Spring is here in full
force and its time to use the beautiful, bug-free weather while it lasts! I’m
sure we won’t have many weekends before the mosquitoes appear and if you are
like me, your motivation for gardening is at its peak right now! The following list
has simple, easy to do tips. Each item should take half an hour or less to do,
that is, depending on the size of your yard! Try to keep your plantings simple
and it will make for an easy-to-maintain landscape all season. Take a little
time to inspect your gardens, your lawn, and your trees now for insect or
disease damage. It is also much easier to “nip it in the bud” than to fix a
major problem in the heat of July or August!
1. Sprinkle a pre-emergent
in your borders & gardens to keep those pesky weeds from sprouting. Use something like Preen or corn gluten
(natural pre-emergent).
2. Give your lawn a boost with some fertilizer (minus phosphorus if you live in the metro area) or add some seed to thin spots.
3. Put a wire cage around your peonies before they get too large!
4. Trim your evergreen shrubs or trees while the new growth (candles) are still soft. Just a trim though, save the heavy pruning for winter when bugs and diseases are less prevalent.
5. Stick a few flowering annuals in for color and a focus point near your home’s entrance. The bright colors of annuals naturally draw attention so use it to your advantage! White flowers are especially nice in areas used at dusk-they seem to reflect the sun’s last rays and catch the moon’s reflection beautifully.
6. Schedule an appointment with a professional designer for some long range planning in your yard. Having a plan gives your yard a strong back bone that is easy to use and maintain. It will also give you some direction if you only want to do small projects each year!
Becky Chudek, former Master Gardener, now designer and gardener extraordinaire for Inspired Design Landscapes Inc.
Photo courtesy of www.freefoto.com
