Hi Linda,

I've seen a lot of fresh thick mulch on a the few tours I've been on. If it looked particularly freshly put down, it would be my guess that they were doing double duty...trying to smother out any weeds that were in sight (that they didn't have time to or didn't care to remove) and that they wanted things to look very nice for the tour. I'd think a thick enough mulch would smother weeds unless they were as tall as many of mine.

Do you think they put down the 4-5 inches of material and then planted in it? Or, did they plant the flowers, and then mulch?
...I believe probably the latter in prep for the tour.

I've done it both ways. It is especially nice when making a new bed, to have it all ready, and then just scoot the mulch aside and plant when the plants are acquired...like a 'bunch' of them from a great swap, trades, or special purchases.

I use the tree trimmer stuff (and have had the stump stuff too.) My main suggestion would be to not place it too thick, if it is still very green, as it can heat up as it decomposes. If it is aged, it should be fine. I usually (when there is time) top dress it with some darker shredded bark mulch that I get by the truckload from a local sawmill.

Sue...who is looking forward to Aug 2nd. I'll email you for more particulars about the PPS.

Hi Sue,
thanks for the tips- these looked like established beds- I am thinking they made 'berms' with soil and then added the mulch- I really don't think plants could grow in that 'stuff' alone-

Glad you are planning to come to the Aug PP swap- I don't have a clue what to bring- more iris and peony, I guess! LOL

by the way, the little hosta you gave me at the Lou Swap is blooming- it's so cute! I like the purple blooms-

take care,
TTYS
Linda

Hi Sue and Linda,

I missed the PP tour. How can I get more info on Perennials Plus?
Thanks,
Robin

Robin, you have mail :))

best wishes,
Linda