Gardening Tips
As the summer season comes to an end and cooler weather begins to creep up on us, it is not too late to think about gardening.
Montauk Daisy (Nipponanthemum) blooms in October with daisy flowers and dark yellow centers. Blooming lasts most of the month. This one does not die back in the winter so cut it down severely in the spring. A pich back a couple times in the summer results in a more compact plant.
Blue Beard (Caryopteris) has dark lavender-blue flowers that bloom into October, it likes a sunny spot and grows 2×2 feet. Cut down to 6 inches in the spring.
Chrysanthemums will be more likely to servive in the winter if planted right away, cut down the stems after frost to 6 inches and cover with straw or leaves. This protects from the freeze and thaw cycle. Uncover in March and clip down the old stems. Pinch back several times until early July for profuse blooms in the fall.
Ornamental Cabbages in purple, white and pink are also cold tolerent. They last much of the winter but are not likely to last into spring.
Toad Lilly (Tricirtis) has blooms with subtle shades of purple and white. It likes some shade and blooms well into October.
Island Garden Shop, Inc.
54 Bristol Ferry Rd.
Portsmouth, RI 02871