I can hardly imagine a garden without salvia, for the genus has so many irreplaceable floral gems–easy to grow, trouble-free, many quick to bloom, and growing lustily in gardens and containers. They offer a neverending parade of flowers ( at least until frost) and the entertainment of their attendant hummingbirds. Those pesky deer avoid it, perhaps stayed by the unpleasant aroma of the bruised leaves. Pinch back once plants reach 6" tall to encourage bushiness. The graceful stems of gentian sage are dotted with sky-blue lipped blooms mid-summer to fall. Add to the mixed border with other summer annuals. In fall its tuberose roots can be dug and stored like dahlias.