Spring has definitely arrived (finally) and gardeners in Tweed were excited to hear Dawn Golloher of Gardens Plus located near Peterborough talk about easy care perennials at the May meeting of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society.
When Dawn originally bought the property in 1996, the only garden was a cedar hedge! Now her beautiful display gardens are open to the public and plants are sold there as well.
Dawn’s focus in gardening is growing plants that require very little maintenance once they are established in the garden…and what gardener wouldn’t love plants like this???
According to Dawn, these characteristics are what makes a perennial “easy to care”….
-not invasive
-thrives for more than 3-5 years
-does not require dividing due to clumping
-drought tolerant…water once a week
-resistance to disease and insects
-does not need to be staked or burlapped
-long blooming
…the perfect plant for any gardener who wants to enjoy the garden.
Dawn also shared some tips for planting….
-light conditions for plants is important
-add compost to soil for some plants
-mulch with natural cedar or pine; do not mulch a dry garden, mulching helps keep the weeds to a minimum
Some easy care perennials shown in her power point presentation…hostas, coral bells, clematis, bee balm, cone flower, salvia, sedum and day lilies.
Gardens Plus is located at 136 County Road, Peterborough. Phone 705-742-5918. Gardens Plus is open from Mother’s Day weekend until the end of July from 10-4 Wednesday to Sunday. Fridays 10-7.
COMING UP….
May 19… Annual Plant Sale at Tweed Memorial Park. All plant material for sale should arrive at park by 7 am. Sale starts at 8 am.
June 5… Anna Mizyn of Anna’s Perennials near Lindsay will be discussing winter hardy cacti and perennial grasses. There will be plants for sale!
June 9…Children’s Program at Tweed Public Library at 10 am. The children will create a seed craft and plant a flower to take home. Pre-registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.