Seasonal Bargains

Late summer is often a good time to hunt for bargains and add to your plant palette. Unfortunately, with the economy still in a state of flux, there may be more close-out sales like the one I received notice of this weekend from Ashdown Roses in South Carolina. All roses $5.95 while they last. They are closing their plant sales as of October 1st. You can find out more information by going directly to their website at http://www.ashdownroses.com/index.asp

If you are a peony lover, now is the time to select and place your order. A great resource located in Minnesota is Swenson Gardens. http://www.swensongardens.com/ The rootstock is amazing though not inexpensive. Klehm’s Song Sparrow http://www.songsparrow.com/ is another mail order company specializing in peonies and other assorted perennials. The peony rootstock is smaller in size but Klehm’s developed many varieties and offers a wide selection to finish off your garden. Be certain to follow the planting directions as they must be set at the right height. Also, if you want to divide and transplant any peonies, fall is the season. As always, monitor the weather.

If you aren’t one for shopping by mail order, visit your local nurseries. Carefully inspect your plant materials. Make certain you purchase the most vigorous stock you can find in the selection. With perennials, if they look tired, they most likely are tired. A plant in the pot too long can become root bound. Not a great choice, even at discounted prices.

Be a frugal plant shopper and enjoy the seasonal bargains. If you don’t want to end up like Steven Wright, the comedian, “I went to a general store but they wouldn't let me buy anything specific”, then do your homework. Research what you want to add to your garden before the end of the season. On that note, the inspirational gardening thought of the day, “"A garden is never so good as it will be next year."-- Thomas Cooper