Question
HI, I love growing flowers but they don't look as good as I would like. I think it's the soil.  Today, I put humus around all the perennial plants that are a couple of years old.  I dug it in for about 6 inches.  Will this help in any way?  The soil was ameneded years ago when I planted the plants, but they seem to need more.  I do fertilize once a week or maybe 2x a month.  Was the humus a waste of time. I kind of thought it would leach into the soil?

Answer
Hi Lauren, Any organic matter incorporated into the soil is good.  Be careful not to over improve it.  If you have clay, too much organic material may hold too much water for some plants.  General rule is about 1/3 soil amendment, 2/3 your soil.  Do not add it to the soil surface, mix it in.  You do not want the roots too deep.  An inch of coarse mulch on top is ok.
I'm a little concerned about how often you are fertilizing.  Many fertilizers lower your pH.  If it gets too low, many nutrients become locked up in forms unavailable to the plant. The more you fertilize, the worse it gets.  Have your pH tested to make sure it's in line for what you want to grow.  
Use a good quality fertilizer.  Your local nurseryman can help you pick one that is tailored to what you are growing and he'll probably test your pH for you.  When you take him a soil sample, take a sample or pictures of the plants you are concerned about.  The soil and/or the sample may give him some clues as to what is going on. Jim