Let's keep that perennial garden spring fresh all season by Don Trotter ello fellow Earthlings, and welcome to the perennial border. This time, our discussion will focus on keeping your precious perennial gardens blooming and growing well into the summer. Perennials are known for their amazing shows of spring and summer color year after year. They are also sometimes known for getting a little finicky and unpredictable when the weather gets really warm.
Heat stress is a major cause of plant stress and loss during the summer months.
It is the intent of this column to give you a few hints that will keep your perennials actively growing all summer long, even under the hottest sun. Many perennial plants love the sunshine but don't enjoy the sun beating down on the soil that they are growing in. You got it right. A three to four inch thick layer of an organic mulch or compost is by far the best way to keep your perennials happy and growing. The best time to apply mulch to your perennial garden is in the fall, but anytime you have the itch to apply mulch is a good time.