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Last Updated: Jul 10, 2008 - 12:32:05 PM |
Though the daffodils in the yard across from us have been blooming for a good while, spring waited to arrive in ours until we returned from a trip to San Antonio we took around the first part of March: whereas the flowering clumps of Iris reticulata, a petite bulbous iris, and daffodils have brought life to the winter-dormant garden, looking lovely as ever now are the almond and apricot trees that covered with delicately scented flowers.
With little doubt, spring is a time to rejoice, the season that culminates the cold, wintry days; while the days still are on a chilly side, birds are chirping merrily looking for potential nesting sites, the longer days being their cue to do so, not to mention the stubborn robins tirelessly banging against the window panes. In fact, as I am preparing this column, it is a picture-perfect day for this time of the year and, it if weren’t for the column deadline I have to meet, I would be outside, working in the yard or just piddling around!
Anyhow, before we catch the spring fever and head off to the nearest garden center with the intent of buying flats of annual or vegetable plants, let’s not forget that the average last frost date in our area is around April the 15th; grown too early, such tender plants show poor or stunted growth, if they survive the late winter frosts at all. Therefore, rather than rushing into activities that are better done when the time is right, here are some suggestions that might help overcome the “gardeners’ itch”:
• Unless already done, remove dried leaves or debris around perennials, taking care not to injure the crown; also, to give the new growth a boost, apply a slow-release fertilizer such as Plant-tone.
• Get ready to stake the peonies when the shoots are just a few inches tall.
• Divide crowded fall-flowering perennials such sedums to plant elsewhere in the garden or share with fellow gardeners; most would appreciate the friendly gesture.
• Get a jump-start on weed control by tackling them manually; aside from being a good physical activity, a feeling of accomplishment comes with doing such chores. Weeds can also be pre-empted by applying products such as “Preen,” which, during the course of time, helps reduce the weed population.
• Plant summer-flowering bulbs once the danger of frost is over.
• Chesterfield Extension Office is offering free classes on a variety of subjects that are sure to benefit a novice as well as a savvy gardener; call the office at 751-4401 to register or get more information.
• If being adventurous is your game, order some unusual seeds or bulbs through the mail-order catalogs; it’s always fun to try something new or exciting each year.
• Finally, do take the time, while the pressure of yard work is still on the light side, to soak up the rays of the soothing spring sun!
gitaagrawal@juno.com
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