WAKING UP TIRED SOIL
Older flower beds need a boost
QI’m a beginner at gardening but loving every minute of it, and I’m lucky to work with some mature flower beds that were cared for by the previous homeowner. However, the soil in one of the beds is very hard and dry. The bed is approximately two feet by six feet and has many, many chicks and hens. There are also rose bushes that grow beautifully that border these chicks and hens, and at the end a large purple clematis that grew quickly up its lattice. The bed in question is located at the south end of our home, underneath a bay window, and I’m not sure if the dryer vent underneath the window is drying out the soil. Do I use compost to rejuvenate the soil and work it in where I can carefully by hand, or do I just leave it alone?
AAllow me to welcome you to the circle of gardeners. I always get a smile on my face when a new gardener writes in with their first question. As for your question, I’m sure that the dryer vent is contributing to the dryness of the bed, but my guess is that the soil is a bit tired and in need of some refreshing. The hens and chicks can manage in poorer soil, but certainly the roses and clematis would appreciate some fresh nutrients. Compost is definitely the way to go, but a well-rotted manure will work too. Using a green or fresh manure straight from the source can actually burn plants, so it is safest to use the bagged manures available in most garden centres.
From your description it sounds like the bed is pretty full, so adding the compost will take a bit of work. Because you may damage the roots, I would advise laying a thick layer of the compost/manure around the existing plants. A layer two to three inches would work best if there is room for it.
There’s no need to worry about working the material into the soil, the nutrients will find their way in. If there are spots in the bed where there are no plants or roots, then by all means use a cultivator to incorporate the organic matter more deeply into the soil.
QI have a Korean lilac hedge that separates the garden from the backyard. The hedge is about 15 years old, and I’m afraid it has gotten away from me and is too wide for the space. The six-foot height is fine, but I just want to take about a foot or so off the sides. If I do this in the spring will it fully leaf out, or will it be bare where I pruned?
ABecause you are removing the actively growing tips of the plants, they will look a little sparse in the spring. However, it will not take long for the plants to send out new growth and new leaves. You should also know that since lilacs bloom on last year’s wood, if you prune the plants before they bloom the amount of bloom will be considerably reduced as well.
QI received an azalea as a gift just before Christmas and it bloomed beautifully, but now is losing its leaves. Can you tell me what I might be doing wrong?
AWith indoor or florist azaleas the loss of leaves is usually a sign of lack of water. If these plants are allowed to dry out they will drop their leaves. They should be kept evenly moist but not wet. When you stick your finger into the soil and the top feels dry it’s time to water.
Put the pot in the sink and let the water run on the soil until it comes out the bottom of the pot.