It takes long hours in early spring to plan, prep, shop and plant. A beginner's error though, is that by the time late summer rolls around, yards are looking pretty bland in regards to color. The problem thereafter, is that bees, birds, and other pollinating insects stay busy well into the fall and even early winter and need a garden full of late-summer and fall blooms to thrive.

Recent reports state that over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction and the biodiversity of insects are in decline worldwide. The neat thing is, anyone can help! Big yard, small yard, whether your garden is wet or dry, sunny or shady, there are plenty of flower options that bloom throughout each season. So go ahead and do some fall planting. Help spruce up your yard for yourself, wildlife, and the insects who need a helping hand this autumn.

To avoid the late season field of green in the dog days of summer, below are some native perennials that will add a pop of color to your garden every late summer and early fall.

Upright purple flower spikes blooming in mid-summer. Attractive in many landscapes. This is an Ohio native plant selection that attracts many pollinators, and is a host plant for 4 species of butterflies and moths. Blazing star does well in average to poor, dry soils in full to part-shade. Get creative and use cuttings to make your own flower bouquets!

As the name indicates, this plant attracts many varieties of butterflies, especially monarchs. The bright orange flower clusters bloom mid-to late summer and prefers full sun. Thankfully, this also means that they are tolerant of average to dry moisture levels in your soil. Native to Ohio, butterfly weed is a milkweed that is a host plant to 12 species of butterflies and moth and is deer resistant too!

Hibiscus moscheutos

Late Summer and early fall is hibiscus' time to shine! Stunning, large 4-12" flowers are made all over the dense, rounded clump of deep green leaves that help support this plant. You can't miss this beauty in any landscape no matter the color. Best in full sun, they tolerate poorly drained soil and even periodic flooding. Would be great planted along streams and ponds. They are attractive to hummingbirds, other pollinators, and are beneficial to many insects!

Attractive to butterflies, joe pye forms large,dramatic showy heads of pink, mauve, or flower clusters, blooming in mid to late summer. It's not a fan of heavy shade, and prefers medium to wet moisture conditions. An Ohio native and fan favorite for its unique flower display which grows 3-7' tall. It has a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, making it perfect for enjoying a stroll through your garden taking in the fresh air.

A nice, compact plant loaded with dark purple flowers that bloom in late summer into fall. Asters are hosts for 112 species of butterflies. Prefers average to moist soils with good drainage. Don't let the name trick you, this is an Ohio native plant and very low-maintenance. Additional bonus is that aster is deer resistant and drought tolerant.

Goldenrod is not a weed! Repeat, goldenrod is not a weed and not the cause of hay fever or other pollen allergies. Don't be fooled, the real culprit is ragweed, that just happens to release its pollen while goldenrod is in bloom. This plant would be great in a native garden, as it doesn't spread aggressively and adds a wonderful fall color to your landscape long after others have passed their prime.

Turtlehead shaped flowers will pop in your garden late summer or early fall. A hummingbird favorite, and host to 3 butterfly species including Baltimore Checkerspot, this plant is available in white, pink and purple. Preferring average to wet soils, this Ohio native is a great option for rain gardens or filling in wet, boggy areas. Unlike turtles, this plant is fast (growing that is) and can grow 2-4' tall.

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Helenium (Helenium autumnale), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana).

Tomorrow August 21- Olentangy River Clean-up, 9am-Noon

August 27- Powell Summer Concert Series, 6pm-9pm

August 28- Galena Summerfest, 11am-11pm

September 4- Join Leaves For Wildlife in Sunbury and Riverside Native Plants in Delaware to their first ever Nursery Hop! 10am-3pm. Call each nursery for details.

Sept 11- Olentangy River Festival, 1pm-5pm