By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

OWENSVILLE, Ohio — Just as motorists have felt the pinch at the pump, growers are feeling the crunch at the nurseries. And since prices for colorful annuals have skyrocketed in recent years, growers are turning to annuals to dot the landscape.

For this reason those at The Ohio State University extension office in Clermont County are expecting a huge gathering at their 15th annual Southwest Ohio Perennial Flower School.

“With the economic times we’re in, people are convinced that perennials are the way to go,” said Kay Wilmers, owner of The Flower Bed in Cincinnati and a presenter at this year’s school. “They may be difficult to tend with at the start, but in the long run they’re less effort.”

Wilmers is one of five speakers to address the perennial flower school, which will be held at the Clermont County Fairgrounds April 2. Wilmers’ topic is “Seed Starting: A Lesson in Patience.”

“Many growers believe that starting perennials from seed is the way to go, but people should realize that if you’re starting from seed there’s a lot of work involved and they require lots of patience. It’s a lot more intensive than just using seed and soil,” she said.
One simple drawback, Wilmers said, is not realizing the intangibles involved in planting from seed, such as proper heat, too much water and improper soil. In addition, many who start from seed have the goal of planting 12 plants, not realizing each package contains 1,200 seeds.

“It’s a real lesson in patience, and that’s what it takes,” Wilmers said.

Kristina Nicely, perennial expert from Berns Nursery in Warren County, backs up Wilmers on the economy driving growers towards perennials.

“As the economy has gotten worse, people are leaning towards vegetables that they can eat or perennials that will be back year after year,” Nicely said. “Rather than buy more geraniums, I’m seeing growers reach for shrubs and planting perennials instead. And, you’re not wasting as much water. Perennials don’t require as much water.”

Most would agree the major drawbacks are perennials are not as colorful as annuals, and their blooms don’t stay around as long.
“Annuals will flower more consistently all summer, usually with less maintenance,” she said. “Most will keep blooming without being dead-headed.

“But perennials are being developed that consistently bloom throughout the summer.”

According to Nicely, grasses are among the most sought-after perennials nowadays and they’re gaining in popularity with commercial and casual growers alike.

“Perennials will have a higher startup cost,” she said.

“But by the time you can put an annual out, you’ll find your perennial has grown quickly, so economically, this is the way to go.”
A variety of topics will be covered at this year’s Flower School. Rita Heikenfeld will explain how to grow and cook with culinary herbs and foods. Jerry Burton of Burton’s Bamboo Garden will talk about the versatility of bamboo. Pat Greeson of Natorp Company of Cincinnati will address alternative gardening with perennials, and Mark Jones will discuss beekeeping for the home gardener.

For more information contact the Clermont County extension office at 513-732-7070.