Champions of Flower Challenges

Written by Julie Hying

The Farmer’s Almanac bears a long history of forecasting seasonal conditions. Based on a proprietary formula that relies on a number of factors, including the moon, its early predictions include a summer much like 2022: hot and dry. That poses many challenges for those hoping to grow flowering plants in pots, beds and boxes this spring and summer. Yet with specific focus in the areas of flower selection, irrigation and fertilizer, beautiful flowers can grow all season.

Consulting experts is one way to ensure success. Bloom KS owner and master gardener Janet Harding creates visual masterpieces for porches, patios, pool areas, decks and landscape beds for people to enjoy. She is also a brilliant resource for questions and tips about plantings. At the heart of flourishing flowers, she suggests three key components: “ample water, appropriate fertilizer and obtaining the right plants for your areas and containers. With these in place, flowering plants will thrive.”

Harding shares this advice. “If you don’t have a hose or watering system that waters your pots, think about adding an olla to guarantee continuous water to your plants.” An olla watering system is an inexpensive method of keeping plants irrigated. The slow release of water around the plants keeps them hydrated yet conserves water. Plant roots grow around the olla which allows for even and consistent watering. An ancient method discovered long ago by people living in arid regions, it can still be utilized effectively as a water source. Bloom’s ollas can be purchased through their website beginning in early May at bloomsks.com.

Harding offers several tips for conditioning the soil: “Start with a root stimulator when you plant and follow with a fertilizer. This ensures the blooms remain enriched and healthy. Finally, condition your soil.” She recommends Blooms’ proprietary brand, Garden’s Gold (available at Stutzmans); Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Flower Food; Dr. Earth Root Zone Starter Fertilizer; Jobe’s Organic Rose & Flower Fertilizer as well as many others.

“If you think your soil is lacking in something, take a sample to a local extension service.” Harding adds. “They can test your soil and provide a report showing what is missing, along with suggestions for how to best fix the problem.” The K-State Research and Extension office in Sedgwick County also staffs a hotline at 316.660.0190 to assist with an array of questions.

As we are expecting warm weather, choose flowers that will tolerate heat. Harding recommends “zinnias, marigolds, sedums and grasses since they generally thrive in high temperatures.”

Flowering vincas also thrive in hot, sunny areas. Typically drought resistant, their blooms remain beautiful in any well-draining soil. They are low maintenance (no deadheading required). Keep them well watered, as one missed day in high temperatures quickly diminishes the vinca with wilting and withering.

Bloom KS will assess a customer’s soil, and with a knowledge and understanding of how flowers respond to certain conditions, can make your flower pots amazing. Harding also recognizes colleagues in her area of expertise who are happy to guide novices through the planning process: “My favorite is Stutzmans. They are quite good at recognizing what will happen each year with the weather and plant accordingly. Meagan in Derby and Julie at 21st and Webb are absolutely the best at offering plants that will thrive in these hot summers.”

By Nahid Holmes | Design Source Interiors