Garden Spot

Celebrity plant of the month is Chelone lyonii, or Turtle Head.

Just when you thought pink perennial blooms had left the landscape and would not return again until the first spring flush of pink creeping phlox made its appearance, Chelone buds open, revealing a lovely, hooded, pink-lilac flower. These snapdragon-like flowers are borne in clusters on stiff, erect stems and can reach a height of 3’. The dark, glossy green leaves provide a great contrast to the flowers and bring a fresh, rejuvenated look to the fall garden. Another desirable feature of this hardy perennial is its ability to tolerate a fair amount of shade. Look for Turtle Heads in the Village Streetscape at the corner of Oxford Drive and Route 22.

Garden tip of the month:WATER! WATER! WATER!

This summer's lower than average temperatures, frequent cloudy days, and occasional cloud bursts are not indications that landscape plantings do not require water. The fact is that established plants require 1" of water per day, whether from the skies or the spigot, well into late autumn. Newly planted beds require more. Use a rain gauge or can to measure how much rain or sprinkler water the garden is getting. Here are a few watering tips to consider:

1. One long, deep soak is better than frequent, shallow watering for most established plants.
2. Because air temperature and soil type affect the water retention capabilities of the soil, move the thin top layer of soil away from the plant crown and test the soil down to 1" with your fingers. If the soil is dry and crumbly, the plant needs more water; if the soil is soggy, the plant has too much water; if the soil is moist, the plant has sufficient water.
3. The best time to water is in the morning. In the afternoon, the air is warmer and water is evaporated. Watering in the evenings allows moisture to remain on leaves, creating a breeding ground for disease.