Written by John Katterjohn
This is the year of lost seasons, we might as well throw away the calendars and daily planners because they are not timely concerning garden tasks. So, now that Spring has exploded in all its glory we are faced with the game of catch up in spring landscape cleanup.
By this time, any of the perennials or ornamental grasses that were not cut down last fall or winter should be cut down immediately. Some of those plants that are cool weather lovers have already pushed new growth. So, the task of foliage removal will be quite tedious with them. We really don’t want to cut off new growth. Sometimes, if the old foliage is somewhat rotted, we are able to simply pull off the dead leaves with our hands. Otherwise, sharp pruners or hedge shears can be used. Take your time and do a nice job. For large plantings of robust grasses a string trimmer can make short work of a big job.
Bed cleanup will be a little tricky as well as the deadheading. Leaves, sticks, and other debris must be removed before mulching begins. Clean out the debris and pull weeds that have bolted do to the extremely warm weather and recent rain. “Tiptoe through the tulips” is the catch phrase for this year’s spring work.
Part of Spring cleanup can also incorporate some pruning. Shrubs such as the later blooming spiraeas can be cut back severely. Remove one third of all the canes at ground level and reduce the height of the remaining ones to about one foot. This will create a vigorous new shrub with great blooming potential this summer. Don’t prune early blooming shrubs, such as viburnums, until after they bloom. Prune them immediately after blooming if you want to reduce their size or thin them out. Don’t prune again later in the summer because you will remove next year’s flower buds.
After deadheading, pruning, weeding, and general bed cleanup, edging and mulching can be accomplished. Application of an organic fertilizer prior to mulching will be quite beneficial.
This year Spring work will be a little slower than normal due to the rapid growth we are witnessing. At least it will be quite pleasant to be in the garden due to the vast amount of flowers and the early arrival of songbirds. Our friends, the wasps and bees, are out early also, watch out for them. They are great pollinators, so just avoid them, don’t kill them. One other hazard is intense this Spring. Allergic reactions to the immense amount of pollen everywhere are quite intense. For those of us who suffer it is quite challenging. Happy gardening and give Mark M. Holeman, Inc. a call if you have questions or if we can help.