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ORGANIC PERENNIAL PROGRAM
An organic approach to perennial gardening is important. There are many different perennials with different nutrient requirements. Chemical fertilizers supply us only with the three basics - nitrogen, phosphate and potash. Organic fertilizers are broken down into both macro and micro nutrients. Feed the soil and the soil will supply the plant with a well balanced meal. A healthy strong plant will bloom more profusely, be more resistant to insects, disease, drought and will be a darker green color. The program we advocate will address microbes in the soil along with a large mixture of organic materials which they can feed on. . Micro organisms are the de-composers working in the soil to break down organic material creating a function of the food web called nutrient recycling. In order for microbes to exist, they need organic matter to live on which they turn into a well-balanced meal for plants to feast on. The larger the mixture of organics, the greater the diversity of nutrients produced for plant growth and strength. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides kill microbes and your plants become nutrient dependent. Our program consists of something to do each month which will benefit the soil. Once you follow an organic program you will see the difference in your plant quality and you will have the choice of adding edibles to the mix. Sprainbrook's Organic motto is, "The greater the mixture the greater the results." Our monthly program is based on sound scientific practices along with the knowledge we have gained from our over 60 years in the plant growing business.

To have a great perennial garden you have to prepare the soil properly. A "clayey soil" is sticky and wet to the touch. When it dries out, it becomes hard and difficult to work.

Clay particles are extremely small. Alone, it makes a poor soil. It compacts easily, preventing air and water from circulating. Root penetration is limited and plant growth is stunted. Clay soils can become good soils if the proper ingredients are mixed in. Most Westchester soils are heavy clay. Sandy soils are a rarity in Westchester while prevalent on Long Island. Sand particles are large and such a soil does not have moisture or nutrient-retentive abilities. Oddly enough, the same formula will rectify both conditions. Proper drainage is essential to the planting bed area. Poor drainage is a problem which needs to be rectified either through dry wells, drainage pipes diverting the water or the building of berms to go above the wet area.

ORGANIC PREPARATION OF A NEW PLANTING BED
Per 100 square feet dig and mix into the top one foot area:
1 bale of peatmoss 3.8 cubic feet.
2 bags of Lobster mix: 1 cubic foot
2 bags of Penobscot mix: 1 cubic foot
2 bags of Cow Manure
2 bags of Fafard Topsoil
1 lb Mineral Rock Dust
5 pounds of Lime
4.5 pounds of Bone Meal
8 pounds of Plant Tone (Espoma)
1.4 quart Myke for Annuals and Perennials

Established Perennials require a Monthly Maintenance program.

Following these simple guidelines will leave you with a beautiful garden throughout the year. Perennials are a lot less work than a lawn but they do require monthly attention. Hired gardeners spend their time on the lawn but rarely spend any time in the perennial garden. Your options are to take this responsibility upon yourself, hire someone else specifically for this job or negotiate with your gardener to set aside an extra hour a month to accomplish this task. Make sure you provide him with a list of things you want done, products you want applied and the time frame.

It is important to place the right plant in the right location. Sprainbrook.com will give you the cultural requirements of all the plants that we grow.

Water is the most critical factor in growing a good plant. Most people do not have the time to water properly. Perennials do not like overhead watering. Overhead watering creates fungus problems and reduces flower quality. A simple drip irrigation system works best and can be fully automated. Timers can be set giving you more water during the hot summer months.

Mulching is important to prevent weeds and conserve moisture. Apply a 2 inch layer and maintain it throughout the year.

Perennial Prices:
3" Peat $1.95 or $21.00 per dozen
4 1/2" Pot $4.50 or $51.00 per dozen
1 1/2" qt, 4" sq, and Cocoa Pot $5.95
2 qt and 2 1/2 qt (6" round, and square) $9.95
1 gal $14.95 and up
3 gal $16.95 and up

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Perennials
Acanthus	Sun. Ordinary garden soil.
Achillea	Sun. Flat circular heads of tightly packed florets above foliage clumps. Average soil. Drought tolerant. Excellent for cutting or drying if cut before pollen forms. Fragrant flowers and foliage. (Frame 4)
Aconitum	See Woodland Plants
Aegopodium podagraria variegata	See Woodland Plants
Agastache	Sun. Grows well in rich, light, moist soil. (Frame 5)
Alcea	Sun. Large basal leaves. Flowers on stalks bloom from the bottom up over a long period. Best in moist, well-drained fairly fertile soil. Needs good air circulation. Perennial, treated as biennial; mature plants are prone to rust disease. (Frame 5)
Alyssum
Amsonia
Anemone	(Frame 5)
Aquilegia	Clumps of green or grey-green, ferny leaves. Graceful flowers with spurs of varying length. Blooming begins in May and can be prolonged by pinching off spent flowers. Sun or light shade. (Frame 4)
Arabis	Full sun, light shade. Flowers freely. Any soil. Low growing; for rockery, edging or walls. (Frame 1)
Armeria	Sun. Evergreen, low, tufted rosette of foliage. Globe-shaped flowers. Taller varieties for borders, others are charming rock garden or edging plants. Dry, sandy soil.
Artemisia	Sun, very light shade. Wonderful foliage textures, dryable flowers. Well-drained soil with good air circulation.
Asclepias	Attracts butterflies. Excellent cut flowers. Sun.
Aster	Sun, part shade. Long-blooming cut flower.
Aurinia	Full sun. Tiny flowers in great masses envelop lance-like, greyish leaves. Thrives in sandy, gravelly soil. Best seen cascading over rocks or walls. Cut plant back by one third after blooming to rejuvenate.
Baptisia	Sun, part shade. Cut flower, border plant. Best in moist, humusy soil. Deep taproots, rarely becomes invasive. (Frame 6)
Belamcanda	(Frame 6)
Bergenia	Full sun, half-shade. Showy flower clusters borne above the foliage. Almost evergreen, heart-shaped leaves make decorative ground cover. Grows well in ordinary soil, almost anywhere. (Frame 1)
Boltonia	Sun, part shade. Numerous daisies in dense clusters. More heat and humidity tolerant than asters.
Brunnera	Sun, semi-shade. Delicate sprays of forget-me-not flowers above mound of rough-textured leaves. Wants humusy site. (Frame 2)
Campanula	Sun, part shade. Needs rich, well-drained soil and must be kept moist. (Frame 3)
Centaurea	Sun. Well-drained light soil, on the dry side. Dead-head by cutting entire stalks to prolong blooming time. (Frame 3)
Cerastium	Sun, light-shade. Shallow-rooted creeper producing dense mats of narrow leaves. White flowers. Average soil is fine. Cut back severely after blooming to improve compactness. Good dried foliage.
Ceratostigma	Sun or light shade. Excellent as a summer ground cover. Trailing, wiry stems of bright-green leaves that turn bronze in fall. Good winter drainage essential.
Chelone	See Woodland Plants
Chrysanthemum morifolium	Sun, a rich well-drained soil. Keep pinched until July 15 for a short, compact plant. They are heavy feeders. Space 12-18".
Chrysanthemum nipponicum	Full sun. 18-24". Almost succulent leaves with 2-3" single white daisies in fall. Needs well drained soil. Pinch back early in season. (Frame 5)
Chrysogonum	Sun or shade. Low trailing plants with small daisy-like flowers and vivid green leaves. Spreads to 10-12".
Cimicifuga	See Woodland Plants
Clematis	See Ground Covers & Vines
Convallaria	See Woodland Plants
Coreopsis	Sun. Yellow single and double daisy-like flowers high above foliage clumps. Any soil. Good cut flower or border plant. Blooms June-frost if spent flowers are cut. (Frame 3)
Corydalis	See Woodland Plants
Delphinium	Sun, moist soil and fertile soil. Grown as annuals as they are short lived perennials and do not like summer heat. Their brittle stems often need staking.
Dendranthema	A cold hardy perennial for sunny areas. These late bloomers have a daisy rather than gumball shape, bloom prolifically, and have a mounding habit. Attracts butterflies. Their colors blend beautifully with fall foliage.
Dianthus	Sun, light shade. Usually spicy-fragrant. Single or double flowers above dense clumps of narrow foliage. Fine in ordinary garden soil with some lime. Divide after a few years. Good drainage increases winter hardiness. For rock gardens, borders, cutting and potpourris. The more they're cut, the more they bloom. (Frame 2)
Dicentra	Shade (or sun with adequate moisture). Good border plant. Self-sows. Rich, light, moist soil.
Dictamnus
Digitalis	Sun or light shade. Dignified spikes of tubular flowers for above large mounds of broad leaves. Border plant; wild gardens. Usually biennial. Self-sows. June-July.
Echinacea purpurea	Sun. Reflexed daisy petals around an iridescent coppery cone center. Better in poor, dry soil. Wonderful cut flower. Cone dries perfectly. Blooms for many weeks. (Frame 6)
Echinops
Epimedium	See Woodland Plants
Eupatorium	Sun, light shade. Slender stems produce 3-4" clusters of fuzzy flowers. Prefers light, well-drained humusy soil. Fine cut flower for fall bouquets. (Frame 5)
Euphorbia	Sun, light shade. Succulent pinecone-like blue-green leaves on trailing stems. Showy flower bracts. Prefers well-drained, sandy, dryish soil. Fine in rock gardens, over walls, in front of the border.
Fern	See Woodland Plants
Gaillardia	Sun. 3-4" daisy flowers in bright, warm colors above foliage clumps. Well-drained, rich, light soil. Choice cut flower and border plant. Cut off spent flowers to prolong bloom and to keep plants neat. June-frost.
Galium odoratum	See Asperula odoratum in Herbs
Gaura
Geranium	Sun, part shade. Not to be confused with annual Geranium (Pelargonium). These varieties have single, five- petalled flowers and small palmately-lobed leaves. Prefer well-drained garden soil. Taller varieties for borders. Sweet cut flowers. Lower varieties for rock gardens.
Geum	Sun. Flowers rise up on long stems above hairy basal foliage.
Gypsophila	Sun. Great sprays of airy flowers. A classic cut and drying flower. Loves lime. June-Aug.
Hedera	See Ground Covers and Vines
Heliopsis	Sun. Cut flower and showy border plant. Easy flower to dry. Best in average dryish soil. Very hardy. (Frame 5)
Helleborus	See Woodland Plants
Hemerocallis	Sun, semi shade. Fountain-like, yet compact clumps of strap like foliage. Leafless stalks bear numerous trumpet shaped flowers in a glorious range of colors and textures. Any decent well-drained soil is fine. Drought tolerant but loves moisture. Remarkably free of diseases and pests. Daylilies with an often artificially induced triple set of chromosomes are called tetraploids (TET) and are so indicated. Tetraploidy gives the plants stronger stems, brighter colors, and greater weather resistance.
Heuchera	Sun, part shade. Good cut flower. Useful in border, rockery and as edging. Loose, airy clusters of flowers on wiry stems rise above mounds of low usually evergreen foliage. Best in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Divide every third year.
Hibiscus	Sun, light shade. Huge, single, hollyhock-type flowers. Any decent soil. (Frame 5)
Hosta	See Woodland Plants
Iberis	Full sun. Nearly evergreen needle-like leaves. Clusters of bright white flowers. Needs rich, well-drained soil. For the border, rock garden, over walls. Outstanding ground cover. (Frame 1)
Iris ensata	Sun, light shade. Beardless blooms up to 8" across on 24-36" stalks. Green foliage 12-18" tall. Needs consistently damp, humusy, well-drained, acid soil. Fibrous roots react fatally to lime, bonemeal and wood ashes. (RRT 1)
Iris germanica	Sun. Tall, elegant, formal-looking flowers for borders and cutting. Requires well-drained sandy to clay soil enriched with humus and a light application of balanced fertilizer annually. (RRT 1)
Iris pallida	Sun, part shade. (RRT 1)
Iris siberica	Sun, part shade. Very hardy beardless type. Narrow, erect foliage. Best in moist, acid, humusy soil. (RRT 1)
Knautia
Kniphofia	Full sun. Moist well-drained soil. Blooms in late summer.
Lamiastrum	See Woodland Plants
Lamium maculatum	See Woodland Plants
Lavandula	Sun. Grey foliage give interest in perennial gardens even when not blooming.
Leucanthemum x superbum	Full sun, part shade. Rich, well-drained constantly moist soil with lime added. Divide clumps regularly.
Liatris spicata	Sun, semi-shade. Stately wand-like flowers make a strong vertical accent.
Lilium	Sun. Partial shade. Lilies must have perfect drainage. In heavy soils build up slightly with raised beds. They prefer a slightly acid, porous, well-aerated soil rich in humus. (Against Red Barn)
Linum	Full sun. Moist, sandy loam with good drainage. Soft accents for gardens. Will naturalize.
Liriope	Sun, semi-shade. Dark semi-evergreen grass-like foliage clumps. Short spikes of 1/4" florets. Best in moderately rich, constantly moist, well-drained soil. Any winter-damaged foliage can be cut off. It is replaced by new shoots. Good in border or ground cover. Produces black or purple beadlike fruits lasting all winter.
Lupinus	Sun, part shade. Deeply cut 2-6" palmate leaves. Stately stalks of tightly packed, pea-like flowers. Very showy. Must have excellent drainage in deep, rich, acid soil and cool conditions. Bloom June-July.
Lysimachia	Sun, light shade. Any well-drained soil is fine.
Malva	Easy to grow in ordinary soil but prefers dry soil.
Mertensia	See Woodland Plants
Monarda	Sun, light shade. Fragrant mint-like foliage. Showy fountain-shaped clusters of tubular flowers. Prefers moist, well-drained average soil. A long-time favorite for borders, cutting flowers. Leaves can be used to brew tea. (Frame 6)
Myosotis	Semi-shade. Tiny blue flowers on dwarf plants. Beds, borders, streams, poolsides.
Nepeta	See also Herbs. Sun, partial shade. Shear after blooming for rejuvenation.
Oenothera	Sun. Likes excellent well drained soil that is deep rich, limed and only moderately moist. (Frame 2)
Pachysandra	See Ground Covers and Vines
Paeonia itoh	Itoh or intersectional peonies are a cross between herbaceous and woody tree peonies. They feature large flowers in colors not found in 'lactiflora', are more weather resistant, bloom longer, their winter hardiness and vigor are exceptional. As with other peonies, grow in a neutral rich, rich, well drained soil in either full sun or part shade. Do not cut this variety all the way back. The following year's buds are formed on the lower part of the stem.
Paeonia lactiflora	(Against the Red Barn) Full sun, part shade. Extremely long-lived. Cultivated for 2,000 years. Bushy plants with glossy foliage and large, often fragrant blooms. Require very deep, rich, well-drained neutral soil. They need annual fertilizing. Prefer wind protection and often require staking. Give 3-6' between plants. Fine in large borders, alone, or in groups as accent plants. 30-36". Colors range from white to deepest crimson and all shades in between. Blooming season is May-June. E - Early, M - Mid-season, L - Late-blooming.
Paeonia suffruticosa	Sun. Will tolerate semi-shade. Actually shrubs with woody stems bearing double flowers up to 6" across. Requires staking height of bloom. Needs deep, rich soil. Heavy feeders and appreciative of winter mulch. Do not cut tree peonies to the ground in the fall. Plant in spring or better yet in the fall. Earlier than regular peonies. Against the Red Barn. All priced: 2 gal $39.95.
Papaver orientale	Sun, part shade. Silvery-green, rough-textured leaves produce hairy, erect stems and large tissue-paper like blossoms. Deep taproot needs well-drained average soil. Great early summer color. We suggest overplanting your poppies with some leafy perennial or temperennial to cover the soon to disappear poppy foliage. Interesting seed heads dry well. DIES BACK COMPLETELY AFTER BLOOMING. THEY ARE NOT DEAD! THEY WILL COME BACK THE FOLLOWING YEAR. (Frame 3)
Perovskia	Full sun. Fringed leaves. Tall stalks of airy, delicate blooms. Foliage and flowers beautiful for cutting. Best in well-drained, even dry location.
Phlox arendsii
Phlox divaricata	This phlox spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes to form a gorgeous mat in the spring. Performs best in part shade where it pairs well with Hellebores and Ferns.
Phlox maculata	Sun. Fragrant flower heads on purple-spotted stems. Mildew-resistant. Same culture as P. suffruticosa.
Phlox paniculata	Sun. Tall clumps of lance-shaped foliage. Clusters of flat 1" florets. Moist, average soil with added humus. Fine, fragrant cut flowers. Best in tall borders. To avoid mildew on leaves, thin each clump to only 4 stems and water in morning. Provide plenty of space. Regular spraying with a mild solution of water and baking soda helps. Cut spent flowers before they go to seed to prolong bloom. July-Sept.
Phlox subulata	Full sun. Evergreen mats of moss-like foliage completely covered with flowers. Use in the border, rockery.
Physostegia virginiana	This native plant has profuse tubular flowers blooming on a single stem over serrated foliage. It prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. Likes moist soil, not overly rich. Cut back half-way in the spring to strengthen the stem.
Platycodon	Sun or partial shade. Closed buds resemble balloons. Open, they are five-petalled bells. For border or rock gardens. Slow to come up in spring. Best in consistently moist, well-drained sandy loam.
Potentilla	(Frame 3)
Pulmonaria	See Woodland Plants
Rudbeckia	Sun. Long-blooming, daisy flowers with dark centers. Good for cutting. Valuable late summer color.
Salvia	See also Herbs & Annuals  Sun, light shade. Most are drought-tolerant and live longest in light, sandy soil only moderately fertile.
Sanguisorba	Sun. Average, well-drained soil.
Santolina	See Herbs
Saponaria	Sun or semi-shade. Trailing plants with mounds of dainty leaves completely covered with blossoms. For crevices, rock gardens and dry walls. Any soil.
Saxifraga	Semi-shade. A carpet of mossy leaves with flowers rising above thin stems. Needs moisture in heat of summer. (Frame 1)
Scabiosa	Sun. Flowers borne on wiry stems. Centers look like pin heads in a cushion surrounded by fluffy petals. Prefer light loam soil, neutral to alkaline. Plant in groups for effect. Deadheading will prolong bloom but terminal seed heads are great dried flowers.
Sedum	Sun. Spurium will take light shade. Deciduous unless otherwise noted. Fine in poor and shallow soil.
Sempervivum	Sun or semi-shade. Succulent foliage like flattened artichokes multiply in clusters. Easily grown. For rock gardens or walls. Evergreen. Must have good drainage. (Frame 2)
Solidago
Stachys	Sun-light shade, ground cover with large grey woolly leaves. Upright stalks of magenta flowers don't actually add to the plant & can well be cut off & dried for winter bouquets. Needs good drainage and average soil. At its best spilling into a path. 18". Blooms mid-June-August. (Frame 2)
Stokesia	Sun, light shade. 3-4" flowers on branched stems resemble refined China Asters. Moist, well-drained sandy loam. Wonderful cut flower.
Tradescantia	Sun, light shade. Strap-like dull green foliage. Clusters of bright 3-petalled flowers on hairy, erect stems. Best in constantly moist, average soil but do surprisingly well in impossible spots. Long-blooming. Good cut flower. Reseeds prolifically. Cut entire plant back severely after first blooming.
Tricyrtis	See Woodland Plants
Trollius	Semi-shade. Finely divided bronze-green leaves surround slender flower stems with solitary buttercup-like blossoms. Prefer damp, humusy soil. Good border plant and cut flower, lasting up to two weeks in water.
Verbascum
Veronica	Sun, light shade. Vivid flowers on many densely crowded spikes above narrow foliage. Best in well-drained, fertile soil.   Good cut flower and choice accent for the border or as a ground cover. Will repeat bloom if dead headed.

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