May in the Garden

BY LISA GRUGIN

HOW ARE THINGS going in your yard? Are your plants starting to recover from the freeze, or have you pulled them up? If you are still waiting, I hope you are starting to see new growth. My Laurels, Loropetalum, Camellia, and Cleyera are recovering, and three of the Boxwoods in my yard are coming out. One, however, is dead. Two of my Hydrangeas were killed to the ground but are emerging from the roots. This was a very strange and hard year for our plants. Continue to be patient, fertilizing gently and pruning only dead wood, or look at this as an opportunity to try something new!

Whether you are babying damaged plants or nurturing new plants, there is much to be done. Let’s get started on your to-do list:

✻ You should be checking your gardens weekly if not more often. Look up into canopies of trees to check for storm damage or illness. Look down for signs of critters, such as moles making tunnels or possums and skunks digging for grubs. Look into the interior of your plants for signs of damage. If you need guidance, please give us a call.

✻ Winter damaged plants are more susceptible to diseases and insects, and new installations can decline quickly. Watch for signs of problems and begin treatment if necessary. Remember to always use the least toxic insecticidal products first, and learn which bugs are good guys and which are not. Some fungal problems will also clear up once the cool, damp weather passes, but others will need treatment. Again, always start with the least toxic products available.

✻ If you are still evaluating your plants, keep in mind that you will need to get replacements for trees and shrubs planted by the end of June. It is easier for the plants to establish root systems if they are not also battling the heat. I suggest you don’t postpone planting this year, as we are encountering plant shortages. Many people are not patient and are opting to replace much of their yard, so the growers cannot keep up. Trees and shrubs require 3-5 years to be ready to sell, so if you see something you love, don’t wait.

✻ You can do some pruning to spring bloomers now. Forsythia and quince can be pruned fairly severely. Azaleas, rhododendrons, and others will need a little more finesse, especially if they are stressed. Crape murder is still a horrible thing to do to a plant that is just trying to make your yard beautiful, and chopped crapes are much more susceptible to Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. Please do some research before you start whacking.

✻ Let’s talk about water, because over or under-watering is the number one plant killer. Remember that sprinkler systems are great for grass and flowers, but they are inadequate for trees and shrubs. It is important to water deeply and less frequently to encourage plants to develop deep roots instead of shallow roots. It is also best to water in the morning. Try to keep the water at soil level instead of overhead. Watering the foliage encourages fungal growth.

✻ Did you mulch this spring? Mulch isn’t just for appearance. It also keeps soil temperature and moisture levels stable and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. If you have not applied a fresh layer, think about top-dressing. If your mulch level is still adequate, take a rake and “fluff” it, because it becomes very compacted during the winter.

✻ Wait until the foliage has died down before cutting back spring bulbs. New recommendations also say to not roll them up and wrap them with string or rubber bands, as this cuts down on the plants’ ability to store energy. A little BulbTone will give them a boost.

✻ Some of your perennials may need a little assistance as they emerge. Tall plants may need to be staked or caged, and it is easier to do that while the plants are small. You can also pinch plants back to encourage them to be shorter and bushier.

✻ We have great plants for container gardening, but don’t be afraid to step outside the box. Trees, shrubs, tropicals, perennials, and even veggies can be container grown with the proper care. Play around a little!

✻ Be a friend to the birds and they will be a friend to you! Keep those feeders and baths full and clean. Birds will remove lots of annoying insects, so attract them to your yard with plants, houses, feeders, and water sources.

We are getting several deliveries every week, so stop by often to see what is new. Happy gardening!

Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center

9885 Highway 11E, Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229

MeadowViewGreenhouse.com