Gardens are anything but stationary. They are always in flux with small changes occurring weekly. Often, many alterations grow into larger projects that may have needed to be addressed for some time.
Once spring perennials have bloomed and are in a state of rest, perhaps rejuvenating a whole bed or just a small part is in order.
Regardless of what is decided, starting with a small project and expanding is the most successful way of getting change. Ripping out tired perennials and heading off to the nursery can be very onerous. Starting with “must go” plants and expanding is more rewarding. Parting with plants is a difficult task for some. Their personality is one of “make use of” rather than “good riddance.”
But if the objective is renewal, tired looking plants are best dug up and put into compost. Choice older plants that have died in the middle must be divided and replanted.
Never introduce small plants to a bed that has many larger ones. Established plants grow much faster and will eventually take over any available space, squeezing out the new ones. Simply put, unlike animals, older plants do not care for younger ones, only the strongest will survive.
It’s much easier to clear an area and replant with divided or new perennials, leaving ample space between each plant. They will not have to compete with older aggressive ones.
This method also allows for the elimination of any perennial weeds which should be completely removed from the new bed and placed in the compost pile. Adding well rotted organic material will refresh the nutrients in depleted soil.
Generally, plants have three distinct growing cycles. New perennials need to be allowed to establish themselves in their first year. A good root system is necessary to sustain the plant during the winter after its first growing season. Ample moisture must be provided during this first year.
During the next spring, foliage will grow quickly and plants will begin to show their true colours.
In the third year, perennials are at their peak and the process of renewal must begin. Plants will be at their maximum height and will need to be divided into smaller pieces. If left as a single unit some may become invasive and eventually grow into other cultivars. Often, plants left unchecked will grow gangly.
It is relatively easy to see when a garden requires more than routine weeding or edging. Plants in a state of “past due date” or “tangled jungle” really defeat a garden’s purpose.
Eventually weaker or shaded plants will die off. Others will rapidly close ranks and become so matted that borders will be nonexistent. A good gardener is one with a strong disposition who is willing to uproot surpluses, divide them or toss them into the compost pile. Space is an essential prerequisite for controlled new growth.
Unruly shrubs can be renewed with yearly pruning. The difficulty with pruning is knowing how much to remove. All shrubs should be limited to no more than one third pruning in a season. Often shrubs that have stopped performing or showing their best colours will generally benefit from a good haircut.
When pruning a large or overgrown shrub use a pair of long handled loppers. Select three or four of the thickest, straggly or under performing branches and cut back to the base of the plant. This will add the essential element of light and permit new growth.
New growth will occur rather quickly. Always remove any broken branches and dead leaves.
Throughout the growing season continue to reshape by pruning. Watch for areas that need to be thinned out. Controlling the growth over the season is much easier than allowing the shrub to become wild and in need of a time-consuming adjustment.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society
