Marianne's Response

pamtrautman’s Question

Hi Marianne,
We met (I’m sure you recall every detail!) a couple of years ago at the Tacoma Garden show. You are friends with my neighbors, Chris and Debbie Meehan. At any rate, I have a question. My nephew and soon-to-be niece are getting married on our beach lot on August 10. My flower pots in my yard are gorgeous right now, and I want them to be equally fantastic on August 10. The lobelia in my pots is in full bloom, and I’m thinking I should whack them back about now. Does this allow enough time for them to spring back by August 10? If not, I’ll let them go and buy some more a little closer to the date to fill in.
Thanks – I’m sure you have lots to do this time of year! I’ve been watching Dig In – usually on-line. My nephew, Tristan, is the camera-man on some of the shoots. He flies out from Denver and filmed the Weyerhaeuser one for sure – the guy with the big beard. It is his brother who is getting married here.
Pam
Boston Harbor

Posted by Pam T on July 15, 2013

Marianne's Response

First, congratulations on the wedding! Garden weddings are the best. I do not think you should cut back the lobelia. Buy some fresh plants closer to the date instead. Here is another tip - the day of the wedding take cut flowers like dahlias, roses, whatever you can find and poke the stems into the moist soil of your potted plants. That fills in your container gardens in a hurry, even if the blooms only last for a day. I also cut hydrangeas from their shrubs and poke the cut stems into wreaths and urns close to the patio for parties and celebrations. Thanks so much for watching Dig In! Love working with the crew. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti