Novice23

Cutting Back Penstemons

Thanks Verdun, i will try the cuttings and see what happens.  Not always that good with cuttings, but will certainly have a go.

Thanks again

Cutting Back Penstemons

Gosh thanks so much for the advice and so quick!!   Glad other people had the same experience as me, makes me feel like I did less of a hatchet job on them.    I will be out wielding the secateurs this weekend, snow and wind permitting....  #

Thanks again everyone

Cutting Back Penstemons

I have a couple of very large Penstemons in my garden, which were lovely for a couple of years, but got too large so I cut them back.  They are still growing well but I had virtually no flowers last summer.   Was this because I cut them back at the wrong time, in the wrong way or was it to do with the awful weather last year.    I need to cut them back again but would like to get it right this time.   Can anyone help?

Shaded Border

Thanks everyone for the ideas, really good to know there are some colourful flowers that don't mind shade.    I shall certainly put in some Fuschias, heucheras, and the tradescantia.  Not heard of the Monkey Flower, but will investigate online about this

I just hope we have some decent weather this year to enjoy them all. 

Many thanks for your expertise.

Shaded Border

I have a very narrow strip of earth, about 10 inches wide, alongside a fence which is north facing and always in total shade.  I have some winter and summer heathers which seem quite happy there and a tiarella, which also does ok. But I would like some brighter summer colour along this fence.   I would like low growing stuff as it also borders a path.    I am quite fond of fuchsia, and wondered about the hardy dwarf shrubs.  Any advice and any ideas please would be welcome.

Blasted squirrels!

I agree with Bookertoo, no one has told the squirrels in my garden they don't like chilli, or paprika, or white pepper, or black pepper, they just seem to love the hottest stuff I can give them.  Bob you were lucky, we did not even get one hazelnut from our tree, and I am convinced that the little blighters send out invitations to their friends to come round for three courses lunches - seeds, bulbs and nuts!

Cutting Back Penstemons

Shaded Border