Every week, Edmonton Journal gardening columnist Jerry Filipski answers reader questions about all things growing. This week, he offers advice on how to fill a perennial bed without breaking the bank.
Reader Question: Filling a Perennial Bed on a Budget
Q: I love your column! My problem is that I am on a limited budget and am trying to fill in a perennial bed without spending a fortune. I have quite a few perennials already in other beds but I just need more to fill empty spaces. Any ideas?
A: Glad you like the column, thank you. The great thing about most perennials is that they can be very cost-efficient because you can divide them many times to have a steady source of new plants. If you are trying to fill in spaces, dividing ones you already have is a great way to save money. You might also contact friends who have perennials and ask if they are willing to share some of their plants by division as well.
Bargain Hunting at Nurseries
One of my favourite ways of looking for bargains in plants is to head for the area in a nursery or greenhouse that has plants that are on their last legs. Most greenhouses have a clearance area where you can find some great deals if you are willing to nurse along a plant that likely just needs some attention or a better growing medium. I have even saved plants from the rubbish pile. Always ask first if you can have the plant that is in the trash. You can usually find such trauma cases in some of the big-box grocery chains. Your chance of finding such treasures is better at the end of the spring sales season.
Join a Gardening Club
Another idea is to join your local gardening club or horticultural society. The connections you make with your new gardening friends can result in a new source of perennials.
Reader Question: When to Divide Hostas
Q: I really enjoy reading your informative columns. I have kept many so that I can refer back to them. We have several hostas in our north-facing garden at the front of the house. They desperately need to be divided. When is the best time to divide Hostas – spring or fall or when? I would appreciate any advice you could give me regarding this.
A: Thank you for your kind words. The best time to divide Hostas and most perennials is in early spring. The division is easily done with a sharp spade inserted into the crown or centre of the plant. If you are planning on transplanting the division, make sure that when dividing, you remove an ‘eye’ or sprout with each section removed. The new eyes are evident as conical projections from the crown in early spring. The division can be done every four or five years if necessary.
Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at edmontonjournal.com or, if you prefer an epaper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com. Learn more by emailing your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns or my book Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on X (Twitter) @justaskjerry01.
