Oh My Goodness,

What Do I Do Now!

It is so beautiful outside and so warm for this time of the year. Well let’s see, there are some things you can do now in your landscape and garden and for some things, you really should wait.

Take a walk around your yard. Generally, it’s ok to trim the spent stalks on any perennials, unless you see green on the stalk. Do you have daylilies that have been in the same spot for several years? Gently lift the bulbs, separate now and replant some of them. Either plant the rest somewhere else or give them to your neighbors or friends. I know now that the daffodils and other early spring bulbs have bloomed, it’s tempting to cut them down and that’s ok, if you don’t want them to return next year. By leaving the green leaves until they die back naturally, you are actually feeding the bulbs so they can multiply and be healthy next year.

Check the roses. They are already beginning to leaf, but see those dead stalks? They should be cut out now. Roses do better if thinned. This allows the bush to breath and the flowers to be more plentiful. Are they too tall? Cut back one third of the height and gently prune the sides to shape.

We had an unusual winter. Remember how warm it was in late December, then several days of rather

Health Fair Filled The Center

The Center for Seniors held a health fair that featured over 20 vendors related to health care with free information, giveaways, and assesments. More than 70 people attended the event.

severe cold? Well, that temperature did some serious damage to some early leafing plants, ornamental trees and evergreens. Gardeners call this a “flash freeze.” I had several plants that had been out for nine years that usually leafed in very early spring and now –they are dead. How do I know whether my plant is dead? I was told by someone whose advice I appreciate to scratch on a stalk near the soil level. If it is green, it may survive. If it is beige or brownish – it’s done. Unfortunately, this flash freeze did not affect the unsightly weeds growing now!

In your gardens, you can remove all the unsightly weeds that take nutrients out the soil. If you choose, gently prepare the soil for summer seeds and plants to be added in the next few weeks.

Have you driven by a garden center recently? They are overflowing with beautiful annuals and vegetables as well as perennials and shrubs. I know it’s tempting, but please wait to purchase annuals and vegetables. These are tender plants and are susceptible to temperature changes. Unless you plan to cover these tender plants –wait a couple of weeks. Some perennials, shrubs and evergreens can handle the temperature changes and should be planted now before the summer heat sets in. Whatever you plant, remember to water at least one inch per week all during the growing season.

Whatever you are planning to purchase – think shop local. There are several organizations that sell plants in the spring for your enjoyment. The money they make goes back into the community for beautification of your living space. Think Gibson County Master Gardener’s Day Before Mother’s Day Plant Sale on May 13th from 8 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center in Princeton.

Soil & Water Conservation District Has Grant Available

The CWI (Clean Water Indiana) has a pollinator grant available. The district is partnering with Vanderburgh & Warrick Counties. This grant provides pollinator habitat. If the plot is ¼ of an acre or more the grant will cover the cost of seed. The seed is a pre-mix with filler included. There is a dry and wet mix available. The seed is purchased through Pheasants Forever. The seed mix meets NRCS specs. If you would like more information, please feel free to stop in our office or give us a call. The office number 812-385-5033 ext.3 and our email mailto:swcdgibson@gmail.com.

Daughters of Isabella Update

The circle will make 2000 krautballs for the Haubstadt Sommerfest. Volunteers will be needed on Monday, June 5 at 8:30 am at the K of C Hall; Tuesday, June 6, at 8:30 at Sts. Peter & Paul, and Wednesday, June 7, at 9:00. The Mother’s Day Dinner will be May 15 at 6:00 at the K of C Hall in Haubstadt.

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