It’s Time to Tidy Up!

Ella is one the busiest semi-retired ladies we know, so it’s always a treat when she visits us in the studio.

This week, Ella brought in peony clippings—and not the kind with flowers! It’s the perfect time to cut back your peonies and other perennials that are looking a little rough from this summer’s constant shift in weather.

It’s also time to start collecting seeds! Ella brought in an unusual seed pod, so see if you can guess what it is and send us a picture if you find a seed pod you can’t identify in your yard! Our email is yourgarden@gmail.com or you can find us on Facebook!

Ella also answered a few viewer questions. If you’re wondering about the best grass seed blend, Ella has all the tips below! Another viewer has a pesky, unidentified weed that has been taking over her flower beds. It is Virginia Stick Weed, and she recommends pulling it out as soon as possible before it gets too big. Although it is a native plant, it will take over if you let it.

Illinois Grass Seed Tips:

• Varieties to look for: Kentucky Bluegrass; Red or Chewing Fescue; Coarse Rye Grass or Tall Fescue.
• There is no one best grass seed, so know your environment (sun -vs- shade), and read the seed label.
• Get a grass seed with several different species or blends and check the test date. You want the freshest seed possible!
• September is the best month for fall seeding.

Ella also brought in one more surprise for us: a hypertufa trough. One of her many projects, this planter is a combination of peat moss, perlite, and Portland cement which she will use to plant succulents. It’s the perfect container which is sturdy outdoors all year round.

We really enjoyed having Ella bring in all her latest projects, and share her tips and tricks. She also reminded us that the CU Plant People Plant Swap is coming up on Friday, September 23rd from 10am to 12pm at the Common Ground Co-Op in Lincoln Square Mall. See you there!

If you have questions (Be sure to send photos if you have them!), we’ve got you covered. Send questions to yourgarden@gmail.com, or check out our Facebook page and feel free to leave your questions there! We will try to get it answered on an upcoming show or web segment!

Plus, you can follow us on Instagram for more exciting content!