Second day of spring and a walk through the garden. The pussy willows are in full bloom. Snowdrops (galanthus) are also in bloom. In some places they are pushing up through the snow. This is a good time to look for your micro-climates. Where it melts first are your warm areas. Snow is a very good insulator. Daffodils are all up and still pale from the snow cover. A few warm days and they will be on their way. Hellebores are lying close to the ground but they are all in flower. Now is the time to cut off old foliage so they can show to the best advantage. Cut the foliage on the epimediums and ferns. The ornamental grass, because it was surrounded by snow, I burn (otherwise it should be cut back to the ground). Shrub roses can be cut back now, also. Hydrangeas, as much as I read about them I’m never sure how to prune. I take one or two shoots out from the base and it seems to work. All plants should be tagged. In that way, you will know whether they bloom on old or new wood.
Part of my problem is the trees have matured, along with me, and I have more shade than I need or want. I have winter aconite (eranthis hyemalls) in flower also; but strangely enough not where I planted them. Maybe the ants carried their seeds away. If conditions are right, they will grow. I know that is how hardy cyclamens move around.
The grass looks ratty, as it does every year at this time. A few warm days and it will be in good condition. I fertilize every year in October or November. An organic fertilizer (Milorganite) works well for me. Cut the grass high and leave the clippings on.
Every day from now on is a surprise. I use a lot of wild flowers. They are ephemerals, but after a long winter they are the first ones up and a promise of things to come. Uvalarias, Shooting Stars, and Oomphalodes are next, then Imperialis. In a short time, they all disappear along with Dog Tooth violets (erythroniums). But gosh they are worth it!! All this and it’s only mid-March.
Thomas Jefferson said, “I’m an old man but a young gardener.” Every Spring is a new birth and a promise of things still to come. A garden will keep you young.
Evergreens took a beating from the wet snow but they can be pulled back into shape with twine. Give the lawn a few more days and it will dry out and can be raked. Remember, don’t try to work we soil! Another season-another reason. Happy planting!!
