We offer a large selection of homegrown perennials at DeGroot's.  If we don't grow it ourselves, we order from reputable suppliers.

Perennial of the Year 2013 - Polygonatum 'Variegata'

Common Name: Solomon's Seal

The graceful, arching stems of Solomon's Seal add an exotic touch to the shade garden and are often described as being architectural.  This selection has green leaves edged with creamy-white and dangling white bell flowers in late spring.  Excellent for cutting.  Beautiful in the woodland garden, combining well with ferns and hosta of all kinds.  Plants are a little slow to establish, but clumps are long lived and carefree.  May be divided in early fall, once clumps are large enough.

CAUTION:  Harmful if eaten.

Hosta of the Year 2013 - Rainforest Sunrise

Gold yellow, dark green margin, dull nearly round cupped corrugated leaves with nearly flat margin,moderate to fast growth rate, lavender bell blooms, blooms mid to late summer, partial to full shade, sport of Maui Buttercups, SMALL - Zone 3

Herb of the Year 2013 - Elderberry

Elderberry has been used for dyes for basketry, arrow shafts, flutes, whistles, clapper sticks and fold medicine.  The wood is hard and has been used for combs, spindles and pegs.  The hollow stems have been used to fashion flutes, blowguns and tree-tapping spiles.  Bruised leaves rubbed on the skin will keep flies away.  An elder planted near the orchard will help lure birds away from other fruits with its berries.  A decoction of the leaves will keep caterpillars from eating plants on which it is sprayed.  It may also prevent mildew.

In the landscape, Elderberry is best used in mass plantings in the garden, where its somewhat coarse appearance can blend into a naturalistic setting.  Cultivators with cut leaves and purple or chartreuse foliage have been developed as specimen plants.

Perennial groups we offer:

• Hosta
• Coral Bells
• Ornamental Grasses
• Daylilies
• Ferns
• Sedum
• Groundcovers
• Native Plants

Getting Your Garden Ready

April Checklist

• Remove winter protective mulch
• Clear garden of all dead matter
• Weed - especially edges (get all the grass)
• Lift and divide perennials
• Plant new perennials
• Mark and wait for slow risers
• Add compost or manure (slow-release nourishment)

May Checklist

• Weed!   Especially for grass
• Remove faded flower heads from tulips, daffodils, etc. - do not remove stems and foliage
• Plant summer bulbs
• Pinch chrysanthemum, asters, etc. to prevent later floppiness

June Checklist

• Weed
• Continue to water, especially new transplants and dry locations
• Check for pests
• Pinch back tall growing plants like asters, sedums and mums until July 1st
• Deadhead plants whose blooms have faded as some will rebloom
• Cut back those plants whose blooms have faded and will not rebloom
• Shear off straggly plants - they will regrow and look perky
• Stake tall growing perennials as soon as possible, much easier to do while they are still compact

July Checklist

• Weed
• Continue to water
• Time to fertilize - use a slow release granual fertilizer or manure/compost to carry the perennials through the season
• Check for pests
• Pinch back continuous bloomers for fresh growth
• Deadhead plants whose blooms have faded
• Stake tall growing perennials before the wind and rains make them flop

August Checklist

• Weed
• Water
• Deadhead
• Stake

September Checklist

• Edge the gardens to keep a clean look and stop grass from overtaking the beds
• Water if required
• Time to divide, transplant and add new plants
• Cut back those perennials that have finished blooming

October & November Checklist

• Weed
• Edge if not completed
• Mulch
• Water if fall has been dry
• Continue to divide, transplant and add new plants
• Fertilize with manure/compost
• Winterize perennials by raking fallen leaves around and on top of plants for protection

 If you have any questions, please call Lynn at Ext. 235.