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Late Winter / Early Spring
Tip 1
February and March do not have to be colorless. Lenten Roses, Flowering Quince, Deciduous Magnolias, certain Viburnums, Winter Honeysuckle and Jasmine, Okame Cherries, Camellias and early bulbs can brighten the landscape during these often dreary months.
Tip 2
By early March, cut back your Liriope (Monkey Grass) to the ground if it has any winter-damaged leaves. Trim back non-evergreen ornamental grasses.
Tip 3
Late February/early March is a good time to prune back rose bushes. Call us to learn how far to cut them back, depending on the types of roses you have.
Tip 4
March is a good time to fertilize shrubs and perennials, but wait until after they flower to feed and, if needed, prune Azaleas and Rhodendrons.
Tip 5
Do not cut back the foliage of spring-flowering bulbs until it yellows later in spring. However, the bulbs would appreciate a little fertilizer after they bloom.
Tip 6
Feed your lawn with a slow-release or organic fertilizer. You can combine these with pre-emergent herbicides. Add lime if it is needed. Remember that in our area, spring is for feeding and weed control; Fall is for seeding your yard.
Tip 7
If you did not cut back old leaves and stalks of perennials, in the fall, do it now.
Tip 8
Treat Boxwoods for leaf-miners three times in March. Check Azaleas for lacebug damage. Several applications of a pesticide may be necessary. Choose from chemical or organic controls.
Spring / Early Summer
Tip 1
By mid-April, we are usually safe from frost, meaning you can plant annuals in the landscapes, containers or hanging baskets.
Tip 2
Later in April, plant warm-weather vegetables such as Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Squash, etc. The soil must be warm for these plants to perform well. Plant Basil at the same time for the same reason. On the other hand, herbs such as Dill and Cilantro like cool weather, so get them in earlier and plant successive crops.
Tip 3
Try some Heirloom Tomatoes this year. Garden Secrets will carry several varieties in gallon containers that are ready and well-developed for planting.
Tip 4
When plant shopping, choose the right plant for the right site. Eventual size at maturity is important. Remember that groundcovers, some perennials and even shrubs are meant to run around--and they will! There are scores of great plants for both hot, dry areas and shady, moist areas. Let us help you choose the right garden companions.
Tip 5
Before you pick up those pruning shears, pause for a moment to be sure you are pruning the right shrub at the right time. If your timing is off, you could lose a year's bloom time or end up with an unattractive specimen. Remember: Crape Myrtles suffer from Crape Murder because of poor pruning. Call us for tips.
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