THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 2, 1995 TAG: 9506300080
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
WE'RE APPROACHING midsummer, which is when you need to start shearing back annual flowers. Petunias and coleus often look straggly by midsummer. Cutting back long stems about halfway, followed by watering and fertilizing the plants promotes a spurt of lateral growth and a new flush of bloom. With coleus, you don't want them to bloom, and shearing encourages branches and new foliage.
Many annuals and perennials benefit from deadheading, which is removing faded blossoms. This improves the plant's appearance and encourages it to produce more flowers, rather than wasting energy producing seed. HOT TIPS FOR LAWN CARE
July means hot weather, which can take a toll on lawns. Virginia Tech horticulturist Diane Relf has some advice:
Never mow more than a third of the blades of grass.
Don't let grass get too long between mowings.
Leave clippings on your lawn. It can save money, because you'll need less fertilizer.
If you bag your clippings, use them as mulch on your garden, unless you've put weed and feed on the grass. BUTTERFLY ROSE IN BLOOM
Mark Schneider, horticulturist at the Virginia Zoological Park, called to say they have the Butterfly rose (Rosa chinensis mutabilis) blooming at the zoo. Visitors can come see it before deciding whether to add one to their own gardens. He recommends it highly. CATALOGS AND MORE CATALOGS
Antique Rose Emporium called to say its catalog now costs $5. Address is Route 5, Box 143, Brenham, Texas 77833.
Wayside Gardens says its new fall catalog is free by calling (800) 845-1124. PATRIOTIC PICNIC
You can participate in a patriotic picnic and sing-along at 1 p.m. today at the Hunter House Victorian Museum in Norfolk. Norfolk folk musician Bob Zentz will perform. Picnic lunches will be sold for $5. Call 623-9814. NEW PETUNIAS ARE SUPER
The new Super Petunias really seem to live up to their promises. Gloria Winiker, who supervises the All America Garden at the Hampton Roads Research Center, says that Purple Wave is like a ground cover, hugging the ground to cover a 4-foot square.
Jim Wilson, speaking at the Maymont Flower Show this spring, reminded gardeners that these new super petunias require more fertilizer. He said they should be fertilized monthly. Heavy rains batter their blossoms, but within two days, the plants are a mass of color again. by CNB