Deadhead Early-Blooming Flowers
Removing spent blooms—like those on peonies (Paeonia lactiflora, native to Asia, non-invasive) and poppies (Papaver spp., native to Eurasia, often self-seeding but not aggressive)—directs energy into new bud formation instead of seed production. I used to let my poppies go to seed and ended up with a forest of volunteers! Now I deadhead weekly and enjoy tidier beds and more successive blossoms.
Deadheading also reduces hiding places for slugs and earwigs that can munch on tender shoots. Tidier plants breathe easier, too, lowering the risk of powdery mildew in humid weather.