale. Three outstanding perennials recently potted up include: Anacyclus “Silver Kisses”, Pycnanthemum “Smokey Mountain”, and Oenothera “Twilight”. All deserve special attention for their remarkable drought-tolerance and beauty. These plants offer gardeners resilient options that thrive with minimal irrigation while providing both visual interest and ecological benefits.

Anacyclus “Silver Kisses”, a member of the daisy family, has emerged as a must-have ground cover for water-wise landscapes. Its finely dissected, silvery-gray foliage creates a striking carpet-like appearance that remains attractive even when not in bloom. The delicate, ferny texture provides excellent contrast to bolder plants in the garden.

Come spring, this Mediterranean native bursts into flower, producing an abundance of white daisy-like blooms with distinctive red undersides. These cheerful flowers hover just above the foliage, creating a floating effect that attracts pollinators while requiring minimal moisture. Its silvery foliage isn’t just ornamental, but is a drought adaptation........

© Castanet