Q&A Master Gardeners with

What can I do to guarantee my perennials come back in the spring? For example, my lavender didn’t make it through this past winter. I planted last May and it had good blooms.

When it comes to gardening, guaranteeing anything can be risky business. There are just so many variables to consider. We can, however,doourresearchandincrease ourchancesof success.

When planting perennials, such as lavender, one of the first things to check includes hardiness of the particular variety or cultivar you are planting. Lavender originated in the

Mediterranean regions and prefers fullsun,dryair,andwell-drainedsoil. It does not require a lot of fertilizer. Sandyorgravellysoilwilldojustfine. Therootsneedtobreathe.

There are a number of different cultivars to choose from available from commercial nurseries. French lavender and Spanish varieties are not hardy in most of the Northeast (e.g. French lavender – zone 7-9). There are, however, a few English cultivarsthatcantakethecoldwinters hereinupstateNY(zone5-8).

The less hardy cultivars may grow well and bloom for one summer season but will not survive our winters. Be sure to check the hardiness of any perennial you are considering planting. We are currentlyconsideredtobeinzone5. Have specific questions like the following? Why do my lilacs keep getting uprooted by NY winds?

Why do my butterfly bushes keep dying after 3 or so years? How/ where to plant juniper trees? Why do tulips die after 1 or 3 seasons? Contact CCE to facilitate scheduling a site visit with a Master Gardener to assist with evaluating these issues as itcouldbeasoilissue.

A free concert of folk, acoustic blues, and gospel music. Bring a picnic supper, a lawn chair, and a friend. anks to our many sponsors including Tony’s Pizzeria, Fender Bender Mender, Assemblywoman Marj Byrnes, Pam and Howard Perry, BBS Accounting LLC, Dogwood Floral, Joyce Davies Associates, Eschenlauer Construction, Swink Girls’ Quilts, Sick Brothers Motor Sports, and others for making this evening possible.