Question
I have an area of phlox (the groung cover variety)that is thinning and browning.  It is 10-15 years old.  Is it time to discard it and start fresh or can it be revived?  

Answer
Christine,
I know exactly what you mean.I have had to throw out old phlox from time to time. It is posible to revive it though for a few years if you trim it back all the way.This should be done now or in the fall. You should see new green foliage in early spring that will let you know that is indeed going to revitalize itself.It should bloom as usual.Also in spring right before bloom time feed it with a bloom booster like Miracle Gro. However it will continue to look bad as the summer season approaches. So that is why I recommend just throwing it out and get some fresh plants in early spring.