Probably a silly question!

Copperdog

Every year I plan to mulch the beds but since having forget me nots I don't seem to get round to this job anymore as in Autumn they are seedlings that fill the bare soil and of course in spring they are getting ready to flower.  Should I do it when they have flowered and I've pulled them out the ground of might that be too late?  Many thanks

JennyJ

I mulch after I take out the forget-me-nots and before I shake the old plants around to scatter the seed, but only if the soil is damp enough, so some years it doesn't get done.  I do mulch small areas as and when they're free, eg around a new plant after it's been watered in.

Copperdog

Thanks Jenny.  I do that - I feel as though I haven't done it properly for a few years since the Forget me Nots took a hold of the garden - but they are beautiful.

DampGardenMan

Depending on your soil, it's generally best to mulch after there's been a good bit of rain. Keeps the precious water in rather then out!

josusa47

I don't think that is a silly question.  I don't think any questions are silly on this forum, except:

What can I plant which is fully hardy, will grow in a single season to the height I want, then stop growing, produce lovely flowers for months, followed by edible fruit, in deep shade, and not need any maintenance?

And even that's not a silly question if you have never had a garden before.

JennyJ

josusa47 said:

I don't think that is a silly question.  I don't think any questions are silly on this forum, except:

What can I plant which is fully hardy, will grow in a single season to the height I want, then stop growing, produce lovely flowers for months, followed by edible fruit, in deep shade, and not need any maintenance?

And even that's not a silly question if you have never had a garden before.

 Don't forget it needs to be scented and good for wildlife as well

But apart from that, the only silly question is the one that doesn't get asked. We all started somewhere and those of us whose beginner gardening days were pre-internet would have loved a place like this to ask all our questions.

josusa47

I also forgot that it must be evergreen, and the flowers must last three weeks in a vase, and the plant must be safe for any children or pets that happen to chew on it.