PansiesPansies are very easy to grow, plant and care for. I think it is one of natures greatest under-appreciated flowers. Not only are they beautiful and fragrant, there is a warm feeling that takes you back in time. This was one of my mother's favorite flowers. The thing about shade gardening is the many flowers requiring sun to bloom which will do fine before and after the leaves come and go. These need sun to flower so when the leaves fall it's time for planting. You can grow them from seed if you desirer or purchase them from your garden center. Once in the ground or your favorite container they will require a fair amount of water, perhaps twice a week. This is a great time to buy a soaker hose, unless you are like me and like to see each and every plant in the garden when watering. Mulching will keep the moisture in and lesson the need to water. Feed the soil with compost and plenty of organic matter and you can forget about commercial fertilizers. These are hardy plants. They can take the cool weather but not the heat. When it gets too cold they'll go into hibernation for a short while and one day you'll see their little faces smiling back at you. Deadhead the spent flowers to promote new ones. Here in zone seven I've seen these little faces do great through June in partial shade. Don't worry -- they are not bothered too much by disease or insects. Keep your plants healthy and avoid problems. Have fun!
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