Re: Winterizing Z5 (IL) perennial beds?

Barb --

It really depends on your area and what plants you're talking about.  As Gene
points out, woodland plants are naturally covered with fallen leaves so we
gardeners are only duplicating that situation.  On the other hand, the open-sun
perennials -- penstemons, sages, garden phlox, etc. -- often succumb to rot during
our temperate winters.  Because of this, many of the books advise not to put down
winter mulch until after the ground has frozen.  I try to keep these full sun beds
worked-in with organic matter so that the soil doesn't dry out but is still
well-drained.  I won't mulch the full-sun beds.

Here in southeast Michigan, Zone 6 (I'm techinically in a little section of 6B),
after an extended summer drought and few autumn showers, we've been having cold,
drying winds.  These winds are death to many of the shade/woodland plants, so I've
been piling leaves around all those plants.  Evergreens such as Heucheras don't
care to be covered with leaves but appreciate having the mulch around their
roots.  Some of the low things, like ajuga or primroses, on the other hand seem to
appreciate being covered.  Leaves go around all the shrubberies and small trees
like the Japanese maples.

It's generally recommended to shred larger leaves (oak, maple, etc.) when using
them for mulch so that they don't mat down.

As I haven't yet had a hard, killing frost I've also been putting out the
sprinkler every two or three days, giving the woodland beds a good soaking.

Dean Sliger
Warren, MI, USA
Zone 6B



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