Plant Gardens 101

The Aster flower is an easily grown sun loving perennial. It comes in a variety of colors and shapes. If you already have asters then you that they are easily grown from divisions, this is simply dividing the plants into smaller sizes for replanting. They do extremely well when planted then divide every two or three years. Simply thin, them out and replant in another sunny location.

Asters can be started from seeds directly into the ground or indoors and later transplanted into your garden when the warmer weather arrives.. If you start them indoors and, start them in pots and then transplant the young plants outdoors in spring when all danger of frosts have passed, If you choose to plant them outdoors, plant them early in the season ( after danger of frost ) covering them lightly with soil and water them well. (more…)

As fall approaches and your garden slowly starts to die down and fade away, think of how lovely your garden would be to look out at if it were planted with amazing asters. Asters are an easy growing perennial flower that don’t need much care. They need full sun and grow well in average soil. Asters have a daisy like appearance and come in shades of blue, purple, several shades of pink, white, lavender and red. Their yellow centers are actually tiny flowerets. Asters vary in size from less than 1 foot tall to 2 feet tall or taller, depending on the variety. Asters produce large delicate clusters of blossoms and again depending on the variety they will fair quite well in northern climates making a wonderful addition to your fall garden. TheNew England variety of asters will bloom profusely during August and through the month of October. (more…)

Chrysanthemums, better known as their nickname, “mums,” are popular perennials that display a wonderful array of color when the tree leaves are also turning on a show of similar colors. Not only do mums come in a wide variety of colors, but also come in numerous sizes from small dwarf to giant shrub. Mums are easy to grow and can provide years of enjoyment if care is taken to select an appropriate variety. Chrysanthemums like the sun, do best in well-drained soil, and need proper winter protection.

Plant chrysanthemums in the spring after all danger of frost. They grow best in a variety of soils but need excellent drainage. Growth is poor and winterkill is likely if they are planted in poorly drained wet soils. Sunny locations are the best sites for most varieties. Plants in semi-shady locations will be taller, have weaker stems, and bloom later in the fall. It is a good idea to incorporate peat moss, compost, or rich manure into the soil. (more…)