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Q: How do I change the color of blooms on my "Endless Summer" Hydrangea?
A: The color of Hydrangea 'Endless Summer' is soil dependent. If you want blue flowers, add a couple of handfuls of aluminum sulphate at planting. If you want pink flowers, use lime. You will probably have to refresh the treatment with a single handful of the desired product each summer.
By the way, adding aluminum sulphate to your Salvia or Blue Spruce will really heighten the blues. Adding the sulphate to your Mugo Pine will deepen the green.
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Q: How often do you water plants?
A: It’s the old "stick your finger in the soil" method. Place your finger 2" to 3" into the soil (test several places throughout the yard). If the soil is cool and moist, no water is needed. This kind of testing is the only real way to become familiar with your yard’s watering needs. Also, depending on exposure, soil will dry out at different rates in different places throughout your landscape. For example, on a shady north side you may need to water only once or twice a week, but a sunny, windy southern or western exposure may require watering every day. This is most critical from July through September.
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Q: When and what do I use to fertilize my perennials?
A: When purchasing your perennials, first it is very important to have the area in your garden amended with peat moss and compost before planting. You can do this by either rototilling it in or you can double-dig. You want your roots to grow out as well. It will make your top growth big and beautiful. Then, dig your hole and water the hole and place your plant in the hole and cover with soil around the plant base. Gently press around the base of the plant. Then, water. Mulching the area will also help keep the moisture in so that your plant will grow nicely for you.
Then, two weeks after planting, you can fertilize with a 20-20-20 all purpose fertilizer. It's important to water your newly planted garden during the growing season to establish your roots for the following year. Do not fertilize after September 1st. It is also important, when watering, to water as early in the morning as possible, preferably before 8 a.m., so your plants can absorb all the moisture they need before the sun is too high and evaporates the water before the plant can absorb it.
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Q: When can I divide my Perennials?
A: Most perennials can be divided as soon as they are through blooming for the year. Perennials need to be divided when:
- The flowers are smaller than normal
- Tthe stems fall over easily
- There are a large number of underdeveloped shoots
- The center of the clump is hollow and dead
- The bottom foliage is sparse and poor
Most perennials need to be divided every three or four years, although some resent being disturbed and should only be divided when necessary. A few species, such as chrysanthemum, Monarda and Anthemis, do best when divided every spring.
All spring blooming plants as well as peonies, irises and oriental poppies can be divided as soon as the blooms fade or in the fall. All others should be divided in very early spring in zones 2-5 and in fall in warmer zones.
If the weather has been very dry, water the plant thoroughly the day before you divide. If possible, work on a cool, cloudy day or late in the evening to reduce moisture loss.
To divide a perennial, first dig around and under the entire plant and lifting it carefully to avoid root damage. Gently shake the soil from the roots or rinse the soil off with a gentle stream of water from a hose. Prune the top of the plant to about six inches and remove damaged or diseased sections. Divisions should be taken from the outer edges of the plant since this younger growth will produce more vigorous plants. Some plants can be broken apart by hand, but if necessary, use a sharp knife.
Make sure each division has at least three vigorous shoots. Small shoots will take longer to flower. Small divisions taken from a number of perennials can be planted together in an "nursery bed" where they can be nurtured to flowering size, then moved to the main flowerbed.
Replant the divisions as quickly as possible, setting them at the same depth as the parent plant. Water thoroughly and provide mulch to prevent the soil from drying out. A layer of mulch will also protect the developing roots from frost.
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Q: When do I plant my perennial bulbs?
A: Plant them in September. Just a suggestion... It's nice to plant clusters of bulbs (3, 5, etc.), as you will get a better show in the Spring. Soil should be amended with peat moss. Heavy clay soil in the Winter holds water. This will make your bulbs rot.
Just a suggestion... Don't plant your bulbs near your annuals, as too much watering will rot the bulbs.
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Q: Should I trim my grasses?
A: No. They are to be left for Winter showing. In Spring, wait until they are growing and then you can go in and pull out any dead foliage not growing. If you absolutely have to trim them, only take a third of the foliage off. Remember, grasses have hollow shafts. If you cut them too short, you could get root rot with heavy Spring rains.
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Q: When do I plant my Garden Mums?
A: You plant them now (late August, September and October). With Garden Mums, you must remember that they will bloom at different times.... some early, some later and some, very late. You should keep this in mind when purchasing them. Our staff will be happy to assist you in coordinating your garden.
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We have had many inquiries as to what will grow under a Black Walnut tree. The link below will take you to the UW Extension - University of Wisconsin. The article is very helpful and the table there will guide you as to which plants are tolerant and which one aren't. www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/XHT1017.pdf
http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/Wildlife/g1331.HTM#pfh
How to create a Butterfly Garden..
Click on link directly below.
http://www.dccl.org/butterflys/butterflys.htm
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Below our Q & A's you will find helpful ideas...What to plant under a Black Walnut Tree ...Which plants attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies.... Which plants do I need for a Moonlit Garden.....Which plants are Deer Resistant....
