The Magic of Seedheads in the Garden

And seriously, who wants to spend all their time 'cleaning' up the garden instead of enjoying it? A messy garden, one that is natural looking but not totally wild is not only a healthy one, but a low maintenance one. A few good horticultural practices throughout the seasons will make quick work of garden chores. I would suggest mulching to cut down on weeds and help retain soil moisture. Deadheading flowers selectively, in small sections once a month (to control and encourage new growth where needed). Additionally, chopping up debris and leaving on the soil surface or in small piles out of the way builds healthy soil and helps beneficials of all kinds. Disturbing or turning soil only when absolutely necessary protects soil micro-organisms and keeps invasive species out. In fact, this style of gardening only requires cutting back once a year (in late winter/early spring) when most perennials can be trimmed right to the ground and the debris mulched and left to break down into the soil just as new leaves emerge and the cycle begins again.