https://connect.extension.org/...county-west-virginia

For more information about these gardens or the Morgan County Master Gardener Program, please visit our website or contact the Morgan County Extension Office.

Website: https://connect.extension.org/...county-west-virginia

Email: WVMorganCountyMasterGardeners@gmail.com

Phone: 304-258-8400

Address: 80 War Memorial Trail, Suite C, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

• Native plants were chosen for the rejuvenation of the gardens surrounding the library. They are adapted to the soils, rainfall, and temperatures in this region, and therefore require less maintenance than non-natives.
• The native plants were chosen for their wildlife value - their ability to provide food and shelter for animals such as birds, butterflies and moths, and beneficial insects.
• Perennial plants were installed, rather than annuals. Perennial plants come back year after year and once established, need very little care.
• Since many beneficial insects overwinter in hollow plants stems, the grasses and flowers will not be cut back in the fall. Their seedheads also supply food for the birds throughout the winter. Although this may appear “messy” to some, it is best for the wildlife.
• Fallen leaves will not be cleaned up in autumn, since they provide shelter for beneficial insects throughout the cold season. They are natural mulch that protect the roots of the plants as well.
• The gardens are initially mulched to conserve water and suppress weeds. No more than two inches of mulch is applied to insure that the roots can have access to air and water. Mulch should never touch the stems or trunks of the plants as it can lead to rot and damage by pests.
• Rain gauges have been employed to monitor precipitation. In newly planted perennial gardens, it is recommended that the plants receive one inch of water each week during their first year, then supplemental watering only during dry spells. By using rain gauges to keep track of the rainfall, we reduce the need to water by hand.

Winter - Trim broken branches and stems as needed

Throughout the Growing Season

• Hold bi-monthly workdays to keep weeds at bay
• Water beds as needed, aiming for 1” of water each week during the first growing season and any time thereafter during dry spells

March

• Prune evergreen and most summer or fall blooming shrubs as needed (Beautyberry, Inkberry Holly, Carolina Allspice, Oakleaf Hydrangea, New Jersey Tea, Witch Hazel)
• To keep the Inkberries from becoming leggy, remove up to 1/3 of the branches in late winter or early spring by cutting them back to the main stem, taking care to choose branches that will preserve the rounded shape of the plant
• Cut the Bigleaf Hydrangeas to the ground
• Remove cool season weeds before they go to seed
• Decide if beds need a layer of mulch
• Apply Holly Tone to Inkberry Hollies in recommended application rates
• Late March, cut sedges to 2” above the ground and trim off last year’s growth from ferns to encourage new growth
• Remove dead leaves from Coral Bells and shear them all off if necessary

April

• When temperatures have reached 50 degrees for 3 consecutive days, trim off last year’s growth from perennials and grasses; save seeds if applicable for giveaways
• Deadhead spring-flowering bulbs, such as Daffodils, after blooming but allow the leaves to turn yellow before cutting back

May

• Prune shrubs that bloom in the spring after flowering (Virginia Sweetspire)

June

• After flowering, cut False Blue Indigo stems back by one third or one half - they will respond with a flush of new growth that will keep the plant looking neat and shrub-like
• If needed, cut back late summer and fall blooming perennials and grasses to control height and keep from flopping over (Anise Hyssop, Coreopsis, Obedient Plant, Purple Coneflower, Garden Phlox, Aromatic Aster)

July/August

• Deadhead Bigleaf Hydrangea as needed by cutting the spent blooms just below the flower heads, but leave some later blooms on the plant for winter interest
• Weed and water

September

• Replace plants as needed

October

• Deadhead fall blooming Coral Bells
• Drain watering equipment and put away for the winter