Got Spring Fever?

We know it's been a long winter.  You're anxious to get digging, buying and planting.  But wait a minute.  Before you make a mad dash to your local garden center here are a few things to consider first.

 

  • Prune any existing dormant trees. Open the canopy up - it will aid air circulation for the tree and add sunlight below it so you can plant even more.

  • Amend all plant beds with a minimum 2" layer of compost or triple mix. Your plants will reward you for it.

  • Fertilize your trees and shrubs. Scratch in a fertilizer around the base of plants. When it rains or you water your garden it will thank you with big beautiful blooms and green growth.

  • Aerate your lawn, dethatch, fertilize and topdress to fill in depressed areas of your lawn. Then overseed to keep weeds from taking hold. A thick lush lawn is the goal.

  • Prune spring flowering shrubs AFTER blooming.

  • Prune summer flowering shrubs now before they set flower buds. Remove all dead and diseased branches.

  • Uncover your roses and fertilize when new growth reaches 2" long.

  • Clean up perennials and trim ornamental grasses.

  • Divide perennials, transplant into new areas and plant new where needed.

  • Fertilize spring bulbs.

  • Plant new herbs and vegetables after the fear of frost is gone.

  • Sanitize your containers and tools.

  • Add supportive peony rings to all your top heavy peonies and hydrangeas.

  • Open up your irrigation systems and check all is working well.

  • Tool tune up time - clean, sharpen and oil tools.

Finally try something new!  The colour of the year is Purple for 2018.  Purple is a colour many design clients ask for.  It's happy to mingle with every plant choice you pair it with.

So there you have it - a lot to do before the fun part - shopping!!! 

Cleaning, preparing and arranging done ahead of time will ensure your garden thrives this season.

Happy planting my friends!

Cheers Kim