Eco-gardening is at its best in The Monday Garden
March 16, 2003, issue no. 51
Tomorrow, St. Patrick’s Day, is the traditionally time to plant the peas. This year, though, I’d hold off a bit. We, however, do have a local winner in the “first to bloom” contest: winter aconites snuggled in oak leaves on the south side of my mother’s house.
The aconites (eranthis) have been blooming for over a week. They’re adorable ..
little bulbs – just 2 or 3 inches high. One of the “ice” pansies (issue 33) that wintered over is also blooming next to the aconites. This week we’ll get snowdrops and next week, the early daffodils.
Check the potted plants and bulbs in cold storage (cold frame, garage, etc). As new growth appears, provide fresh air, sun and water.
Tender perennials still need protection if the temperature goes under 38F but the potted spring bulbs intended for outside need to be outside once their “noses” pop up. Place in “full sun” (in the trade that means no shade from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.). Freezing temperatures won’t bother the bulbs or their flowers; they have a very high sugar content, which acts as a natural anti-freeze. Water frequently because rapidly growing plants need lots of water. But also water early in the day and drain well; the pots can be cracked by excess water expanding as it freezes at night. (If a pot cracks, don’t toss it -- glue it or use string to tie it back together.)
Houseplant note: Many of the inexpensive “shamrocks” that you see in the grocery stores are actually oxalis, a bulb with clover-like leaves. Oxalis are great, easy-care perennial houseplants that bloom most of the year in 4 to 5 hours sun. Look for the small bell-shaped flowers.
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What the readers said:
ust south of Buffalo NY, yesterday, my mother saw a BLUEBIRD couple on top of her bluebird house! WOW! Happy Vernal Equinox. Lu (NY)
My first sign of spring was little buds on tree branches in Baltimore. They look so fresh and promising. Kal (NY)
On the way to work this morning, I saw several "red bud" trees blooming. This is a sign to me that spring has arrived in Austin, Texas! Nanette (TX)
This week’s article gave me faith that the warm weather is indeed on its way. The plants are ready for the extra sunshine and so am I. Jordan (CT)
I got myself one of those shamrocks for St. Patrick's day to honor my mother's side of the family. The early sign of spring here is down in the local churchyard where there are about a dozen early pale lavender crocuses in bloom in a sheltered corner and one lone little yellow aconite by the door. (Didn't know what it was until I saw your newsletter.) Sat out in shirtsleeves today! Gregg (NY)
Peace is always at the centre of my heart. … I still enjoy your weekly messages keep the good work up there is after all Spring around the corner. Maureen (ONT)
Photo credits: Sue Sweeney
© Sue Sweeney 2002, 2003