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 - Baptisia australis (Blue False Indigo) Baptisia is a native American wildflower that grows in a tall, bushy clump of grey-green foliage, 1 metre tall (3.2 ft) with a 0.6 meter spread (2 ft). It has attractive pea-like, deep blue flowers that emerge on spikes in the late spring and early summer. It requires little maintenance and is quite hardy. The seed pods are popular in dried arrangements. It makes a great substitute for Lupines and is drought tolerant once established. Attractive to butterflies, it grows in full sun locations. Hosta of the Year - 'First Frost' First Frost emerges in spring with blue-green leaf centre and a gold margin, but the margin changes to pure white later in the season. The foliage looks great all season until the first frost, hence it's name. Lavendar flowers in summer. This hosta grows to a height of 40 cm (16") with a spread of 90 cm (36"). Herb of the Year - Dill Dill is one of the easiest herbs to grow. You can purchase transplants or start seed directly in the garden. It is a cool crop herb, so plant directly in the garden a week or two before the last hard frost. Plant every 10 days for a continual crop. Add dill to salads and soups to perk up the flavour. Dill grows to 90 cm (3") tall. Sow the seeds close together so the stalks support each other. Plant in full sun. Perennial groups we offer: - Echinacea
- Hostas
- Daylilies
- Rock Stars
- Jeepers Creepers
- Hort Couture
- Sedum
- Black eyed Susan
- Coral bells
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 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. | 
