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SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL
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Life’s a Garden, Dig It Steak & Ribs & a Baked Potato Bar
Rah, Rah, all for $ 10 95

Rudbeckia

BEST OF By Larry Newman
t’s the middle of August
and many varieties of
Iperennials have finished
blooming for the year. One
species in our area, however,
is still forming flowers.
Rudbeckia hirta, commonly
known as Black-Eyed Susan
or Gloriosa daisy, is thriving
in home landscapes. Let’s
explore this landscape
workhorse further.
The Black-Eyed ALSO ON THE MENU - KING’S KORNER FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN
Susan is one of four native
Rudbeckias to Virginia, sunflowers, prove it. The Chesterfield Friday Night is Seafood Bar Night with all you can eat fried
although many cultivars have been County Fair and the State Fair of Virginia oysters, spiced shrimp, fried shrimp and baked and fried fish.
developed. It thrives in full sun (more both have open competitions to see just
than six hours of direct sun), tolerates who the garden guru is. Information can
heat and dry periods well, and does not be found at http://chesterfieldcountyfair. King’s Korner
require rich garden soil. In other words, org/arts-and-crafts-information/ or
this plant will thrive in more situations http://statefairva.org/Competitions_
than it will not. Education/2016_General_Competition_
The Black-Eyed Susan is an upright, Guides.aspx. 7511 Airfield Drive, Richmond 23237 (In the Chesterfield Co. Airport) 743-9333
sturdy plant growing between two Catering: 271-0033 | www.kingskornercatering.com
and four feet tall without any staking Buffet from Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is $8.50 per person. Friday and Saturday dinner buffet from
requirements. Although considered a Follow me on twitter@vngardener 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is $10.95 per person. Drinks are $1.99. Sunday Brunch from 10-:30-2:30 is $9.95
short lived perennial, it spreads naturally
by self-sowing seeds. The Blacked-Eyed
Susan attracts bees, butterflies, and birds,
making it an excellent addition for any
gardener trying to attract pollinators and Alzheimer’s
other wildlife. Blooming time is between
June and late September, with 10 to 12
simultaneous bright yellow flowers being Specialty Center
very common.
Plant three to five plants spaced 12
inches to provide interest in a specific
area or plant in drifts for a more dramatic
look. A drift is a long shaped planting of
more than five plants where a repeating
color or texture is achieved. Many
experts suggest dividing the plant every
three to five years. I transplant singular
plants in order to enlarge my Rudbeckia
group in the spring. My experience with
transplanting them after stem and bloom
development will require watering every
day for two to three weeks.
Deadhead spent blooms to reduce
self-sowing. Leaving the spent flower Demential Connection - Preparing the Family
as is will provide seeds to birds such as
goldfinches. The Black-Eyed Susan is presented by the Alzheimer’s Association
moderately deer and rabbit resistant and
th
can be susceptible to mildew. Allow the Wednesday, September 25 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
plant to have air circulation and avoid
watering at night so leaves can dry
quickly for mildew prevention. Read my Sunflower Gardens cutting-edge Alzheimer’s Specialty Center
column from June 23, 2016, concerning
repelling deer. is designed with neighborhoods around a town center – giving residents with
Whether it is a border or a drift, a Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia the chance to live normal lives.
bee or a butterfly, sandy soil or clay soil,
everyone is a winner when it comes to “Come take a walk through town with us”
Rudbeckia hirta. Rah! Rah!
Attention gardeners: Fair season is Reservations and Deposits are now being taken
soon upon us. If you think you grow 5305 Plaza Drive Prince George, VA 23860 804-452-5000
terrific tomatoes or have spectacular
www.sunflower-gardens.com

news@villagenewsonline.com AUGUST 23, 2017 05