Myrtle Mania in the Park

Severna Park may be heavy with hydrangea right now, but hometown gardeners are also captivated by colorful crape myrtle trees and bushes as summer’s heat picks up.

Why so many of the popular Lagerstroemia indica in our neck of the woods? Well, mostly because they love it hot and humid and can grow in all types of soil.

This wonderful choice for our gardens has been around a long time –  coming to the states via England where it did not do well due to a lack of hot weather. Originally from China back in the mid-1700’s, it is said that King Louis XIV’s botanist, Andre Michanaux, brought the first crepe myrtles to Charleston, S.C., sometime around 1786. And the rest is now our history.

Often planted curbside in Severna Park's neighborhoods, crape myrtle
blossoms in pink, white, purple and red with a smooth, light fawn-colored bark. Graceful and elegant, these trees line many a southern driveway with crepe-paper-like blossoms (thus, the name), come July. Not just for summer beauty, crape myrtle’s fall leaves turn a vivid orange and the bark peels, adding visual interest to landscapes year round. 

This is the weekend to visit for the Crapemyrtle Festival in Davidsonville. Shoppers at both Homestead locations this past month have accumulated “Myrtle Money” and now’s the time to spend it.

The event begins Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. with complimentary coffee before opening at 9 a.m. Then from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is Ladies Night with special music, shopping and goodies to eat. 

Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Light House Shelter to receive $10 in Myrtle Money. 

For all the details of the festivities, visit www.homesteadgardens.com/events/upcoming-events/events/ and get information on all of the vendors and activities associated with the crepe myrtle event which runs through Monday. (July 18)

Then come home to Severna Park with your new crape myrtles, dig  some nice deep holes, plant away,give 'em a good soaking and enjoy your summertime and year round color.