GardenSpotlight

It has been very mild this winter so far and that leaves us to worry about the bulbs and perennials already in the ground, especially the newer plantings.   In addition to the milder temperatures this year, the storm track is different as well, coming from the plains states and remaining further northwest than usual.   The resulting lack of snow in our area deprives our bulbs and perennials from necessary insulation. Mild winters can create a lot of freezing and thawing of the soil.   This in turn causes our perennials to heave up out of the ground, exposing the plants’ crowns to cold temperatures.   This results in damage to the plants and they may not come back the following spring as you would normally expect them to.   Warmer temperatures over the winter can also confuse plants and trees. The milder temperatures can cause these plants to try to begin to grow too early and they then become damaged by frosts and temperatures that drop below freezing. ...

Now on to Autumn....Did you know that some annual plantings, if planted in a warmer area, such as close to the foundation of your house, may come back the following spring? This may be the case with some plants such as licorice and vinca vine in the Northeast. Others, such as Cleomes, may re-seed in your garden, and in other areas around your house depending on where the wind has carried the seed. Perennial plantings may need to be mulched over the winter season to protect them from extreme cold. Use a good mulch as you would in the spring, or even use the boughs from your Christmas tree after Christmas is over. What a great way to re-cycle nature's bounty! Here is a link to the USDA Hardiness Planting Map: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html