I have to say it. Spring IS my favorite season. Maybe when I was young it was because my birthday is in the Spring, but now, it represents awakening from Winter slumber, and a fresh start bringing new ideas to life.
I have always enjoyed being IN the garden, and in recent years found myself really enjoying planning and planting in the garden just as much. I grew up in a household where lots of time was spent gardening, and my parents slowly taught me what they knew along the way. We would go for drives at the local arboretum and point out different trees and plants, and go to our local greenhouse and pick out new annuals for our garden, and enjoy they sights and smells of so many different plants. I didn't know it at the time, but I was building a foundation of information that serves me everyday!
Last year, while cooped up in quarantine, I decided I needed to focus not just on where to get toilet paper and getting on another zoom call, but on something that brought me true joy. That is what inspired me to try to share my love of gardening with those that are seeking their own little piece of peace and tranquility.
It's been a really wonderful experience so far, and it has been such a pleasure to dream up beautiful planting plans for others. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do it! Thank you to everyone who I've worked with this year!
Since it IS Spring... here's a few of my To-Do's for the garden this April:
I know it's tempting, but your indoor tropical plants are not ready to go outside yet. It needs to stay over 50 degrees overnight to keep them happy. Be patient!
You are safe to clear out your planting beds now of leaves brush and begin to prep for summer planting. Just watch out for little sprouts and perennials peeking through!
Here in our zone (6) you will want to wait to direct sow seeds in the garden until the last frost date is passed (this is generally around the 2nd week of May).
If you have started seeds indoors, at the end of this month and beginning of May, you can begin to take them outside to get used to the weather and wind. This is called "hardening off" before planting.
Your Spring flowering bulbs are likely wrapping up for the year. Don't cut the foliage on them or pin it down. Leave it and let it wilt and brown naturally. They need to power up for more blooms next year and they need their leaves to do it!
Speaking of those bulbs, try to make note of what and where they are in your garden so you can begin to plan for adding more in October. Think about what looked sparse and might need to be added to, those that might need be moved, or new varieties you could add. Many companies are already taking orders for fall deliveries!
Once your Spring flowering trees are finished blooming, you can consider pruning them as needed.
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