There is an old expression that goes like this: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I would add that when Mother Nature give us incessant rainfall and unseasonably low temperatures, we should plant more bog or moisture-loving plants. At least the plants will be happy, even if we aren’t.
This historic weather pattern we have been experiencing (only 6 HOURS of 70-degree temperatures through the end of May and limited sunshine) has had some interesting effects on the plants in our landscapes. The lack of bright light, along with ample moisture has caused plants to put on an inordinate amount of growth. Known as “internodal elongation”, it is this stretching out and reaching for the light that has resulted in humongous Hostas, fluffy Ferns, gorgeous grasses, irresistible Irises, lovely Ligularias, and prize-winning Peonies. I think you get the idea. Many of my perennials are absolutely voluptuous.
While this excessive growth may seem like a real bonus, it comes with some drawbacks. Plants that grow too fast can get leggy and flop over in windy or rainy conditions - the stems simply don’t have the strength to support themselves. This can also happen when too much nitrogen fertilizer is applied, resulting in “lodging”, a frustrating problem for farmers growing grains like wheat or rice. In our landscapes, being proactive by getting tall growing perennials (like Foxglove and Delphiniums) staked up before they fall over can pay huge dividends. Also, plants that have heavy flowers, like Peonies, will benefit from some kind of staking system, either grow-through rings or bamboo and string “corrals” that will hold them up.
As for shrubs that grow fast and furious in this kind of weather, another problem often arises. Because all that new growth is soft and succulent and full of sugars, it is a total magnet for aphids, and before you know it, your plant will be covered with these little buggers to the point that all that new growth will become twisted and contorted and even discolored. You have two options to correct this situation. If you spot it soon enough, you can hose off the bugs or apply an insecticide before there is too much deformation. If, on the other hand, you have been slacking and not visiting your garden on a regular basis, then mostly likely the only option for you will be to shear off all that new growth and let the shrub start over again. I have seen this happen over and over again on the common Snowball Bush, Viburnum opulus. Usually, by the time your shrub has re-leafed, the new growth is not so tasty and the aphids have moved onto something else in the garden.
Getting back to moisture-loving plants, there is a surprising variety of shrubs, trees, and perennials that will tolerate and even thrive in excessively wet soils. Common perennials like Hosta, Ligularia, Astilbe, and even Day Lilies are quite tolerant of wet soils. A quick search of the internet should give you lots of options. Shrubs like Clethra, Twig Dogwoods, and of course Willows, will all do just fine in wet soils. And if you really want to go to the edge of craziness, create an actual bog with pond liner and a very peaty soil and plant carnivorous Pitcher Plants, Sundews, and Venus Fly Traps. I guarantee it will become the focal point of your garden, or at least a conversation piece.
For now, enjoy all this exuberant growth while the cold and wet continues, but plan on making some adjustments once the sun decides to shine, for we all know this can’t last forever. Stay safe and keep on gardening.
