Planning ahead

I am not very happy with how aromatic aster grows when left to its own devices. I moved one plant since it was flopping all over the place, decided to let another take over its bed as the bed is confined by sidewalk, driveway, and lawn. A third plant received an experimental pruning in June, to about 6" (I think). It looks more like a mound than a sprawling behemoth. So next year, all the aromatic aster will get cut back in June.

This book has helpful advice like the above. (My edition has been superceded by newer ones.) Goldenrod, at least the 7-8' variety on the south side of the house, may get the June treatment, to keep it from flopping. The queen-of-the-prairie definitely needs to be left alone, though, or it won't bloom. I will let its rain garden sister plants, meadow rue and joe-pye, grow as tall as they want as well, even if they need some staking.

About the only plants blooming this time of year are the asters and the pineapple sage (Salvia elegans). Today we are receiving some much needed rain, an inch so far. I mowed leaves for the first time this season, but they had fallen from lack of moisture. Most trees around here are still green, although the sugar maples are ablaze.