Let's Talk Garden Tips

Knowing your hardiness zone will assist you in knowing which shrubs, trees, and perennials will survive the winters in your area. As of 2023, Charlotte has been redesignated from Zone 7B to Zone 8A. This means that that we could see minimum cold temperatures of 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after they are done blooming. For example, lilacs, azaleas, and large-flower climbing roses should be pruned in the spring after they bloom. These types of shrubs set their flower buds in the fall of the year. If you prune them in fall or winter, you will be taking off next spring's flower buds.  

The cycle of annual plants is to flower, set seed, and die. If you deadhead annuals and perennials, you interrupt the cycle, and the plant thinks it should produce more flowers.  In addition, deadheading spent flowers encourages plants to put energy into growing stronger leaves and roots instead of creating seeds.  At the end of the season, you can leave the remaining flowers on your annuals and perennials to provide seeds for the birds. 

Get your hands in the weeds and pull them out individually (or let us do it for you)! Deep hoeing can bring weed seeds to the surface of the soil. This now provides sunlight and they will germinate.  Stay ahead of the weeds by weeding early and mulching to help control the weeds. 

Many of us think of hydrangeas as growing best in a shady area, but this is not always the case. Be sure you know which type of hydrangea you are buying because some hydrangeas need sun for the best performance. Panicle hydrangeas such as "Limelight," "Little Lime," and "Vanilla Strawberry" all need sun.