Snow on the garden acts as a blanket protecting and watering perennials. It also aids the decomposition of mulch and debris. Insects, their eggs, fungus, and disease are also harbored.
Now is the time to do serious tree pruning before the sap starts flowing. Make sure to trim off broken branches. Check that evergreens are protected from drying winds and heavy snows. Don't trim spring flowering trees and shrubs or you'll take off the flower buds. Trim these after flowering.
Although it is winter, growing still takes place. The tulips, crocuses, and snowdrops are starting to show above ground. The garlic and curly kale are doing nicely. The rhubarb balls of leaves are just itching to unfurl. The clematis is showing signs of leaf buds ready to pop open.
You can begin searching for pussy willows to bring in. Take cuttings of forsythia to force indoors for a touch of fresh spring color.
Now is the time to plan this year's garden. Browse the catalogs for seeds, plants, trees, and shrubs. Get your supplies together for seeds you will grow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
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