| Hello, my daughter passed away a few years ago and I have brought so many different flowers to plant at her grave site and they just don't seem to thrive. Could you please give me some advice on flowers, and plants that will stay around for a while? Also the kind of soil that I should use Thank You, [email protected] |
| Most perennials require division or replacement after three to five years. Shrubs of course should last much longer. You might try daffodil bulbs along with one of the newer disease resistant, low maintenance landscape roses such as KnockOut, or possibly some daylilies (Hemerocallis). Those will do well in a sunny location. If it is shady, try a hosta or combine several hostas with different foliage togeher. This are extremely long lived plants and can be left undivided, although some will mature into very large dramatic specimens if left undivided. When you plant, loosen the soil down deep and over a wide area and work in some compost. After planting, maintain a two to three inch layer of organic mulch year round; spread it in a flat layer and do not allow it to touch the stems of the plant. If possible, water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist like a wrung out sponge -- use your finger to dig into the soil and check it. If it is still damp, do not water yet. When you do water, apply it slowly and thoroughly so it soaks down to the deepest roots. After watering, wait a few hours and then dig down to see how far it went; sometimes this is surprising. If watering is difficult, try to water deeply once if there is a mid to late summer dry spell of several weeks. The rest of the season the soil moisture will probably be adequate if you use the mulch. In spring, top dress with compost and/or a slow release granular fertilizer per the label directions. |
