Dayton "Dirt' June 12, 2009

Now that the spring blooms have ended, June opens up with the splashes of color from the perennial garden which include Salvias, Shasta daisies, Dianthus, Delphiniums and so on.

A well-designed perennial garden will “move” with the seasons just as flowering shrubs will when properly arranged.

The well-designed perennial flower garden has a certain rhythym in which colors, textures and foliage all compliment each other in a kaleidoscopic display.
Perennial gardens can have many functions from attracting birds and butterflies to providing a fresh bouquet of cut flowers for the dining room or kitchen table.

In order to achieve success with a new perennial garden, preparation is everything:

* The area should be free of weeds before any preparation should begin.

* The perennial bed should be planned so that the area will be well defined whether it is a rectangular bed or irregularly shaped island.

* Raised beds of soil are excellent to provide drainage especially in winter when a too wet soil can cause damage to plant crowns.

*Incorporation of a compost of material such as Sweet Peet will greatly improve soil tilth and microbial activity so necessary for good plant health.

Sweet Peet in addition will supply the plants with an organic source of nutrients and is beneficial to use as a mulch when finished planting.
With these important initial steps completed before planting perennials and of course a well-designed plan, your enjoyment and success is all but guaranteed.

If you need help, come in and ask to see Maggie, our perennial expert, or better yet call ahead with an appointment if you need some extra help so that she can set aside the time for you exclusively.

June’s alive too with flowering shrubs from Weigelas, roses, Endless Summer Hydrangea and Maximum types of Rhododendron.

Again, when proper planning is involved, the landscape will move seamlessly from spring to summer to fall with sights that will delight and stimulate the mind.

Tom