Posts made in August, 2009

Drought can be one of the most disappointing things to happen to a gardener. You work all year long, growing beautiful plants, and your yard looks exactly how you want it to look. All of it can be taken away in just a few dry weeks in August. There are a few things you can do to give your garden the best chance of pulling through.

1. When it starts to get dry cut back on the fertilizer or stop completely.
   Your plants do not need to be trying to grow right now, they need to be focusing on survival. Fertilizer stimulates growth and moisture intake.
2. Aerate your soil in the spring.
   This will allow roots to access moisture and nutrients more readily, giving your plants a big jump on the drier months to come.
3. Water longer but less frequently.
   Water deep into the soil, train your roots to grow down to where the soil holds moisture. Shallow root systems will dry out very quickly.
4. Water in the morning.
   Water your garden before 9 am, earlier if you can manage. Later in the day your moisture is more likely to evaporate before your plants have a chance to soak it up.

If you live in an area that is prone to dry weather take a look at Wayside Gardens’ diverse line of drought tolerant plants. You may also want to check your local nursery for native plants that are more adept in your climate.

The fluffy, full, bright blooms of many Hydrangea varieties serve well to fill out decorative floral arrangements. They are used classically by many florists and are keenly fit for this purpose. Hydrangeas are hardier than most cut-flower blooms, and the blooms last for a while after being snipped from the bush. They also produce many blooms, leaving you with a still very beautiful plant after you have taken your bouquet.

Tips For Growing Hydrangea Cut-Flowers

When planting hydrangeas specifically for cut-flower use, protect them from drying winds and hot sun that might stifle flower production. Plant on the eastern side of a building, allowing for afternoon shade. Make sure your plant has good drainage and nutrient rich soil – for the fullest, healthiest blooms amend your soil with rich compost and fertilizer.

Cut your blooms just as they reach there fullest size to ensure a long life in the vase. Cut at an angle to allow for optimum water intake. Arrange as you like, and enjoy your bright playful garden display.

People often search for drought tolerant plants, or plants that can tolerate soggy soil to meet specific conditions of their local climate. But there are a few plants that satisfy both needs, plants that can take a lot of moisture abuse and still shine in your garden. These special plants are mostly varieties that thrive in wet soil type, but, when established, can tolerate periods of drought.

These aren’t extreme exotic plants either; they are particularly hardy varieties of every day favorites, like hemorocallis, viburnum, and hibiscus. For more information and variety check out our full line of weather tough plants.