The Online Garden Gossip

1011 North Woodlawn, Kirkwood, MO 63122                         314-965-3070                                 www.sugarcreekgardens.com

Q. Is it too early to plant?
-- Sue B., Crestwood

A.  Perennials can be planted now, as long as the soil is workable (not wet or frozen), and plants have been hardened off or are bare root. 

However, remember that daylilies, hostas, and old-fashioned bleeding hearts are more susceptible to the cold.  A great way to protect plants you may be concerned about is to use an old sheet, newspaper or grocery bag.  First wet down the newspaper or sheet -- the freezing process of water actually releases heat and will give the plant a few extra degrees of protection.

You can also plant cool season annuals like pansies, snapdragons, and sweet alyssum.  For all other annuals, however, you'll want to wait until the danger of heavy frost disappears.  Our last average frost date is April 15.  Last year's final frost date, however, was April 27 and caught everyone by surprise! J

Up close and personal with
Mary Reedy, Sugar Creek senior horticulturist

I got my gardening genes from both sides of the aisle; my father was a keen gardener and my mother loved flowers and puttering outside when she wasn’t chasing down eight little brats -- I mean "darlings." As her nest gradually emptied, she, although very much a city girl, learned and loved to grow berries to make jellies, jams, and to can the many vegetables they grew on their weekend farm.

But I most vividly recall my southern maternal grandmother proudly showing any and all takers her irises, peonies and roses. I later heard lots of stories of her horticultural prowess, and she never shied from politely asking for “just a slip” of some friend’s latest plant discovery. There were always coleus and other cuttings in little water glasses on her windowsill. And, on our frequent visits to Louisville, she would shell out shiny new quarters, along with a special story, for every four-leaf clover found in her backyard by her “lucky” grandchildren. Clever weeding, I’d say!

Continued

Features

Easter and spring decorations bloom in Sugar Creek's gift shop

To see more gift and decoration ideas, click here.

Upcoming talks at Sugar Creek:
You're invited, and they're free!

"Gardening Under Trees," Saturday, March 25,
10 a.m.  Mary Reedy, horticulturist and master gardener, will provide an entertaining and informative talk to teach you how to garden under trees without damaging them.  In addition, she will discuss the ever-expanding selection of shade plants.  Learn how to combine flower and foliage color, form and texture for season-long interest in your garden.

"Sugar Creek Garden's Favorite Perennials," Tuesday, April 4, 6 p.m.  Tina Paletta, garden designer and horticulturist, is going to share with you the plants that we love best.  You'll hear about the most colorful, exquisite, and unique plants available to date.

Call 314-965-3070 for reservations. J

Karen's gardening calendar

Every few weeks we'll feature some timely advice on things you can do in your garden, thanks to Karen Collins, one of Sugar Creek's longtime employees and a master gardener.

Things you can tackle in your garden this month include:

• Clean up and destroy old foliage on iris before new growth begins.  Spread bulb booster over planting beds to fertilize bulbs. Granules that stick to foliage should be hosed off.
• Winter mulches should be loosened from perennials; re-cover plants at night if frost is forecasted.  Remove weeds and dead foliage from beds.  Shrubs, perennials, and trees may be planted.
• Before growth occurs, complete pruning of trees.  Do not prune trees during new leaf growth.
• Divide summer and fall-blooming perennials.
• Apply nutrients to soil around acid-loving plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies, and dogwoods.  We recommend Espoma Organic Traditions Garden Sulfur.
• When new growth appears in perennial beds, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as Bayer Advanced 2-in-1 Systemic Rose and Flower Care Ready-to-Use Granules.
• Pansies, violas, linaria, and other cool-season plants may be planted.
• Cut ornamental grasses to the ground when new growth begins.
• Pull back mulch from rose bushes.
• Houseplants begin new growth as daylight lengthens.  Root-bound plants should be
  re-potted in containers 2 inches larger in diameter than old pot.  Check for insect activity and apply controls if needed, such as Schultz Houseplant & Garden Insect Spray. 
• Prune leggy houseplants.  J

Pansies, sweet alyssum, and primrose are perfect companions for spring garden containers.