Peterborough & Area Master Gardeners

Q: How do I grow clematis?
A: Clematis is very particular:

• Must have cool, moist soil and lots of sun. Ensure their roots are shaded. Use other plants at the base (e.g. Astilbe as it prefers the same conditions). Cover the root area with stone or plant with a shrub;
  

Q: Please list easy-care, well-behaved perennials that stay put, rarely invade or require division.
A: Zone3: Achillea filipendulina (Femleaf yarrow) Aconitum napellus (Common monkshood) Aruncus dioicus (Goastbeard) Ascelepias tuberosa (Butterfly weed) Baptisia australis (Blue False Indigo) Dicentra specitabilis (Common Bleeding Heart) Lillies Rudbeckia tulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black-eyed Susan) cultivar Sedum spectabile (Showy stonecrop) Zone 4: Anemone x hyrida (Japanese anemone) Anemone sylvestris (Snowdrop anemone) Astilbe spp. Helleborus spp. (Hellebores) Hosta Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris) Solidago cultivars

Q: Please name some good ground covers (Latin and Common Name).
The following are taller but will naturalize: Asarum europaeum ~uropean Wild Ginger). This has nice big leaves, it is a woodland plant (will love the shade.) and grows fairly low. Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff) Small, white lacy flowers. Grows approximately 8" tall. Blooms in April/May and is nicely scented. Hemerocallis 'Stella d'Oro' (Daylily) Will grow in almost any conditions, soft-yellow colour. It is a perpetual grower. Persicaria affinis 'Dimi~y' (Fleeceflower) Low-growing plant will spikes of blooms 8" tall. This plant has a nice long blooming period. Rud~eckia~lgi£ki 'Goldsturm' (Cone-flower) Grows 2-1/2 feet tall, long bloom period. Looks great in masses. Low-Growing Ground Covers: Vinca minor (periwinkle), Ajuga reptans (bugleweed), pachysandra, ivies, creeping thyme, chamomile, violets, sweet woodruff

Q: Lily-of-the-Valley is taking over. How can I get rid of it?
A: Cover the area with black plastic in the fall. Leave the plastic in place beyond the time when the plants are normally emerging. Repeat as necessary. You may need to hand pull some plants. Or, individual plant treatment can be tried (cautiously) by applying Round-Up, tull strength through a tunnel, on a perfectly calm, windless day.

Q: What is "hybrid"?
A: This is a cross between plants of different species. This can occur in the wild (random act of nature) or through cultivation (done by man). Hybrids are identified with an "x" in their name. Hybrid plants cannot come true from seed and therefore will not always resemble their parent plants.

Q: What does "cultivar" mean?
A: "cultivar" comes from two words: cultivated variety. This means it is a variation of a certain species that is not normally found in the wild.

Q: When is the best time to divide and transplant perennials?
A: A general rule of thumb is to move and divide spring-blooming perennials in the fall and fall-blooming perennials in the spring.

Q: I dislike Latin names, why use them?
A: It's the only sure way to truly identify that strange plant of yours!

Q: I have just bought a new house and want grass in the front garden. Which is better grass or sod?
A: Both are equally good but serve different purposes. With sod you get an instant result, covering up the mud and dust, an instant green patch. A seeded area takes longer to establish but seeding gives you more control over the grass seed types you choose. The seed you choose depends on what you are going to use the grass area for, the type of soil conditions y have and the amount of shade over the grass area. Time spent on preparing the site before planting pays off in fewer problems, less maintenance and better looking lawn in the long run.

Q: Why do I have to aerate my lawn?
A: Compaction of the soil occurs as a result of heavy foot traffic. Aeration will help this. It opens the soil and allows air, water and nutrients to get to starved roots. It also ensures proper drainage and a healthy root system. Following aeration, top dress with a finely sifted manure, compost or san to help maintain soil tilth and nutrition.