Green With Envy

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I know spring is here, but where do I start? I have lots of people ask me this question.

Here are five essential priorities to start you off for a successful gardening season. Don't do everything at once and take your time. Get your body adjusted to the gardening routine slowly before you do a whole day of work all at once.

I suggest that you rotate your efforts between two or three small gardening jobs. Remember to do some gentle stretches to warm up and cool down to prevent any injury.

The easiest way to do something in the garden is to have the right tool for the job. That way, the job can be done efficiently without wasting lots of time and energy.

Clean up

Rake up leftover leaves from last year and put them in the composter. Once the danger of frost has passed, it is a perfect time to turn over the compost heap. This will create oxygen in the compost pile and assist in the decomposition process. An easier option is to shred the leaves with a lawn mower and create wonderful natural mulch for the beds.

Dig In

I will not dig in wet soil for two reasons. Firstly, I will end up with clumps of mud cakes in my garden and secondly, I will have a sore back. The best idea is to wait until the soil gently crumbles as you work through it with a fork. Also you will have a firmer footing without sinking into the soggy mud.

For the Birds

Even though winter is gone don't forget to refill the bird feeder. Our feathered garden friends don't stop eating once the weather becomes warmer so continue to feed them throughout the year. If you don't have a bird feeder in your garden, I highly recommend it. A birdfeeder situated within viewing distance from a window can create a wildlife show all year round. Birds are magnificent creatures to watch in the garden.

Patience is a virtue

Wait until the danger of frost is completely over before unwrapping your evergreens, shrubs and rhododendrons. This is usually appropriate toward the end of April in Southern Ontario when night-time temperatures are above the freezing mark. Check out the weather network online for the lawn and garden forecast at www.theweathernetwork.com.

No salt please

Gently hose the road salt off your evergreens and deciduous shrubs situated near roads and pathways. This will help them grow and flourish during the growing season. Also prune away any dead branches caused by heavy snow and ice from these plants.

Spring is a busy time of year for gardeners; I am looking forward to the growing season and excited to garden once again.

 

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca.