As a new Conservatory Green resident since January, I have loved watching everyone’s garden bloom. As a passionate but amateur gardener, I wondered if everyone knew that many of our flowers would keep on blooming if they were “deadheaded.” Otherwise, the flowers become less attractive (as you have probably noticed) and will begin to focus on making seeds instead of more blooms. It only takes a few minutes if you do it every day—or with our small yards, maybe 10-15 minutes on the weekend. Just cut off the spent blooms and when you have finished the whole plant, it will look great and reward you with more blossoms. If you want more information, “Mother Google” knows all.

Happy gardening,
Judith Pettibone

P.S. I find that deadheading “makes” me pull the weeds as well. And with all our rain, they are abundant.