Summer is here! It’s that time of year when some of your plants may start to fade and your garden’s appearance is looking tired, drab or unkempt. If you are seeing spent flowers like faded or brown blooms, then it might be time to put on those gardening gloves and get to work. In particular, annuals and perennials may need a little tender love and care. In order to keep the garden blooming and well-kempt all summer, remove or deadhead the dead or faded flowers and seed pods. This will help to maintain vigorous growth and flowering as well as a tidy flower bed or garden. It will also help control reseeding and direct the plants energy to root and vegetative growth.
Deadheading may not be necessary for all species but some species will often re-bloom once the spent flowers are removed. The flowers on some of the more modern cultivars that don’t require deadheading will disappear rather quickly. A few of the plants that are common in the Raleigh landscaping area that will benefit from deadheading include petunias, marigolds, salvia, zinnias, geraniums, coleus, hydrangeas and drift roses. Pruning or cutting back those spindly or leggy plants can also serve to rejuvenate your garden’s appearance. Some plants that can benefit from being cut back or pruned are butterfly bush, impatiens, knock out roses and guara. This will help keep a tidy appearance as well as promote a new flush of growth and blooms.
Some other summer maintenance tips for your landscape or garden that Designscapes of NC recommends include:
- Staking taller plants that are leggy or need support to stay upright. This can ensure that those beautiful blooms don’t droop.
- Stay on top of the weeding! Do not let the weeds get out of control as they will not only lead to an unsightly appearance but will also compete with your flowers for water and nutrients.
- Adding mulch will help conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
- Water! – You will want to soak the soil when it becomes dry.
We hope you are enjoying the warm weather and long days of summer!
If you need help you with your garden or landscape, call us at 919-844-3441 or fill out the contact form below.
