|
Mulch should not be removed until danger from extreme weather ispast. The time for removal is governed by local conditions. Themulch should be removed gradually—not all at once—and extremecare should be used in removal in order not to injure or destroy smallerplants or plants which appear late in the spring. Any mulch has atendency to delay the spring development of the roots. It should beremoved, however, before the ground has become so warm that rootgrowth has become definitely encouraged and the sprouts which arestarting to grow are becoming weak and spindly. Dividing Perennials, and Renovating Beds. There are someperennials which are benefited by being allowed to remain permanentlyin one place, such as peonies, gas plants, and bleeding-heart, but thevast majority of plants are not likely to improve unless taken up fromtime to time, divided, and reset. This is especially true of plants likethe iris and the sneeze-weed which spread underground and form mats,soon exhaust soil fertility, and engage in a severe struggle which ham-pers their ornamental development. Likewise, crowns of perennialswhich give the most desirable flowers bloom only two or three seasonsand then die. There is also the necessity for renewing the biennialssuch as foxgloves, canterbury bells, hollyhocks, and sweet williams.Some perennials such as oriental poppies should not be moved butmay be divided with a sharp trowel. The general practice is to |
|||
|
