Dear Helen: A number of seedlings have appeared around a hellebore plant in my garden. I’d like to move them to places of their own. Should I move them directly to prepared sites in the garden or pot them first and allow them to grow into nicely sized plants before placing them in a garden bed?
M.M.
It’s not uncommon for established hellebore plants to drop ripe seeds and for those seeds to germinate in the following spring. How to handle the seedlings? If they were in my garden, I’d leave them in place to become as sturdy and easy to handle as possible before the parent plant’s new foliage threatens to overshadow and smother them. Remove the seedlings before that can happen.
It is generally less risky to dig up the seedlings with as much soil around each one as possible, and move them into small individual pots for nurturing until the following spring, when they can be transplanted into the garden.
If the seedlings are fairly sturdy, and numerous, why not experiment with planting just some of them directly into a lightly shaded garden spot? Mix a nourishing compost into the soil first. Plant, water, and label the area clearly to help you keep track of the planting’s progress.
As your young plants develop and mature, you will notice in them some significant variations from the parent plant’s flower colour and even foliage characteristics. For their first year in the garden, keep the soil adequately watered. Once well established, the plants will be moderately drought tolerant, though they will need some water in dry, hot weather.
Dear Helen: Liverwort is rampant in a garden bed that is exposed to sun in the morning only. How can I eliminate it?
B.H.
Liverworts are most commonly green, flattened, plate-like structures with no leaves. They develop on the soil surface in similar conditions to those that favour moss and algae growth. These conditions include shade, moist air, and soil that is moist or wet, compacted, low in fertility, and acidic.
Addressing whichever of these conditions that apply to your situation will help to discourage liverwort growth. You can’t change the bed’s sun exposure, but if overhanging branches of shrubs or trees are further shading the ground and fostering dampness in air and soil, removing the plants’ lower limbs will help to add a little light and improve air circulation.
Remove the liverwort growth along with a thin layer of soil. Cultivate the soil to introduce air, taking care not to cause too much disturbance to established plants in the bed.
Unless the area is occupied by acid-loving plants, lime the soil and mix or scratch in a generous layer of a nourishing compost. If the ground is very compacted, consider also scratching in some fine gravel, rock chips, or poultry grit.
Keep the bed well cared for with annual additions of slow-release, natural-source fertilizer, compost and lime. Fill the area with suitable plants, and cultivate lightly around them regularly. Water only as needed.
GARDEN EVENTS
Shelbourne plant sale. The Shelbourne Community Kitchen, a local non-profit society, is holding its third Annual Garden Sale Fundraiser in support of its pantry, kitchen and garden programs on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s St. Among the items for sale will be annuals, perennials, vegetable transplants, garden tools, Mother’s Day gifts, up-cycled garden decor, and more. The society is a resource for low-income people and families having difficulty accessing sufficient nutritious food on a consistent basis.
Birthright plant sale. A Garden Babies for Birthright plant sale will be held on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 798 Goldstream Ave. in Langford. The sale will feature deer resistant plants as well as other flowering shrubs, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and a good selection of drought tolerant plants — all at irresistible prices.
Courtenay plant sale. The St. John the Divine Anglican Church Garden Club is holding its annual Plant and Garden Sale on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church hall, 579 5th St. in Courtenay. There will be a wide selection of plants. Information at 250-338-0597.
