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Spring is coming...really!

As cold and rainy as March and April have been, I truly believe this is more "normal" a spring than we've been having in this area. As uncomfortable as it may be for all of us, it really is ideal for your perennial flowers, trees and shrubs.

If you've noticed the flowers are lasting much longer than when we are thrown into temperatures in the 80's and 90's. This steady rise in soil temps helps plants wake up gently rather than with a jolt (think how much better we feel waking up this way).

It is still a little early to plant annuals. There are some that enjoy the cooler temperatures - I feel safe planting pansies, alyssum, and snapdragons. As long as the soil is workable, it is quite alright to be planting perennials, shrubs, and trees. I do try to pick plants that are not in bloom - I want the energy to go into root production first. I am also tossing perennial flower seeds wherever I go!

It is a fine time to fertilize. All this rain is a great help to get your amendments working well into the soil. Your evergreens benefit from Hollytone. Your lilacs and lawn like lime. Plantone is an excellent fertilizer for your perennial, annual, and vegetable beds. These organic products breakdown slowly and generally only need to be applied once a year. Whenever you're in doubt of a plant's needs, ask the folks at the garden center.

I am happy to see my new grass is sprouting. There are a few tough spots on my hill with very compact soil or where the seed just washed away. I will get out once again to rework the soil and reseed.

I have to say, the few times the sun has actually come out to tease us, it sure did feel great!

4/27/00