Ready to plant

We have had wild temperature fluctuations this spring! Luckily, my potted plants have been outside. With a few nights of frost blanket and a few days of deep watering, they are doing great. Native plants are suited to withstand temperature changes and even deer and rabbit browsing. They are tough plants.

Many native plants can also be divided in the spring. My guidelines for dividing plants:

• Only divide 2 year old plants or older

• Divide plants before they have budded or after they have gone to seed

• Divide grasses and fall bloomers in the spring

• Dig up the plant you wish to divide

• Plants that spread by stolons (underground runners) can be broken into smaller clumps (e.g. bee balm/monarda; mountain mint/pycanthemum)

• For plants with a central root clump, you should divide the plant into two or more sections, ensuring each piece has an intact root portion (e.g., grasses; joe pye weed).

• Make sure to transplant your divisions immediately and water them well

Next week I start my spring plant sales. This year I will be selling on Thursdays and Fridays starting April 23rd/24th and finishing up in mid-June. I am returning to sell plants for the 3rd Annual Shepherdstown Bee City Fundraiser on April 26th from 4:30p-7:30p at Alma Bea Restaurant 202 E Washington St Shepherdstown WV. Hope to see you there!