Garden musings

Gardeners are grateful for sunny winter days. When the sun shines on the garden, it is an invitation to stroll, discover and dream. While warmed by the sunlight, we refresh our memory of our plans for the garden, and envision what the landscape will present in coming months. We imagine the stores of energy beneath the layer of mulch and soil awaiting a signal to awaken. And when the time is right we, too, will unleash our stores of energy toward another growing season.

One of those wonderfully warm winter mornings had me lingering a bit longer. With the sun flooding the living room, the cats were laid out on the floor basking in a few moments of peaceful coexistence. In a strange paradox, I sat with coffee in hand facing the window that looks out over the garden to watch the birds. The robins pluck fruit from the crabapple tree, and the cardinals sit perched announcing the morning news. Honestly, I’m glad the cats are dozing.

Also in plain view is the debris field caused by recent winter winds. Large birch and oak tree branches lay across the pathways (an obstacle for the mail carrier) and jut out of the boxwood border and the upright junipers like spears.

I need to collect them for the fire pit. It seems I’ve left them laying too long. Where does the time go?

The first day of spring arrives this month—Monday, March 20. Of course, winter will likely control the temperatures for a few more weeks. The heavy winter coat and gloves are still handy. However, the promise of spring is remains. That promise offers numerous activities for gardeners, novice and experts alike. From plant sales and workshops, to symposiums and garden shows, there is much to enjoy. All evidenced in this issue; notice the ads and editorial that mention scheduled gatherings. It feels good to get back to a full Upcoming Events section (see page 22).

There is so much to choose from, and personally I would love to participate in everything. My planner stays full with business and personal commitments. Thus I must be cautious about overextending myself.

One treasured meeting on my calendar is rarely missed—a standing coffee date with a dear, dear friend. Once a month we talk about everything under the sun, and over the moon, as much as we can squeeze in for an hour.

The topic of gardening is shortlived. When asked, she responds,

“For about 15 minutes in spring when everything in the landscape is beautiful—that’s how much time I give to gardening.” Her husband loves the hedge clippers, and the yews reflect his tabletop precision. This makes me laugh. I would not miss coffee with her. Even though gardening isn’t at the center of our bond, our friendship goes beyond the ephemera of coffee and current events. It is deeper and richer with unconditional acceptance of who we are as humans making our way on this planet one day at a time.

I’ll see you in the garden!

2023 | kcgmag.com

About the cover: Prairie blazing star and tiger swallowtail butterfly, photo by Pat Westhoff. Pat and her husband, Tom, first planted native wildflowers and grasses on their farm in 1991. That’s 31 years of enjoying the plantings and the birds, butterflies, and more that claim the area as home.

Finally, a foolproof bloomer! Let’s Dance Can Do! hydrangea is an extra-hardy hybrid that blooms even if it’s cut back, damaged by cold, or dined upon by deer. Its full, lacecap flowers are very showy and cover the shrub from top to bottom, all season long.

Look for Let’s Dance Can Do! hydrangea in the distinctive white Proven Winners® container at your local garden center, or learn

Moving Me And My Plants Out Of State

Question: I am relocating to another state and want to take several of my favorite perennials with me. What is the best way to pot them up and help them to survive?

Answer: I am sorry that you are leaving the KC area. Are you moving to a climate that is like ours? If you are moving south and winters lack a freezing period, your perennials may not survive. For example, peonies do not grow in the deep south. Many need a cold or rest period to bloom.

The best way to transport your perennials is to pot up like you would be purchasing. Use quality potting soil, not soil from the garden, which is heavy and may not drain, leading to root rots. Take minor, manageable divisions. Care for much like any potted plant until ready to plant. Potted perennials can be held this way for months.

It does not matter what time of year you pot up. Digging in summer is more complex than when dormant or in the spring. If you need to hold it over the winter, leave it outdoors in a protected location and mulch in with a layer of straw or leaves.

I hope this helps, and best of luck in your new home.

Oak Deadwood Dropping

Question: I have a 50-yearold oak tree that is dropping dead branches. The tree looks healthy during the summer. Do I need to remove the tree?

Answer: My hunch is there is a large amount of deadwood in the tree canopy from natural causes such as shading. Since you indicate the tree looks healthy during the summer, I suggest hiring a service to come in and remove the deadwood and other corrective pruning cuts.

Looking up at any mature tree, you will notice many dead limbs and twigs. The intergrowth of the tree is shaded by the canopy, lim-