Figuring out when to cut back hydrangeas is so confusing! Heck, it’s even confusing for long-time gardeners. Most articles offer information about hydrangea pruning solely based on the plant’s species or by whether it blooms on “old wood” or “new wood”. But what does all of that mean? Isn’t there an easier way to determine when to cut back different hydrangeas? Yes! In this article, I share a very simple way to determine the best pruning time based on the shape and color of the blooms, even if you don’t know what species your hydrangea is. You’ll learn details on cutting back hydrangeas of all types, based on the appearance of their flowers. It’s easier than you think, I promise!
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How to propagate peonies: 3 easy methods
Knowing how to propagate peonies is a useful skill to have if you want to be able to expand the size of your existing peony beds without buying tons of new plants. It’s also helpful if you want to share some of your favorite peony types with friends—or if you hope to propagate plants from one of their peony varieties for yourself. In this article you’ll learn three methods for propagating peonies; how to divide mature plants, how to take root cuttings, and how to grow them from seed. We also cover the best timing to ensure your success.
When to cut back mums: Tips for pinching and timing your pruning
The mums in my garden have been deliberately planted because of the colorful, cheery blooms they unveil in late summer and early fall. Even though they signify an end to summer, I love that they stick around through the up-and-down weather of autumn. All of my plants have come from planting the potted mums I bought for fall arrangements and then dug into the garden before winter. In this article, I’m going to talk about when to cut back mums during the growing season and whether you should prune them after the blooms fade in fall or wait until spring.
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When to cut back ornamental grasses: A complete how-to guide
Ornamental grasses are essential garden plants for their naturalistic beauty, year-round interest, fine textures, drought tolerance, and resistance to insects and pests. When planted in the right site, they’re also low-care perennials that require little more than an annual haircut. The timing of when to cut back ornamental grasses is important to ensure they’re trimmed before the new growth begins, but not so early that you forfeit winter interest. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about when to cut back ornamental grasses.
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Sheet mulching: A simple technique to create a new garden
Fall is a great time of year to think ahead to a new plot, and sheet mulching can get you started on that vision. Though it can be done at any time of the year, autumn is ideal because the area will have a chance to break down over the winter. I’ve used this technique to create a garden in my backyard after digging up invasive plants, to establish pathways between raised beds, and to keep weeds out of a new area on my front lawn for galvanized raised beds. The process of sheet mulching enables you to put yard waste, like lawn clippings, fallen leaves, and wood chips, to good use. And by spring, you should have a diggable area, ready for plants.
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Rhododendron leaves yellowing? Here’s what to do
If you have this popular shrub growing in your landscape, you may notice your rhododendron leaves yellowing or dropping from time to time. At certain times of the year, leaf yellowing may be normal, but other times, it’s a sign of bigger troubles. In this article, I’ll share six main reasons for rhododendron leaves turning yellow and fill you in on whether or not you need to take action.
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