I look out the window gazing upon the barren winter landscape. I miss the vibrant green leaves on my fragrant viburnums. I miss the beautiful red flowers on my roses. I even miss watching the bees in search of nectar dancing from one pesky dandelion to the next. Most of all I miss the sun and spending my evenings cultivating a new season’s garden. I feel safe to say I have succumbed to the winter blues.
It happens to me this time every year. I survive through January and February only to be teased by March. We have a nice day here, a nice day there, and all the middle filled with what seems like more never ending winter. I stop at a local garden store dreaming of a sea of color, annuals and perennials as far as the eye can see, only to find out their nursery stock is only still beginning to arrive. What am I to do? I am ready to make my way out into the landscape but it appears winter is still here!
Have no fear, I have found the answer. These occasional beautiful March days aren’t to be wasted; they are the perfect opportunity to prepare your landscape for spring. Over the years I have developed a few ways to help “scratch” that itch from spring fever:
Pruning your shrubs and trees during dormancy are much appreciated by your plants. Pruning before bud break allows your plants to use its energy in areas you are encouraging as opposed to wasting it in areas you are going to be removing. It is also helpful in reducing the spread of certain pest and diseases.
Cut back and clean up your perennials. March is a great time to cut back your grasses to make way for the new year’s sprouts. Cut back any woody perennials such as butterfly bush or bluebeard to strong stems to prevent floppy plants the following year. Clean up any old foliage from the previous year. This will allow new buds to push through easier and help prevent the spread of pests and disease. Cleanliness is a key factor in reducing many problems in the landscape.
Weed preventer can also be applied in March. This can vary in timing between years but a weed preventer can save you many hours of weeding from just one application.
Start thinking about grass seed. Winter over seeding allows for the seed to germinate early in the season taking advantage of spring rain. Remember, do not apply a crabgrass preventer when over seeding as it can prevent germination of your grass seed.
These are just a few ideas for how I enjoy those warm March afternoons and I am happy to have shared my antidote to the winter blues with all of you. Hopefully you find its effects as fruitful as I have. Although none of these items need to be done right now, they are the perfect little jobs to fill up those randomly beautiful and sunny March days. I know I will be out there and hopefully you will be too.
Andy Bartram | Crew Production Manager, Russell Tree Experts