Garden Tips of the Week

Bulbs~~March 12, 2014

Garden on March 2, 2015

It was cold and sleeting all day Sunday with icy roads as a result, so we were pretty much stuck inside.  I spent a good part of the day looking through gardening magazines and my garden journal, and thinking about my to-do list for the garden this spring.  While looking through my journal, I came across several tips written by Washington Post garden editor Adrian Higgins. I am a huge fan of his, and he's one of the reasons we still get the daily paper. Every Thursday I look forward to reading his column on gardening, as well as his weekly gardening tip. I often cut these tips out and paste them in my garden journal because I find them so useful. Here are some of his tips from the past, mainly ones that are geared toward winter and early spring. 

My garden journal

~~If the ground is not frozen, winter is a good time to check for excessive soil moisture in garden beds and turf areas, which may be the reason for poor plant performance or weed infestation. After a period of dry weather, use a sharp planting shovel, a sturdy trowel or a long-handled bulb planter to dig down at least six inches. Soil that is consistently waterlogged or soft will present problems for many plants. Fixes include installing drains, building raised beds or planting trees, shrubs and perennials that tolerate wet soil.~~December 31, 2014

~~Mild winter days are perfect for beating back winter weeds that are now growing and will become a nightmare in early spring if left unchecked. Clear seedlings with a sharp hoe and spread a thin layer of shredded leaves or compost to prevent further germination.~~January 15

~~Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing in winter. An elevated birdbath will attract a range of songbird species, but it should be refreshed with tap water at least twice a week. Immersion heaters are available to prevent freezing. If possible, place a feeder near shrubbery to provide cover against cats and hawks.~~January 20, 2015

~~Many fungal disease organisms spend the winter as spores on last year's leaves. It is important to clean up fallen leaves and dead plants that could harbor various blights.~~December 31, 2013

~~Take advantage of mild, dry winter days to get a jump on soil work. If beds are not waterlogged or frozen, you can add compost or other organic amendments to enrich and lighten the soil.Spread amendments evenly and then dig them in with a spade or fork, working backward to avoid treading on freshly turned soil. You can return in March to cultivate and rake the soil smooth for planting.~~January 8, 2014

~~Begin to cut back the remaining top growth of last year’s perennials and grasses, especially if snowdrops and winter aconites are beginning to bloom. Sharp hedge shears are perfect for the job. This is also a good time to lift, divide and move grasses, before the appearance of spring growth.~~February 12, 2015

~~To avoid squirrels digging up spring bulbs — they may eat the tulips and crocuses — plant the bulbs more deeply than recommended (seven inches is a good depth) and pack the backfilled soil with the back of a hoe. Hide signs of soil disturbance with a thin layer of mulch. In containers, cover the bulbs and their soil with a generous rodent-thwarting layer of gravell.~~October 22, 2014

~~Winter weeds are waiting for mild March weather to flower and seed; pull or hoe such pesky species as chickweed, speedwell, bittercress and henbit. Stay out of beds that are waterlogged.~~February12, 2014 

~~Winter jasmine, often confused with forsythia, blooms on and off through the winter but will finish with a floral flourish in early April. Old thick mounds can be rejuvenated by a hard prune after flowering. Use lopping shears to cut them back to just a few inches above the ground. Vigorous fresh growth will return, along with next winter’s flowers. Stems that have tip-rooted can be dug and potted up and given away.~~March 12, 2014

~~As part of the pre-spring cleanup, ornamental grasses should be cut back before fresh growth emerges from the crown. The old top growth should be cut back at about two inches above the soil line. Hedge shears work well. Work on clumps in sections. On hilly sites, begin from the uphill side for a better view of the cut.~~January 22,  2014

~~Don’t wait until spring to set into motion garden projects that involve hiring stonemasons, carpenters, painters or other contractors. It can take weeks to get estimates and schedule work, especially if building permits are required. The early bird might also get a break on prices.~~January 29, 2014

~~Tree and shrub branches that have been damaged by ice and snow should be removed before new spring growth for the health and look of the plant. Remove the damaged stem back to the nearest branch or leader, leaving the natural swelling or collar at the join. Lopping shears will handle smaller branches. Use a pruning saw for thicker ones, but leave branches that are large, high or near power lines to an arborist.~~February 19, 2014

~~Pine trees shed old needles in the fall.  Needle clusters closest to the trunk naturally turn yellow and fall in advance of fresh growth next spring. This is not a sign of distress. Fallen pine needles can be gathered and used as a light mulch. Keep them stored dry in leaf bags for use in next season’s vegetable garden.~~December 4,  2013

~~In winter, songbirds still require sources of water for drinking and bathing. Make sure birdbaths are replenished on days with temperatures above freezing, and changed regularly. An immersion-style water heater will keep the water from freezing but doesn’t negate the need to change the water. Don’t use antifreeze.~~January 22,  2015

~~Forming a crisp edge between the lawn and plant beds is a simple way to freshen the yard in spring. Use a sharp spade to create a one- to two-inch deep vertical edge between the grass and the bed. Guide the line first with string pinned with long nails. If you attempt to eyeball the line, the edge will look crooked.~~April 9, 2014

~~As part of the late-winter cleanup, avoid the temptation to cut back ragged-looking lavender plants. A hard prune will kill this herb. Wait until fresh growth appears in April for a light trim of dead wood. Similarly, a lavender that appears dead from the harsh winter might resprout in a few weeks. Be patient.~~March 19, 2014

~~For a jump on spring, cut stems of early flowering trees for forcing indoors. Saucer magnolias, flowering cherries, apricots, quince and forsythia can be cut for the vase. Make fresh cuts whenever the water is changed — at the first sign of clouding. Wait until month’s end to force apple and dogwood blossoms.~~March 7, 2013

~~Winter weeds are in flower, offering a final chance for the gardener to destroy them before they produce seeds for next year. Hoe or pull henbit, bittercress, chickweed, speedwell and annual bluegrass.~~March 20, 2013

~~Mulch should be applied as a thin layer — no more than two inches deep — to conserve moisture and minimize weeds. It should not be used to smother the garden. Thick layers become a growing medium for plant roots, with disastrous results as the mulch rots away. Mulch must not be mounded against the trunk of a tree; this common but misguided practice damages vital bark.~~May 7, 2014

~~Birdhouses or nest boxes should be constructed, purchased or, in the case of existing boxes, repaired and cleaned out in advance of spring nesting season. Wrens and chickadees are among species drawn to birdhouses that are correctly sized and positioned. ~~February 19, 2015

~~Final call to prune rosebushes: Use thick gloves and lopping shears to remove dead, weak and conflicting canes. Keep about half a dozen canes around an open center and cut them back to about 18 inches, just above an outward facing bud. Remove any suckering canes emerging from the soil. ~~March 26, 2014

~~Tying and braiding daffodil foliage will reduce the energy the leaves put into restoring and increasing bulbs for next year. A hoop of green string will tidy a splayed clump. Long-established daffodils that are weak bloomers should be lifted, divided and replanted in a sunny and well-drained location in full sun or partial shade. Do this in about a month’s time as the leaves fade.~~ May 14, 2014

~~Sweet basil should not be planted out until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 50s or warmer. Plants in hand can be grown together in 12-inch or larger pots. Bring them under cover on cool nights. In May, transfer the basil to garden beds or keep it as a handy container-grown plant. Buy more for your garden beds. Small ones will grow vigorously in the heat of the next few weeks.~~April 23,  2014

~~A fungal disease named clematis wilt results in the sudden collapse of budding clematis stems. Cleanly cut entire affected stems — the afflicted plant should regrow for blooming next year. To minimize its recurrence, be careful not to damage fragile stems, remove leaf litter from the base of the plant, and apply a fungicide labeled for this treatment. The best remedy is to select a planting site with good air circulation and to choose clematis varieties less prone to the disease, such as small flowering hybrids and species.~~ April 30,  2014

~~Stake peonies now to prevent flopping caused by wind and rain. Plastic-coated wire grids work well to prevent storm flattening. The type of peony materially affects a grid’s performance: Single or semi-double flowered varieties fare better than top-heavy double varieties with a high petal count.~~May 15,  2013

~~Container-grown tomato plants should be of the determinate type, which are more compact than garden vining tomatoes. Place a cage or stake in the pot when the tomato is still young to avoid later damage. Popular and high-performing varieties include Patio Princess, La Roma, Red Robin and Bush Early Girl. Buy small transplants, which will establish better than larger ones already in flower.~~May 28, 2014

A Moment of Sunshine

Yesterday afternoon around 4:30 the sun came streaming through my living room windows and it felt so good. It didn't last very long, but it has been so gray and cold and dreary around here that the sunshine felt like a dream. I know we don't have all the snow that my family is having in Ohio and in New York, so I really can't complain, but oh, it was nice to see that light.

Window Views~~ September

DC Favs

I thought this graphic in Sunday's Washington Post was pretty interesting. I'd say we have the first 4 pretty well covered. (Well, I've got the first and Walt has the next three.) Pretty cool though that gardening is the top pastime. Glad I have so much company.

A Shot of Color

I was in my favorite nursery the other day to pick up a few things, and was so happy to see all the colorful plants and pots and seed packets and garden tools.  Maybe it's just these gray, cold days of winter, but I am really ready for some color.

And how could I resist 'Bling Bling' zinnias? (I didn't.)

And these are some of the zinnia seeds I'll be planting this year. I'm kind of zinnia-obsessed.

Felt Succulents

 I am loving these colorful felt succulents from Etsy.

Leaf Magazine

Where have I been? I recently discovered this online gardening magazine and I can't stop reading it.  Started in 2011 by two garden designers, it reminds me a little of the old Garden Design magazine, with its gorgeous photos and over the top gardens.  There are articles about plants and gardens, garden books, garden tools and garden art,  garden projects, and tons more.  I love magazines, but I tend not to buy them much anymore. I used to get Fine Gardening and Horticulture, but I got tired of magazines piling up and so now I read Fine Gardening at the library. So this might be a good solution for me.  Check it out, you'll be hooked. And it's free!

A Beautiful Gate

I pass by this gorgeous gate on Route 7 every day on my way to work, and every time I pass it, I want to stop and take a picture of it because I love it so much. So the other day when were going somewhere on Route 7,  I made Walt pull over so I could grab a quick picture. I'm not sure what is back there, it is some kind of church or temple perhaps, but there are signs posted about 'no photography on the premises.' Whoops. Well I wasn't exactly on the property, was I? I was half expecting a big black Suburban to come after me after I took my photo. I just think it is the most beautiful gate,  and I would like one like this in my yard, please. Or maybe a smaller panel would be a little more tasteful, but with all those cheerful fleurs.

We Live in Natstown!

We didn't have any plans yesterday, so in the morning we decided spur of the moment to take the metro  into DC and see the Nats game. They were playing the San Francisco Giants and it was a hot, hot, hot game in the afternoon. But there were 4 home runs, and the Nats won 9-4, so we were happy fans. It's so much fun to have a winning team. We have been obsessed about watching them every night on tv, so it was nice to see our boys up close and personal. We had awesome seats, right behind first base, and the stadium was packed with Nats fans (and a few Giants fans, too!) on this Fourth of July.

Yea, they won!

Relaxing in the Garden

The past few days I have been trying to relax and stay out of the garden. After all the work and primping of the garden last week, I felt like I couldn't face dragging the hose around, or doing much of anything outside. So on this beautiful June morning I took my tea outside and the newspaper (and can I just say how happy I am that the Board of Visitors reinstated UVA President Sullivan?) and sat on the deck to relax, listen to the birds,  and just enjoy the garden. But as I was gazing at my lovely fleurs, I noticed that one of my pots was getting a little droopy, so I got up to fill the watering can. And then I noticed that the birdbath needed fresh water. Get out the hose. And the snapdragons were falling over. Go look for some stakes. I realize that the pleasure I get from my garden is from being in it, being part of it.  I guess that's the relaxing part, not sitting and looking at it.

English Muffin Way

I wish I lived on English Muffin Way (Buckeystown, Md., on the way to Frederick).

A Beautiful Day in Leesburg

It is hard to believe that Saturday was such a nice day, because it is freezing this morning, 37 degrees when we woke up, and there is snow to the west of us in the Blue Ridge mountains. This is why you don't plant annuals before May 1! Gillian and I went to the Leesburg Garden Fair on Saturday and it was a beautiful sunny day. We love this fair--we have gone for many years and always find some good garden goodies. There are lots of plants for sale and people walk around with their wagons and fill them up with plants. It was pretty crowded,  probably because it was a beautiful day and rain was forecast for Sunday. The main streets of Leesburg are closed off,  and vendors set up along the streets, along with landscape companies that construct actual gardens, and of course there is music, food, children's activities, etc.  It was a perfect day to wander around Leesburg and look at plants and garden tools, accessories, art, and pretty houses, too. All the shops in town have garden-related signs and flowers in their windows.

We both loved this pretty yellow house on one of the side streets. It has a gorgeous boxwood path up to the front door and stone walls in front of it. Gillian is standing in front of the stone wall .

And you know me and garden markers. Looooved these.

Several booths had gourd birdhouses and even some gourd planters. I can't imagine these will last more than one season. Won't they rot with all that damp soil?

These glass hummingbird feeders were kind of cute.

Some pretty pottery amid the flowers.

We loved this chartreusey spiderwort with the purple salvia behind.

One vendor had a table full of these miniature garden vignettes. So cute.

And here is what I brought home and is now hanging in my yard!

Busy Weekend

A very busy weekend here. On Friday night we went out to a German/Euro restaurant here in town with Gillian and Benny. I had schnitzel and potato pancakes, yummo. This accordian lady was hilarious and kept us entertained, strolling by all the tables. We should go there more often,  as it was delicious and we could even walk there from our house. And potato pancakes!

I was looking forward to Saturday cause I didn't have to work and I was hoping we could work outside. We had tons of rain Friday night and Saturday morning so Eileen and Prudy and I decided to go to a craft show out in Leesburg. We picked out a few jewelry items each, then had lunch at Tuscarora's,  and shopped around a little in Leesburg. We found some Sabre silverware (from France) in a little French store there, and of course I bought a piece. How can you resist these not-cheap but cheerful colors?

Sabre shopping

Pretty French pottery

We agreed it was a pretty nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon, especially when the rain stopped and the sun came out. When I got home I found Walt had done a ton of work in the yard, all the yukky stuff I hate like cutting back the clematis and butterfly bushes, and even edged some of the beds! Funny how that worked out. I am crossing things off my list, yahoo!

On Sunday, I did a 2- hour Silent Yoga class. I really like silent class, there is no music, no talking, just following the teacher in different poses. It's very relaxing and was a very pleasant way to spend a cold and chilly Sunday afternoon. After a few warm spring-like days, it has gotten really cold again for a few days, but they say it will be in the 70s by the end of the week. Hard to keep up with this crazy weather we all seem to be having. As I was driving home from yoga, I noticed a small cherry tree in full bloom. I almost swerved off the road to take a picture, but decided it could wait another day, haha!