I second the motion to cut- but "score" the rhizome, almost halfway through, don't cut all the way through. I choose a spot back a ways from the new lead growth, between p'bulbs, and just in front of a healthy, vigorous looking "eye." You can score just once, or in multiple places. I would first try one score, and see if it yields the desired results; that is the score "inspires" the dormant "eye" to burst forth into growth! This is the same as cutting back nearly any plant. (All to do with hormone feedback, which we don't have to get into here -gosh where's my textbook?) and, if it makes you feel better, you can use cinnamon, or another anti-microbial, anti-fungal product to dust the wound. You can use a razor blade, but I admit, I've even used my husband's fine woodworking saws for extra tough plants. Also, I've noticed that dormant eyes can be encouraged to grow by peeling back the dead covering on them if they have it - as on Catts. The increased light encourages growth. Good luck and happy growing Maryanne in WMass

Definitely right at the water, which if it splashes up there during winter storms is liable to kill part - maybe a lot - of the planting. I also wonder about washing out of some of the mulch and soil. It all depends on how much salt water - or salt spray - ever reaches the beds. That includes less usual years, with more adverse conditions than normal - those are the ones that will matter, over the life of the planting. What to expect will be indicated by looking up and down the shoreline to see what, if anything is growing that close to the water on other lots. I guess you did say it was weedy before it was cleared and planted. But did the ivy etc. extend all the way down to where the first, smaller bed is now?

Hello. I am a beginner gardener, who has been learning the hard way. My home is .22km from the sea (.15km from the beach)in Central Italy. I have a roof deck and have begun to plant in containers. The problem is the wind brings sands from the beach onto my terrace. I had purchased a Jasmine Official, which became scorched from the sea alt carried in the wind. My lemon tree and my herbs (rosemary, lavender, tarragon, parsley) are all growing well. I am wondering what plants I can grow which will not become scorched by the sea salt. I would like to plant a few varieties of Roses to climb a lattice fence at the side of the terrace. I am looking for a Climbing or Rambling Rose which is resistant to sea salt scorching. Any suggestions? If you have any advice on the Rose, I would greatly appreciate it,as well any other suggested plants (Jasmine, Bougainvillea, etc.) for growing near the seaside. Thank You.

Nicholsworth thank you. The phlox appear to be in a straight line. It must just be the angle of the shot. They have since been thinned out. Maz thank you! I wish I had a better pic of the whole bed, as there are many more. That area took a hit last winter..losing many coreopsis :( which I replaced. I fear a repeat with this crazy winter we are having! The Veronica above (in August) is actually their second bloom. Here is a partial pic of their first bloom (in June) before the coreopsis fill in....