Question
Hi and thanks in advance for your help.  I have a large collection of daylilies of mixed colors planted at the base of a wooden fence in upstate NY (about 100 miles N of NYC).  This area gets plenty of sun.  Can you suggest an annual to plant among the daylilies that would provide a long lasting period of bloom?  This area normally has daylilies mostly in June and July and lacks color much of the year.  These daylilies are of the convential height and could use some color at their feet.  Thanks again, John

Answer
John,
100 miles north of NYC - one of my favorite areas!  (I used to live in Chatham NY myself...)
So... companion plants for daylilies:
Creeping phlox: blooms early spring.
Basket of Gold (Aurinia) - blooms May and foliage is gray-green in fall.
Purple leaf Ajuga - blooms in may and in late-summer/fall the foliage is purple.
Aster "Woods Blue"  - an aster that spreads (not invasive, but it does expand every year so might need editing) and grows only 10 to 12" tall - blooms a cloud of blue flowers in September.

AND, there are always annuals.... yes, you have to plant them every year but they bloom their hearts out all summer and well into the fall.  My favorites for ease and long season of bloom are: scaevola, Fanfare Impatiens (see my website) and marigolds.

I hope this helps!
C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com