Beautiful Day Yesterday

pattypeep · ‎06-06-2011

Walked my two boys (furbabies) outside for their afternoon break and noticed that it's time to get working in the yard. I can't believe that it's January and I'm saying that. Bulbs coming up, primroses poking their heads out, lilac threatening to bloom and needs pruning. Plus ~ always plenty of the plus ~ general cleanup. I missed out on a lot last year with torn knee reminisces and had to hire out. I want to do it myself this year. Hopefully, I can.

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea-Robert A. Heinlein

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

Yes! I found myself making a note of beds that need to have compost added, and trying to finalize some plans for new shrubbery. Due to recent heavy rains, I think a new gravel path is due (this area always washes out). In 5 or 6 weeks I'll be pruning roses. Happy to see that the 30 year old weeping forsythia has responded to hours of work last year, as has the 15' high rose of sharon. These old stand by shrubs are worth keeping.

I love my garden

Cogito ergo sum

JustJazzmom · ‎03-09-2010

@pattypeep wrote:
Walked my two boys (furbabies) outside for their afternoon break and noticed that it's time to get working in the yard. I can't believe that it's January and I'm saying that. Bulbs coming up, primroses poking their heads out, lilac threatening to bloom and needs pruning. Plus ~ always plenty of the plus ~ general cleanup. I missed out on a lot last year with torn knee reminisces and had to hire out. I want to do it myself this year. Hopefully, I can.

Are you pruning lilac to shape it? If so, wait till it flowers and prune after that. You want the thinnest branches of the lilac to do the flowering. Take out the thickest branches right to the ground. And while you are down on the ground, perform a pH test to see if the pH is around 7. Lilacs like a sweet soil so add lime (the pelleted kind) around the branch drip line. Take your soil samples about 4-6" below the surface. If the pH is off -- too low the plant has trouble accessing the fertilizer you will be putting down after it flowers.

☼The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. GBShaw☼

Lilysmom · ‎03-09-2010

@JustJazzmom @pattypeep, I was thinking the same thing. Wait to prune until after blooming. Make sure you don't miss that gorgeous scent!!! I am jealous now. Our winter has been very good so far. We have very little snow and I am keeping my fingers crossed for an early Spring also. I can see all the oak leaves waiting for me ... the ones I missed last Fall with my broken foot😦!!! LM