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A.  If you haven’t done it already, prune your salivas and other woody ornamentals. Shear new growth on emerging perennials to keep them fluffy and promote good flowering. Late May is another good time to clip them back, as well as in late August. It’s hard sometimes to cut them when they’re already flowering, but the new growth will be worth it in a few weeks.

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Purple coneflower (Echinacea)

Purple coneflower is a great choice for multi-purpose beauty in the flower garden. The blooms come in shades of purple/lavender with white forms also available. These dependable perennials are beautiful planted in masses where they attract several species of butterflies. They also make great cut flowers. Plant in a sun to bright shade location in well-drained soil mixed with compost. It does best with moderate soil moisture. Purple coneflower has even found its way into the medicine cabinet as the herb Echinacea used to stimulate the immune system and increase resistance to infections.

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• Plant warm season vegetables like peppers and tomatoes.
• It’s a great time to plant petunias and other warm weather annuals.
• Mark your calendar for next weekend: Turf Tune Up clinic on Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road. Some of the best turf specialists in Austin will be on hand to help you solve your turf problems and how to grow a healthy, beautiful lawn.
• Sign up now for the fall Master Gardener Class - Call (512) 854-9600, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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