Create A Meditation Garden With Plants Like These

 Native Americans used the  fibers of Asclepias speciose to make ropes and nets; in the garden, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

The flame-like red tips on this drought-tolerant grass (Imperata cylindrica) intensify in hue through the growing season.

Hummingbirds are drawn to these red-flowering natives (Monarda didyma), and their leaves offer a minty fragrance.

In a sensory garden, feathery grasses tempt visitors to touch and engage with the plants.

This prairie native (Liatris spicata) brings vertical interest to a garden.  Plus, its purple spikes draw bumblebees and butterflies.

Plant purple or yellow varieties of this prairie icon (Echinacea). The dainty pale purple coneflower (E. pallida) blooms in June while its deeper purple cousin (E. purpea) blooms in July. For yellow blooms, try gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniate).

 These taller flowers (Helianthus) create vertical interest at eye level. Try both annual and perennial varieties.

Pink clustered blooms draw a plethora of pollinators to this Monarch host plant (Asclepias incarnata).

These large purple flowering clusters (Phlox paniculata) attract butterflies and hummingbirds and offer a spicy vanilla-clove perfume.

The blue-violet flower clusters (Tradescantia ohiensis) open in the morning and close by afternoon.

These succulents, aka stonecrops, take heat well and add low-growing texture to rock gardens and borders.

The silvery leaves and blue blooms of Eryngium stand out in perennial borders and add striking texture to arrangements.

Asclepias tuberosa lures legions of monarchs and queen butterflies.

 This textural blue-green grass (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation) turns a striking crimson in fall and is an important food source for wildlife.

The deep blue-purple flowers of 'Royal Candles' attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.

Heady herbs, dewy leaves and whirring bees wind through Annamarie Fernyak's meditation labyrinth in Ohio, created with the plants featured in this slideshow and others. Read more about Annamarie and her garden.