Astrantia and Astilbe are two stunning perennial plants that can bring beauty and elegance to any garden. Planting them in bare root form is a cost-effective and efficient way to establish these plants in your garden. In this blog post, we will explore how to plant astrantia and astilbe in bare root form and how these plants can enhance your garden and be used as cut flowers for your home. Planting Astrantia and Astilbe in Bare Root Form: When planting astrantia and astilbe in bare root form, choosing a location that provides the right conditions for these plants to thrive is essential. Both astrantia and astilbe prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Before planting, soak the bare roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them. Dig a hole slightly larger than the bare root and plant it at the same depth it grew in the nursery. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots—Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Enhancing Your Garden: Astrantia and astilbe can add a touch of elegance and color to your garden. Astrantia, also known as masterwort, produces delicate, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them valuable to any garden. Astilbe, on the other hand, is known for its feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. These flowers bloom in the summer, creating a beautiful display in shady areas of the garden. Both astrantia and astilbe are low-maintenance plants that can thrive for many years with proper care. Cut Flowers for Your Home: In addition to enhancing your garden, astrantia and astilbe can be used as cut flowers to brighten your home. Cut the flowers early in the morning when fully hydrated and place them in a vase with fresh water. Change the water every few days to prolong the life of the flowers. Astrantia and Astilbe make beautiful additions to floral arrangements and bouquets, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any room. Their long-lasting blooms and unique textures make them popular for professional florists and home gardeners. In conclusion, planting astrantia and astilbe in bare root form can bring beauty and elegance to your garden while providing stunning-cut flowers for your home. Consider adding these versatile plants to your garden and enjoy their beauty year after year. Bridget C. Wilson Bridget Wilson Flowers

Dear Gardening Enthusiasts, Below is a step-by-step guide to planting our beautiful collection of bare-root Dicentra. We are so excited to offer these wonderful varieties. I grow every single one in my garden and love them all. I especially love the "Alba" as it is all white. They are gorgeous in a shade garden as well and used for filler in an arrangement. I hope you enjoy them as they grow! 1. Soak the Bare Roots: Before planting, soak the bare roots of your Dicentra in water for a few hours. This will help rehydrate and prepare them for planting. 2. Choose the Right Location: Select a location in your garden that receives partial shade to full shade. Dicentra thrives in cool, moist conditions, so avoid areas with excessive heat or direct sunlight. 3. Prepare the Soil: Ensure that the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and moisture retention. 4. Dig the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the spread of the Dicentra roots. Make sure the hole is large enough to comfortably fit the roots without bending or crowding. 5. Place the Bare Roots: Gently position the bare roots of the Dicentra in the planting hole, spreading them out evenly. Ensure that the crown (where the stems meet the roots) is level with the soil surface. 6. Backfill and Water: Carefully backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the area thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide initial moisture. 7. Mulch and Watering: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Water the Dicentra regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. 8. Maintenance: Remove any dead or faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Keep an eye on soil moisture levels and water as needed, especially during dry periods. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful planting of bare root Dicentra or Bleeding Hearts and enjoy their beautiful blooms in your garden. Happy gardening! Bridget C. Wilson Bridget Wilson Flowers

Dear Gardening Enthusiasts, We are thrilled to introduce our new collection of bare-root clematis. These clematis are unique but will bring natural beauty to any garden. Our clematis are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. They are delivered in their natural state, bare-root, which means you can observe their growth from the beginning. Caring for your bare root clematis: Begin by selecting the variety you like. They are all gorgeous, so you can’t go wrong. Upon receiving your bare root clematis, carefully unpack them and soak the roots in water for about an hour before planting. Plant your clematis after the frost has passed. April - June or August - October. Find a spot in your garden with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Clematis prefer moist, well-drained soil with the base of the plant in the shade and the growth in the sunlight. Dig a hole twice the size of the root, slightly more profound than the roots, and add a layer of fertilizer at the bottom. I use bonemeal. Place the clematis in the prepared hole, ensuring that the crown (where the stems meet the roots) is level with or slightly below the soil surface. Gently spread out the roots in all directions. They cover the roots with soil. Firm up the soil to ensure the soil is in good contact with the roots. Water thoroughly throughout the growing season, but don’t fertilize while the clematis is flowering. It can shorten the clematis’s bloom time. Water deeply once a week rather than a little every day. As they grow, support the clematis with a trellis or plant support system to help them climb up and flourish. When planting next to a wall or fence, make sure to plant your clematis about 12-18 inches away from the fence or wall. Prune your clematis according to its pruning group. See more information online under product information. Fertilize your clematis in the late winter or early spring. You will want to get a slow-release, potassium-heavy fertilizer. You can add mulch around the base of the plant to keep it moist. Deadheading some clematis will help keep them blooming, but some will only flower once. See information on which pruning group your clematis is. If growing your clematis in a container, ensure it is at least 1.5 feet wide with the same depth. This will allow space for good root growth. Ensure you have support for the clematis, or it will fall over. Make sure to water regularly. Following these simple instructions, you can plant your clematis and enjoy a beautiful array of blooms in your garden. Remember to choose the suitable variety, provide the ideal growing conditions, and give proper support and care. With patience and attention, your clematis will reward you with a stunning display of color and beauty.