Daffodils, Magnolias, forsythia, Oh My! Springās beautiful blessings graced us early this year. The bountiful array of flowers and colors are almost overwhelming. We have hyacinths blooming at the same time as serviceberry. The delicate purple flowers of redbuds are occurring at the same time as the large red flowers on the quince. The white and purple flowers of crabtrees bring back memories of our childhood. (My Grandmother told Tom and I not to eat those applesā¦)
Our yard is meant to be enjoyed by our friends and family. My children are able to pick the flowers, run through the beds or throw the football without fear of a reprimand. The only rule I have established is that if they choose to pick a flower, they have to be able to identify the plant. No fancy botanical name is needed, that will come later. I just want them to start to become familiar with the names of plants.
Identification is important and is most often done through the most distinguishable plant characteristic. Some plants have showy flowers, other plants have textured bark, and still others have leaves that are colorful. Whatever is particularly distinguishable about the plant is probably what will be used to identify the plant.
As walkers are enjoying time with spouses, friends, their beloved pet, or perhaps some much needed solitude, it is common for them to see plants and wonder what they are. That is especially true now with the wonderful array of spring flowers that are blooming. Is there a particular plant for which you would love to know the name? If it is in someoneās yard, consider asking the homeowner. They may know, they might not know, but I can guarantee they will appreciate your admiration for the plant.
We all like to receive a compliment regarding our appearance. The same holds true for the appearance of our yard. If the homeowner doesnāt know or if the plant is planted in a common area, consider taking a 3-4ā section of a branch to a local garden center. They should be able to give you some ideas regarding the identification of the plant. You may want one for your own yard, or you may just appreciate the information and continue to admire the plant from afar.
I think by nature, we are often protective. What I am hearing from Sun City residents is concern about protecting all the beautiful spring flowers and plants.
It has been estimated that due to the record setting warm temperatures of March, all of our plants are about 4-5 weeks ahead of where they usually are this time of year. Although I certainly canāt predict the future, it seems inevitable that we will get one or more frosts yet this spring. There are several ways you may want to consider protecting your plants.
If (or when) we get another frost, you may want to protect your perennial flowers and perhaps your roses. They could be protected by a light sheet or perhaps buckets over individual plants. Avoid using pieces of plastic. The frost can go right through the plastic. Also, make sure to take any coverings off the next morning, when the chance of frost is over.
A fresh layer of hardwood mulch would also protect your plants. Try to avoid planting annual flowers until May, as most annuals can be killed by a frost. Trees and shrubs are very resilient. About five years ago, we had a frost in late May, and I witnessed leaves on two linden trees that had turned black from the frost. The trees dropped all of the damaged leaves and grew a new set. They are beautiful and healthy today.
Kathleen Carr is the president of The Growing Scene, Inc, a landscape and garden center company. She can be reached at tgsinc12@msn.com.
