Eco-gardening is at its best in The Monday Garden
March 23, 2003, issue 52
The smell and feel of newly thawed ground is as exciting as pine and candles on Christmas Eve. The shadow of an oak my father planted some thirty years ago stretches across my mother’s front yard.
Two weeks ago, the ground was frozen solid down at least 7 inches, or so says my neighbor who had to dig a signpost hole. Then suddenly, it was 60F. It rained buckets, and puddles covered the sidewalks and lawns. Now, the creeks are high, the ground’s squashy, and the birds are paring off. Small, gritty snow heaps in north-facing shade melt away, revealing snowplow damage to shrub and curb. If you look closely at the elms and red maples, you can see their tiny flower clusters unfurling.
The earth itself is waking up.
Underground, millions of microscopic beings, frozen all winter, begin the frantic race to grow and multiple before winter sets in again. Their actions, and rising temperatures, unlock nutrients then carried to plant and tree roots by ground water. Fresh green shoots break the soil surface, like tiny periscopes. Over-wintering insects venture out.
Those up north in zones 3 and 4 (where only plants that can withstand –40F are rated hardy) won’t need the rake for another three weeks or so. In my zone (6a), it’s time to cut down “winter interest” items like dried grass before the new growth starts. Since there’s little for the birds to eat, leave remaining seeds standing as long as possible or put out food (peanut butter, raisins, apples, and oranges are on the hit list as well as birdseed and whole wheat bagels). Until the earth firms up, soil compaction, a serious plant-killer, is a real danger; so be careful where you step and wheel equipment. A little farther south, in zone 6b, let the pruning begin. In DC (zone 7) where the cherries are blooming, it’s time to clear winter mulch and litter. Those in zones 8 and 9 (e.g. Florida, Louisiana, and California) should probably consider pruning the dead leaves off their palms.
However, on this fine spring day, walking down the hall in my building, I hear mostly the sound of TV news. This week, we keep in our thoughts hopes for the safety of all living things in the Mideast.
Photo credits: Sue Sweeney
© Sue Sweeney 2003
What the readers said:
I just treated myself to your weekly gift. Great as usual -- and the ending brought tears to my eyes. It's so beautiful here -- and think what our war fighters are going through, as well as the people of Iraq. Liz (CT)
Very charming image [“fresh green shoots break the soil surface, like tiny periscopes”]. I hadn't thought to cut back the 'winter-interest' tall grass clumps before the new growth starts in earnest and it's a good idea. Barbara (NY)
I have seen some trees flowering all ready too. They’re tiny flowers but are a prelude to things to come. Nice comment on our current conflict. I couldn’t agree more! George. (CT)
[ I saw a squirrel getting a major jump on the season by using tree ivy branches to make a nest—Sue]
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