"Springtime is the land awakening.
The March winds are the morning yawn."
~ Lewis Grizzard and Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You
Apologies for the tardiness of this month's newsletter; coming out of the winter doldrums has been a bit of a slow process this year. Warmer temperatures and early spring blooms are encouraging and a reminder that life and beauty do continue even in times of uncertainty. March is a time of regeneration, rebirth, and growth. Even more so than January, March is a month filled with the promise of new life and possibilities. It is a period of transition that creates a restlessness as the seasons change. One moment the sun is shining and within a blink-of-an-eye it could be snowing.
March requires patience for all of its quick and sudden changes in the weather. Maybe this year more than others, we all could use a little more patience. It can be difficult to pull yourself away from worrisome news headlines. Turning off the tv and putting your phone down to spend some time outdoors can help relieve stress. The garden is not closed due to virus concerns. The outdoors is ready for you and your garden is anxiously awaiting you. Studies have shown that working in your garden and caring for plants is beneficial to your health. If you don't have a garden enjoy an arrangement of fresh cut flowers. Now is the time to jump start your garden for the growing season. Start your spring cleaning in the garden.
We are open and ready to help you get back in the garden.
Visit our garden center website to view more spring blooms.
March Garden Checklist
March signals the time to prepare your garden, and yourself, for the coming spring. Here is a list of our top must-dos:
Enjoy the early blooms of crocus and hellebores. Look forward to the brilliant yellow of forsythia blooms and other early spring blooming plants.
Start seeds indoors. Peppers & tomatoes should be started by early or mid-March.
Clean-up garden beds.Cut down perennial grasses & liriope.
Get ready to mow: set mower blades higher, and only cut off 1/3 of the grass blades' total height. De-thatch, weed, & edge as needed.
Re-pot house plants if needed.
Start fertilizing house plants as days become longer.
Have a soil test if you are planning on starting a new garden bed or want to know which fertilizer and how much you should apply.
Direct sow cool weather veggies (once the soil has thawed):
* Early March: spinach, mustard, beets, & peas
* Mid to late March: carrots, collards, kale, radishes, turnips, & green onions
* Mid to late March: plant asparagus & rhubarb crowns, potato & onion sets
* Mid to late March: plant transplants of cabbage & kohlrabi
Check mulch levels around trees and plants. Mulch should only be 2"-3" deep; pull away from trunks to encourage spring root growth.
Summer-flowering trees & shrubs that bloom on new spring growth can be pruned: ex: Mimosa, Smoketree, Butterfly bush, Beautyberry, Annabelle Hydrangea, PeeGee Hydrangea, & Clethra.
Plant Johnny Jump-ups, snapdragons, Sweet William, & other cool season annuals in mid to late March.
Plant trees, shrubs, & perennials once soil is workable.
Sow grass seed.
The list could go on. March is a month to be spent in the garden.
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
~ Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard's Egg
It's Shamrock Season
Shamrocks (Oxalis sp.) are popular this time of year because of St. Patrick's Day. It is a shame that it can be difficult to find one during the rest of year, as they are quite easy and enjoyable house plants. The classic green leaf variety is easily recognizable. Why not try growing one of the more colorful varieties, such as 'Iron Cross" (O. deppei) or purple shamrocks (O. regnelii)? To learn more about oxalis visit the Wisconsin Master Gardener website.
Time To Care for Your Lawn
Early spring when the forsythias begin to burst with brilliant yellow blooms is the time to apply Fertilome's All Seasons II. If you miss the forsythias blooming, just remember to apply All Seasons II by tax day. All Seasons II contains micronutrients and trace elements with its dual nitrogen release that will provide your lawn with steady dark green growth.
All Seasons II also contains a preemergent herbicide that can last 6 to 8 months. Crabgrass, purslane, knotweed, and other listed broadleaf weed seeds will be stopped from germinating.
If you have weeds already emerging use Hi-Yield's Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper with Dimension. This kills weeds 2 to 3 weeks after they have emerged, as well as providing preemergent protection.
We are ready to help with any questions on lawn care, weed control, or grass seed. Let us help you take the guesswork out of creating and maintaining a healthy lawn.
Important Dates
The official start of spring is right around the corner. As warmer weather comes our schedules have a tendency to become quite full. As always, our professional floral designers are here to help you celebrate every day. If you have an upcoming event or special day please let us create an arrangement that is perfect for the occasion. Here is a brief list of dates to keep in mind.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 - St. Patrick's Day
Thursday, March 19, 2020 - First Day of Spring
Sunday, April 12, 2020 - Easter
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 - Earth Day
April 19 - 25, 2020 - Administrative Professional's Week
Sunday, May 10,2020 - Mother's Day
“The world is exploding in emerald, sage, and lusty chartreuse - neon green with so much yellow in it. It is an explosive green that, if one could watch it moment by moment throughout the day, would grow in every dimension.”
~ Amy Seidl, Early Spring: An Ecologist and Her Children Wake to a Warming World
Happy Gardening!