To deadhead or not to deadhead…that is the question. ‘Tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows…Oh wait, I’m writing a gardening article not a high school English report!
Throughout time, no matter what topic you are discussing you will encounter the reasoning,
“We’ve always done it this way.” No ecological reasoning, just habit.
As I’ve traveled the world I’ve heard the same mentality and thoughts, “Because that’s what we do” and the practice varies from country to country and region to region.
So, why deadhead? Generally the practice is meant to prolong pretty flowers for us to enjoy a longer showing in our garden. Is there a sound ecological reason to cut or to leave intact?
In 1870 a famous British gardener published a book upending the “We’ve always done it this way” approach to gardening. William Robinson envisioned an authentically naturalistic approach to gardening that is more vital today than ever before. Robinson advocated for the use of hardy, locally adapted native plants that were better suited to local growing conditions. And boy did he suffer the slings and arrows of criticism. People rarely embrace change.
The American author Douglas W. Tallamy in his book Bringing Nature Home again advocates for the use of native plants in our gardens. But, back to the question of deadheading. The practice is oriented toward an aesthetic of beautiful flowers . Let’s consider another level of “why” before we resort to habit.
The spent flowers produce seeds which the birds enjoy, the dead flower stalks provide habitat for nesting critters, which also pollinate flowers and feed the birds. Additionally, the dry foliage provides habitat for our neighbors that share their gardens with us.
So when you get ready to “tidy up the garden” please think about why you are doing it and what benefit it gives to the world trying to survive in our backyards.
Having said all of that, this year because of the extreme heat, I deadheaded due to the risk of fire. Further away from the wooden decking, nature still rules.
Janice Denney is an I.V. Garden Club board member and associate director for the I.V. Soil and Water Conservation District.