South Eastern Connecticut Landscaping

The daffodils are officially in bloom here in my Tennessee Garden! Every year I like to mark the beginning of the daffodil blooms as it is one of the many signs of spring. (Coming very soon: Forsythia) It’s hard not to get excited about spring’s arrival after such a cold winter isn’t it? The first daffodil of 2009 was photographed and posted on February 12th! Very early while the first daffodil of 2010 didn’t shine until March 17th. It looks like we’re right in the middle this year with February 25th!

This year the daffodils in the birdbath garden are the first ones to appear in full bloom.  You’ll notice that the birdbath is actually that copper piece of metal resting beside the daffodils. Looks like it’s time to solder. 

These daffodils are planted among some daylilies. You can see the fans emerging in nearly every garden.

Also appearing in the birdbath garden are the hyacinths. These were from Valentine’s Day of 2008 and were transplanted in the fall to the birdbath garden. Originally they were three but the bulbs multiplied of the the years into more than 12.  Some are planted here and others are planted on the other side of the garden.

The stone edges of the birdbath garden bed needs cleaned up before the chickweed invades! At least it’s an easy weed to pull, you can even eat it, or so I’ve been told!

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This time of year more than any other when the cold weather is still stuck upon us we look for any signs of spring. We scour the garden for any hints of warmer weather that will hopefully be on its way soon. We have it lucky right now here in Tennessee. While the snows are burying parts of our country we sit with frigid air but no snow. Warmer days are coming, I’m sure of it! The signs of spring are beginning to appear in my garden.

The daffodils are beginning their growth. They have only just begun to emerge from their winter sleep. Soon they will be highlighting the each garden like little pieces if the sun shining from the soil.

But they are not alone. The Tulips are also in on the game. Negrita and Shirley are pushing up from soil of the front sidewalk garden.

The signs of spring coming are beginning to show here, how about where you are?

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Winter is the time to carry out some much needed lawn maintenance. Below are five tips you can think about as the big cold envelops your garden and lawn.

Maintenance Tip #1

As winter approaches, gradually lower the mowing height of your mower. Winter should begin without any young, tender growth that makes your lawn more appealing to winter diseases.

Besides, new growth on the lawn is vulnerable to dry out after the first winter winds come through, which will give you a brown winter lawn. So for the sake of lawn maintenance, as winter approaches, begin to gradually reduce the cutting height on your mower, until you are almost, but not quite, shaving the lawn. However, be sure to do this in several steps to avoid suddenly removing all the green leaf tissue and damaging the turf.

Winter Lawn Maintenance Tip #2

In late fall, be sure to give your lawn a final fertilization. Inactive during winter, your lawn won’t use the fertilizers immediately. Much like mammals bulking up for the cold, your lawn will store these nutrients in its root system and take full advantage of them at the first signs of spring.

Winter Lawn Maintenance Tip #3

Clear your lawn of any debris like logs, toys, or gardening equipment. Once snow comes, these objects can smother your grass, damage your turf, and leave your lawn more vulnerable to diseases.

Winter Lawn Maintenance Tip #4

Be sure to aerate your lawn before the first freeze. Thatch will only get worse with the affects of winter. A good aeration, along with a round of fertilization, will set the stage for bountiful spring growth.

Winter Lawn Maintenance Tip #5

Winter is a great time to learn more about your garden and your lawn in particular. Take this time to buy some lawn maintenance books and research the Internet for tips on how to keep a beautiful lawn and garden.

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