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April is National Garden Month! To celebrate, we have compiled the most asked gardening questions. Check back every week for answers to your burning questions!

3) What Blooms in Winter?

Hellebores flower in the cold weather months and give life and abundant color to the garden when very few plants are in bloom or even green.  And more pluses, Hellebores are disease, deer and bug resistant.

Hellebores are of the Buttercup family, having clusters of flowers and are one of the most versatile and reliable cold-season garden favorites.  These no-fuss plants can bloom upwards of four months with vibrant color.  What a treat it is to look out onto a snowy landscape and see colorful blooms against the white!  In the past few years through hybridization, Hellebores come in a wide array of colors and some now even sport stripes – reds, purples, blacks – a far cry from the original shades of white.  Hellebores like moist, not wet soil and do best in full to light shade – perfect for bordering areas and trees.  Even if these wonderful plants do not bloom, their textures and shades of greens still make them a garden gem.  I think that anyone who will give these plants a whirl will be as addicted as I am!   Get ready to fall in love with this wonderful plant.  

The pictures you see were kindly shared by world renowned horticulturist David Culp and author of the award-winning book The Layered Garden.  Not only is David’s book and property in Pennsylvania a must see – his expertise and love of these wonderful plants are infectious! 

4) What Is Deadheading?

Deadheading is the simple task of removing spent flowers either by pinching with fingers, using scissors or pruners.  The reason for deadheading is to deter your plant from going to seed (a natural instinct when it thinks it is dying – to reproduce), but rather have it focus its energy on its growth.   I find that many of my window box and container plants need this for continuous blooming and strength.

Many gardeners, including myself find this a relaxing task which actually gives me a chance to take a good look at my plants.  Others new to the process might see this as a harsh action, but I think we can all agree that the results of proper deadheading extends a plant’s bloom season and helps prevent infestation and disease.  And most importantly makes for a happier and healthier plant.  Who doesn’t want that?

Deadheading is a different process based on the type of plant.  For example, for plants with tiny clusters of flowers it is easier to wait until the entire cluster blooms is spent.  Then cut the stem that is holding the cluster, sometimes all the way to the main axel stem.

The early bloomers and plants with one flower per stem, such as Geranium, Shasta Daisy, Gerbera, and Agapanthus benefit from deadheading at the base where there is new growth on the plant.  When you see the plant is drooping, cutting the plant back to its base may rejuvenate it.

There are many opinions on how to deadhead roses.  Gardeners seem to split on two different ways to maximize the process.  The garden traditionalists are dedicated to using pruners on their roses deadheading the blooms by making a 45 degree angle at the first node.   Roses generally respond better with a more vigorous pruning as opposed to a conservative pruning.

“O” – A fun, true “Jackie O” story!   In New York City in the early 60’s, my father decorated Jackie’s penthouse apartment with the most glorious floral arrangements.  Her favorite arrangement was the “Geranium Pie.”   Here is the recipe:  my father would take geraniums and after deadheading the plants, would stuff a plant saucer or terra cotta pot with vermiculite (this was before oasis) and fill it with geranium blossoms. I always grin when I deadhead plants and think of my father and his famous geranium-loving client.  Give this arrangement a whirl – I think you will love it!

Have more questions, ask below and check out our Gardening Guide for more helpful tips and to shop our selection of garden and outdoor items!

- Barbara