SO, here’s what it takes to grow the plants listed as blooming this month. Unless pruning, feeding or supplemental watering are mentioned, I’m not doing it.
Shrubs:
- Big-leaf hydrangea – moderate water in periods of moderate to severe drought.
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’ – water only in prolonged drought.
- Roses ‘Knockout’ and ‘Carefree Wonder’ – water regularly, prune once. In their first year they received no fertilizer at all and bloomed well. This year I’m experimenting with two feedings to see if it makes a difference.
- White Meidiland rose – prune once a year
- Spirea ‘Anthony Waterer’ – prune once a year.
Perennials:
- Garden phlox – cut down in the fall.
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – cut down in late winter.
- Russian sage – cut down in late winter.
- Globe thistle – cut down in fall.
- Sweet autumn clematis – cut down in fall.
- Pulmonaria – water in periods of moderate drought.
- Salvia – cut down in fall.
- Purple coneflower – cut down in late winter.
- Rudbeckia – cut down in late winter.
Annuals:
- ‘Wave’ petunia – water frequently, remove after hard frost.
- Hyacinth bean vine – water frequently, remove after hard frost.
Now see why I call this a sustainable garden? Not counting the blasted annuals, of course.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The ‘blasted annuals” in my garden also include the Wave Petunia (still pretty, after drasting pruning in early July) and the Hyacinth Bean Vine (had never even heard of it, but bought a tiny sample upon a Farmers Market vendor’s recommendation and it’s huge and splendid – I hope I can harvest seeds and start over next year), but summer is clearly winding down, here in the South, and cooler weather in the months to come will inspire a great deal of renewed gardening actitivy. I’m already writing my “to do” lists!
I think I am having a guilt attack! So much of my garden is no longer as sustainable as it once was…with less rain, higher temps in my Middle Tennessee location …I am rethinking most of my plantings. Sighing loudly and dramatically!
Hmmm, I’m wondering if sustainable gardening is actually “do nothing” gardening? ;~)