Alcea rosea 'Summer Carnival Rosy Pink' – Summer Carnival Rosy Pink Hollyhock- Tall biennial or short-lived perennial with bright pink pom-pom flowers in spring and summer
- Flowers the first year from seed
- Plant in rich, but well-drained soil
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Water regularly in dry weather; fertilize in spring
- May need to be staked to prevent flopping
- Collect or allow seeds to drop for next generation of plants
- Height: 4-6 feet; Width: 2 feet
- Hardy in USDA zones 3-9:
- Zone 3: Plant seeds or plants in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
- Zone 4: Plant seeds or plants in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
- Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
- Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.
- Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.
- Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.
- Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.
Paeonia 'Festiva Maxima' — Festiva Maxima Peony
- Deciduous perennial grown for its large, crisp white double flowers in spring
- Plant shallowly in moist, but-well drained soil
- Plant in full sun
- Prune back foliage after frost; fertilize and divide if needed in fall
- Height: 36-39 inches; Width: 36-39 inches
- Hardy in USDA zones 3-8:
- Zone 3: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears.
- Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears.
- Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt pull; back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
- Zone 6: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
- Zone 7: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
- Zone 8: Plant in spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring; may languish in this warm zone.
Zinnia elegans 'Profusion Cherry' — Profusion Cherry Zinnia
- Annual with cherry-red blooms from spring to fall
- Plant in moist, but-well drained soil
- Plant in full sun
- Fertilize monthly during growing season; water during dry periods
- Height: 12-18 inches; Width: 6-8 inches
- Annual in all zones
- All Zones: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; fertilize monthly; water when dry; remove plants at first frost or in fall when blooming diminishes.
Suggestions for older gardeners
- Small, easily managed areas
- Raised beds
- Large containers and window boxes
- Wide gates and doors
- Non-slip surfaces
- Vertical gardening
Tools developed especially for older gardeners
- Pistol grip tools with non-slip handles
- Long-handled tools
- Ergonomic hand tools - trowels, forks, cultivator
- Ergonomically angled handle keeps your hand and wrist in a natural position, preventing strain
- Some tools can be used with an arm support cuff, which allows the strength of the forearm to be used.
