Even for the most avid gardeners, keeping flowers alive can be a challenge. One Reddit user took to the r/landscaping subreddit to ask what was going on with the coneflowers.
After attaching three photos of a coneflower with dead leaves and surrounded by hardscape, the poster asked: “Too much water? Not enough? Too much sun? I'm very concerned. Any advice would be appreciated.”
Photo credit: Reddit
But maybe the problem isn't a typical gardening quandary after all.
Hardscaping can make your yard look attractive, but according to the City of Round Rock, Texas, rocks can reach temperatures of 140-170 degrees Fahrenheit in the heat of summer. Wood chips and bark, on the other hand, only reach temperatures of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit — far too hot for plants to survive.
Similarly, irrigation is one of the most challenging aspects of gardening: According to Harris Seed, most people overwater their gardens by 30% to 300%, causing low oxygen levels and damaging roots.
It's best to remove hardscapes and create gardens with native species. Plants that are already adapted to the local climate are essential for increasing biodiversity. Experts say the U.S. is losing 150 million acres of natural habitat and farmland to urban sprawl.
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best news, eco-friendly hacks, and the latest in cool clean tech delivered straight to your inbox every week.
Native plants also attract pollinators, which contribute greatly to healthy plant growth: About one-third of our food comes from pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies.
Plus, planting native plants can save you $225 a year on your water bill because they require less irrigation and maintenance than non-native plants.
I think the original poster could have done better by planting native flowers instead, or doing something like xeriscaping.
Reddit users were quick to weigh in on what to do, with some commenting about removing rocks and advising to “leave a two-foot radius” around drip irrigation lines.
“Water thoroughly, but not too much, and at the right time,” they added. According to the Almanac, gardeners are best off watering in the early morning or in the evening when the sun has set.
Another Reddit user commented that the coneflowers could be infected with Aster Yellows or Cornflower Rosette Mite, writing, “Both of these can be caused by the plant being stressed by rocks or lack of water. If you need to repot, choose a plant that likes hotter, drier conditions.”
Sign up for our free newsletter for easy tips on how to save more, waste less and help yourself while helping the planet.
