How to Grow Perennials
Elder Care in Clark County VA
With summer on the horizon, it is the perfect time to begin planning and planting a garden. Not only will gardening allow for elders who are receiving senior care to get some fresh air and grow 
something beautiful in their yard, but they will also be getting exercise in the process. One of the most popular plants is perennials, which are flowers that die at the end of the season, but come back to life the next year.
Perennials are perfect for older adults who receive elderly care because they require very little care and often come in a variety of colors. If this sounds like something your loved one would enjoy adding to their garden, here are a few tips you need to know about planting perennials.
1. Fertilize the plant.
This type of plant requires very little feeding, but to help grow healthy perennials, add a handful of low-nitrogen, high-phosphorous fertilizer.
2. Mulching
Keep your newly planted perennial looking great by adding mulch. Doing this will help keep moisture in the soil, while also keeping weeds to a minimum. Finely shredded material will work best, such as dry grass clippings, shredded leaves, shredded bark, or cocoa hulls.
3. Pinch it back
Pinching the plant back will increase the amount of blooms and help the perennial become bushier and fuller. To do this, use the thumb and forefinger to pinch it a little here and there. Some plants that should be pinched are salvias, chrysanthemums, and asters. Not all plants should be pinched, so you may want to speak to someone at your local nursery to determine if this is the right method for your plant.
4. Keep the edges neat
For a professional, well designed garden, keep the edges neat. There are plenty of edging tools available that will make this job much easier and should be done several times during the growing season. Edging will also keep weeds and grass from growing in your garden.
5. Deadheading
Spent flowers should be removed in order to keep the plant from expending its energy on producing seeds. Deadheading will keep the perennial looking great throughout the growing season, while also encouraging it to rebloom.
6. Divide the plant
Once the perennials begin to grow and expand, they will need to be separated from the other perennials in order to continue growing. This can be done by using a shovel to remove the entire plant. Place it on a tarp and separate the plant into pieces using two forks. This should not be done when the plant is in full bloom, but rather during early spring or late fall.
Gardening can be a bonding experience for you and your elderly loved one or can be something their caregivers can assist with. With these tips, your aging parent will be able to grow a beautiful plant with very little effort.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elder care in Clark County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities
Source: http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/growing-perennials/5073.html
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