Submitted by Joan Regan
Hint #1: Very important one. Do NOT use a collapsible rake for support, especially in a rock garden. Nope. Never. OK now that I have the stupid out of the way, here are a couple of garden hints.
Pulmonaria (AKA lungwort): When this plant has finished blooming and is starting to look tired, cut it almost right down. It will come back looking like a polka dot Hosta.
Also quite awhile ago I was told by a very reputable source that Lungwort chopped up and simmered in water will make a tea that is beneficial for anyone suffering with bronchiolar issues, Asthma etc, This same gentleman also told me about Boneset. It really did help with broken bones (eg. an arm injury), the long leaves were cut and wrapped around the injury to speed up the healing, hence the common name “Boneset.”
Another perennial I cut back is the Monarda. An early bloomer, it will start to look ratty after blooming, so I cut it back and it will treat me to a bloom later on in the season when there are a lot of yellow and orange and it is refreshing to have some blue in the garden then. The longer season in Hamilton gave me three blooms, one almost late fall.
Speaking of Hostas (and I am always) “Did Ja No” that they do not like to be planted too deep? It will stunt them, or worse yet, you might lose them. Never have the soil piled up too close to their center (thank you for this reminder Sandy).
The Daffodils and Tulips are all laid down and covered up with mulch and the gardens are looking full and happy. So glad to have this retreat, especially this year. Missing our family and friends, but keeping safe. That is, till I did my nose dive into the rocks, (not easy being old & a ex-blonde).
Happy Gardening – Be safe
Joni
PS: Wanna talk gardens? Call or type jpregan@amtelecom.net 519 596 2389.
