Pansies and Cannas: How to Keep Your Plants Happy in Warm Weather

Pansies that were planted last fall look a bit weak after the recent warm spell. The first step is to move them out of direct sun. A spot that gets north or northeast light, or shade under a tree, will protect them from the heat. If you can shift the pots to a cooler area, trim some of the old leaves. This will encourage new growth and make the plants look stronger. Pansies thrive in cool conditions, so as temperatures rise they may still struggle. Transplanting them to a shaded spot near a pine tree worked well for many growers during summer, then moving them back into sun for winter. Act quickly if you have space to move the plants, and good luck.Cannas love sunshine but can burn in intense heat. A southeast garden bed that gets morning sun and afternoon shade from a wall can work, but you must keep the soil moist. Water more during blooming and trim finished flowers to prevent stress. Planting too early can expose the tubers to cold; wait until after the last frost, around mid‑May. Add compost to the soil before planting; it keeps the bed loose and supplies nutrients. The city will collect green waste from May 4 to May 15. On your regular trash day, bag leaves and clippings so they can be taken away cleanly. More details will follow next week, but start preparing now.