Gotti Kelley

Green Scene

March 2007: Spring plants are stirring

You need not be much of a gardener to know that March is a turning point in the gardening year. The sun shines stronger, grass is greener, tips of daffodils and small spring bulbs are making their debut and there is an abundance of expectation for the future.

Even people who have only a slender acquaintance with gardening are affected by this surge of anticipation.

But before you can enjoy the beauty, you must consider several things. Traditionally it is suggested to leave the ground undisturbed until all danger of frost has passed.

This has caused all kinds of little problems for me. I am the impatient type of gardener, who scratches the soil in the middle of winter to see how deep the frost has permeated the ground and to look for winter aconites in the snow. But once March is here and the ground is reasonably dried out, it is time to remove last year's garden debris and cut back spent perennials.

To know what lies beneath the ground is quite important. Keep track of all your plants, their location and performance in your little black book.

A simple site plan is an ideal tool. How often did you dig a hole to plant a newly acquired plant, only to find that it is already occupied by bulbs or rhizomes?

Strategic planning for your garden is important and early springtime gives you the opportunity to do this. Research is essential! Study your garden to get to know the micro climates.

Using gardening magazines, books or catalogues, choose plants for multiple seasons of interest, attractive growth habits, proper environment and minimal maintenance. Don't overlook the importance of native plants. Favor the new concept of rain gardens, using natural resources so important in our ecologically stressed environment.

The uncanny habit of certain weeds turning up early in your garden beds can be dealt with quickly now. Gardeners agree that weeds are the most time-consuming and persistent garden problem. Yet, they don't need to be. Spending one or two growing seasons diligently removing every weed before it makes seeds can reduce the need for future weed control to a minimum. Extra effort will pay off with many years of reduced work in the garden. If you strive to have a natural and organic garden, this is what you want to do. So, keep a lightweight hoe handy and use it when needed.

Gardening is a wonderful hobby, it refreshes your mind and soul and brings you close to nature. Even if your outdoor space is limited, there are many options you can choose from. Container gardening, planting herbs among annuals and perennials, is an easy and efficient way to garden.

Keep this in mind when April showers have passed and garden centers are filled with exciting new cultivators. This is the time to select your planting location, your soil mix and your flower combinations, to give you much joy later on.

Gotti Kelley is an accomplished and adventurous gardener. She is a member of the Navesink Garden Club and is on the board of the Garden Club of New Jersey.

Her Green Scene column will appear monthly in The Hub.