Question
I have several columbines in my garden and they are done blooming now.  I've harvested the seeds I wanted. Can I cut the plants back now or should I leave them to go all brown?  I am in the Rochester NY ares.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Mary Grace,
Thanx for your question.  Don't cut the leaves of the columbine back.  Like many plants, while the delicate leaves are still green, they are collecting energy from the sun which is stored in the roots for next year's bloom and growth.  In the fall you can clean them up.  I hope this helps.
Tom