Don’t let a garden hole ruin the moment or your cocktail

Gardeners are approaching that sweet time in the garden when the big spring push is over and, once in a while, we’re able to sit down, perhaps with a cool gin and tonic, and appreciate our work.

But there are two things (OK three, if you count a neighbor’s lawn mower) that can take the joy out of that moment: spotting a particularly pernicious weed in a view-ruining spot and having your eye stop on a hole in the garden.

By this point in the season, skilled gardeners may be able to dispense with the first problem with a flick of the hori hori (stashed nearby for such emergencies) without setting down their drink, but the second problem calls for a bit of creativity.

When I spot a hole in the garden, either because whatever was planted there was ill-fated or, more likely, because of poor planning, my first stop is my stash of annuals started from seed in winter and early spring. I usually have leftovers sitting around for just such an occasion.

In fact, filling such holes has led to some of the most successful plant combinations in my garden. A medium-height Nicotiana (the Perfume series of Nicotiana x sanderae is my go-to) with whatever floss flower (Ageratum) I’ve grown that year is a pairing I now wouldn’t be without.

One of my favorite annuals that I start from seed is the fuzzy-leafed silver sage (Salvia argentea), which is the perfect plant for a front-of-the-border filler.

I also often have a few extra purchased annuals sitting around, leftovers from container plantings, that are usually one-offs. I’d never choose to plant a single annual in a space, but if you can find any tie-in to a nearby plant, such as a color echo, a complimentary color or perhaps a textural compliment, you can usually get away with it.

But if you have nothing like that sitting around, look to seeds to save the day. Nasturtium works in a variety of sun exposures where a short-growing plant is called for. Just check the packet to make sure it is not a trailing variety, which will rapidly ramble across the patio. They can be easily sown directly and the leaves and flowers are edible. (Soaking the large seeds for a few hours may speed germination.)

Zinnia and Cosmos are two more beauties that can be sown directly in the garden now. Just make sure to keep the soil consistently moist until they germinate and put on a bit of growth. Both classic annuals can be found in a range of colors and sizes so you’re sure to find the right one for any sunny spot in the garden.

And when all else fails, think about edible plants. Bold leaf textures of kale or Swiss chard make excellent accent plants, and herbs, including Greek basil and curly parsley, offer excellent texture.

Actually sitting in your garden and enjoying it is a rare pleasure that gardeners don’t allow themselves often enough. Don’t let a hole in the border ruin the moment, or your gin and tonic.