Tomorrow is the opening day of The Chelsea Flower Show.
I’ve never been but after recently visiting
One of England’s regional flower shows at Malvern.
I can only imagine what it is like.
There is something I do in my garden
That is related to the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Chelsea Chop.
It’s a garden task
With a fun name.
Done around the time
Of the Chelsea Flower Show
The last week of May.
It’s simply cutting back plants
So that they will grow bushier
And produce more blooms.
Every year I cut my tall garden phlox
Nearly in half.
Other perennials that get the chop
Include New England Asters, Chrysanthemums and Veronicas.
I actually did this a few weeks ago
Since our weather warms up ahead of England’s
But there is still time this month.
I also do a modified version of this
By pinching out the tops of Dahlias when they are a foot tall.
This works for Zinnias and Cosmos as well.
Since my garden seems to grow taller and taller
Each time it rains
I’m going to use these methods to keep my garden under control.
Of course, I say that every year!
Pinching or cutting back also works on some annutals.
Petunias and Impatiens respond particularly well
With the occasional pinch or chop.
I cut back these bargain leggy Impatiens
Before I planted them.
So take a stroll around your garden this week
And see if there are plants that would benefit
From a little Chelsea Chop.
Come July
Your garden will thank you.
Happy Gardening,
Gail
In My Garden 