Gardens And Verses: March Tips

“Blossom by blossom, spring begins.”

– Algernon Charles Swinburne

• Prune shrubs that form their flower buds on “new” wood (i.e. growth that will occur in the coming spring, such as butterfly bush, clematis, hydrangeas, potentilla, roses, and Rose of Sharon.)

• Get your soil tested and amend with compost as needed.

• Start watering trees, shrubs and perennials when it’s above 40 degrees.

• Aerate lawn.

• Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials, leaving 3-inch stubs.

• As you start your spring cleanup of flower beds, remember many insect eggs and larvae are still in the leaves and stalks. Help retain them for birds by piling leaves and stalks in a pile for another month or two.

• Transplant volunteer plants you wish to keep (or share with others!).

• Mid-month: Plant outdoor seeds for radishes, spinach, arugula, lettuce, leek and sorrel, as well as onion sets. Start indoors: sage, thyme, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

• Plant cold-hardy annuals: pansies, ornamental kale and marigolds.

This year’s Park Hill Garden Walk is set for June 9. To volunteer or suggest local gardens or artists that could be featured, please contact Patty Mead at prmead416@gmail.com or Carla Finch at carla.j.finch@gmail.com.