Now that we have enjoyed the first flush of blooms from our perennials at the Arboretum, it is time for maintenance work. Many perennials benefit from deadheading (removing faded blooms) and some may even reward us with new blooms. We may leave seedheads on some plants if we want them to reseed themselves and provide us with more plants. Some also may be left for the birds to eat. This is true for the coneflowers later in the year which the goldfinches will devour. We are also hand pulling weeds from the flower beds. Keeping ahead of weeds stop them from competing with our plants for water and nutrients and doesn't give them a chance to spread seeds. Read this factsheet Maintaining Perennials for more information. Another valuable resource is Bryce Lane's 'In the Garden' Episode 704 titled Perennial Power .
If you are out at the Farmers' Market on County Home Road this Saturday, stop by the Master Gardener table with your questions. Volunteers will be there from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM.
