Ready is a phrase that many gardeners are using these days. After a period of unintentional pausing, followed by an unpredictable winter, we are ready. For what one might ask? To get back outside, feel the soil between our fingers, and experience floral bliss in our own space.
It is the beginning of March. The bulbs planted last fall are showing up and bursting into bloom. Some bulbs are a tad earlier than expected. While others, although ready, patiently wait their turn. Early daffodils stand tall sounding the alarm of spring, while the crocus choir waits patiently at their feet. Oh…I am so ready for Spring!
The Sarcococca hookeriana invites me into my side garden with a scent as intoxicating as the scent of Spring. The insignificant bloom invites us to simply embrace the earth’s awakening. Did we leave some leaf litter to protect the beneficial insects as they lay ready and waiting to be helpful to our gardens? Are we cautiously uncovering the garden, careful not to damage the tips of the peony buds rising from the earth? It is a time of year when we must gingerly observe the signs of a season that is slowly unfolding.
As we wait, is there a plan for this year’s garden? Is there a color scheme or theme? Will we seed or simply just buy plants? Have you invested in good potting soil? Do you have all of your soil amendments on hand, ready to apply at the right time? Remember, good soil – whether in a pot or the ground – is the foundation. A good soil foundation is essential for a successful garden. Preparing for a garden filled with what brings us joy truly matters.
CICADAS -READY OR NOT
Are you considering planting young trees, like fruit trees? Perhaps you should wait until fall or next year. In certain areas, we have guests coming in numbers too big to ignore. Cicadas are coming whether we want them to or not. Young trees, particularly fruit trees will show some damage. Cicadas will create slits in the tips of young or even diseased branches to lay their eggs. ‘Flagging’ occurs as recognizable damage when these branches tend to die. Despite all the rumors, Cicadas will not dine on the leaves of your plants or vegetables. They are root lovers. As the babies drop from the tender branches to go underground for the next seventeen years to eat roots. The damaged branches will be noticeable. For those of us with children, we KNOW the kids have to eat, right?
ARE YOU READY?
What a year! We have the lingering effects of the ‘so- not-over’ pandemic as we anticipate (not really) the Cicadas cruising. Are you ready to embrace the next season with cautious abandon?
As I decide where to find my scented begonias for the shady side of my garden, my readiness is questionable. Do I want white to brighten up the area or pink and white? Will I plant edibles with my annuals? Should I plant more perennials in my pots and simply add an annual or two? Decisions, decisions… every day another vignette comes to mind. Right now, I am ready to welcome Spring – and more – with total abandon.
Sitting inside the Cottage, sowing seeds to share,
Teri , Cottage In the Court
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