Gardening Tips

Winter's Damage

Writing the spring newsletter is a bit crazy. What should I address first? As I head out with hope into our gardens looking for bulbs and perennials popping up, the first thing that I see is winters damage.

This past winter was so strange. Mild weather past Christmas fooled me into thinking it was fine to skip spraying the anti desiccant on my evergreens. Well, the late winter cold and winds did the damage. Some things are “burnt”. The hollies look especially offended! Later, I’ll trim back the browned leaves and look for signs of recovery.

Now is the time to tidy up your perennial beds. Remove the leaf covering around the bases of the roses, and hydrangeas. Clear away and discard last year’s blooms. Cut back those grasses if you haven’t yet done so. Scratch in some fertilizer and compost if you have it. Get down some weed inhibitor. I use Preen. Just remember you have to weed first and then apply it.

Planning and Prioritize

Prioritize your projects. Then sit down and try to get real with you can actually get done yourself. Call the professionals in to evaluate your projects. We’ll happily share the workload with you!

I love to see a homeowner fall in love with their gardens. It happens when you, the homeowner are doing some of the fun stuff and seeing the fruits of your labors!

Back to spring work. Caution! Sometimes it’s just too wet to work in the garden. Pick up a handful of garden soil and squeeze it. If it makes a ball, it’s too wet. It should crumble through your fingers.

If you can’t work in the garden take a stroll through a nursery and get inspired. Rainy days are great for a nursery visit!

See you in the garden.
— Patricia Ohlund