Question: How should I water my perennials? I’m afraid to irrigate from overhead.

Answer: Drip irrigation works best, although you’ll need to position the drippers near the crowns of your plants to be certain they’re getting adequate water. Gentle overhead irrigation sprays aren’t bad, especially if the watering is done just before dawn, before the flowers open in the morning. Avoid impulse sprinklers, however, that could blast the blooms apart. If diseases begin to show up in the flowers and buds, discontinue overhead irrigation.