Spring is in the air – finally! This means it’s time to get back out into your garden and get to work. While you won’t want to start actually digging in the soil until it dries out a bit (to test it, pick up a handful and squeeze; if it oozes between your fingers, it is too wet) there are still plenty of other tasks you can tackle now to get ready for warmer weather.
First, you can prune shrubs before new growth begins. For spring bloomers, such as azaleas and
rhododendrons, wait until after they flower. Most shrubs should be pruned by thinning. Begin by removing the tallest branches back to their point of origin on the parent stem, or back to the ground, to maintain their natural shape. Cut the oldest 1/3 of stems of red and yellow twig dogwoods back to the ground to encourage new growth, which will have the best coloration next winter.
Next, cut back perennials that were not tended to back in the fall, being careful not to damage new growth. Then, gently rake leaves and other debris from flower beds, and add it to your compost pile. If you don’t already have a compost pile, now is a good time to start one.
As soon as the soil is workable, you can begin to plant pea seeds in your vegetable garden and sweet pea seeds in your flower beds. Pansies can also be set out in containers or placed directly into the ground. These beauties not only enjoy the cool spring weather but also provide a welcome splash of color after a long, weary winter!
Plant Local
Deciding what to plant can be overwhelming. Each year, horticulturists at Phipps choose 10 plants that are sustainable options for gardeners in the Pittsburgh region. Selected for their non-invasive habits, as well as their resistance to disease and insects once established, these plants require minimal watering and fertilization.
This year’s Top 10 Sustainable Plants list includes a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials that would make a great addition to your landscape. Plus, a number of them are even deer resistant.
Blackgum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica)
Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
Common Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Sweetshrub (Calycanthus ‘Hartlage Wine’)
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’)
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quick Fire®’)
Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium ‘Little Joe’)
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’)
Betony (Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’)
Seventy plants have been chosen since the program began, providing an exceptional palette of plants to choose from for a more sustainable landscape. For more details on these plants and where to buy them, visit phipps.conservatory.org/project-greenheart/green-heart-resources/top-tensustainable-plants.aspx
