There is a perennial version of the tropical hibiscus that is hearty even through our New Hampshire winters, returning late spring, slowly growing and greening until it blossoms in late summer and into early fall. It is ideal for continuing color in your garden when other perennial favorites have peaked and been reduced to providing greenery alone.
> Continue ReadingOnce your outstanding perennial bloomers – peonies, iris and daylilies – have bloomed and faded away, you may see a funny looking bulge on the stems that can be mistaken for buds. Peonies and Iris will have come and gone in late spring/early summer; daylilies in mid to late summer. These three show stoppers in your garden have a very common appearance after their blooms are gone. Seed pods appear.
> Continue ReadingWe all know that morning is the best time to water, right? Do you know why? And how do you recognize over-watering,when too much of a good thing is wreaking havoc with your flowers? What are the signals your plants use to let you know they are in need of water...or are drowning in too much? A vital element in the health and longevity of your flower garden, water is not a mystery, but crucial to understand.
> Continue ReadingRather than face the frustration of not enough sunlight, if your garden offers a mere 2 to 4 hours of sunshine, or if you are trying to fill in ground beneath shade trees or beside fencing, choose perennial plants that will flourish in little to no sunlight. Surprisingly, there are many from which to choose!
> Continue ReadingAs the first burst of spring and color gives way to a sea of greenery, experienced gardeners know how to bring the color back and sustain it throughout the more challenging days of summer heat and sporadic rain. Combining the best of care for your perennials, with the addition of some help from ever-blooming annuals, will result in a garden that keeps you in color for the duration of summer and into fall.
> Continue ReadingOn Saturday, June 1, Petal Pushers Farm Garden Center will be hosting a family-oriented fun day called PollinatorPalooza from 11:00 to 2:00. Samantha Stevens, owner of Bewitched Acres, a honey bee farm in Meredith, will be visiting, setting up stations for adults and children alike to learn about local pollinators and see honey bees in action. Petal Pushers is located at 2635 Parade Road in Laconia.
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