I remember someone telling me years ago..."Starting In April your garden should be like a symphony with something blooming at all times."
Each year I allow myself to add one new perennial to my garden. Last year I added eight white hydrangeas that boarder my deck. The year before that it was lilacs and the year before that....winter camellias. I note in my garden journal the height of my new friends when planted, I note how I fertilize, soil care and from my research I note what special needs they may have. It's fun for my daughters to measure the plants year after year. It's also nice to grow your garden slowly and with consideration.
This year I am adding peonies. I have ordered ten white peonies from the flower market and I am going to add them to my front boarders. These beautiful plants will be the perfect addition to my symphony.
The Oregon gardener is busy, busy in April.....
Planning It's time to get your raised beds ready for work! Weed and remove unwanted moss. Prepare your garden soil. Incorporate generous amounts of organic materials and amendments, using the results of a soil test as your guide.
When your beds are consistently above 60 degrees, some warm season vegetables can be planted. Yeah!!
Maintenance Allow the foliage of spring-flowering bulbs to naturally die back before removing. Cut back ornamental grasses to a few inches above the ground. Cover transplants to protect against late spring frosts.
Fertilize lawns and thatch if necessary. Prune and shape or thin spring-blooming trees and shrubs after blooms fade.
Planting If the weather permits now is time to plant gladioli and also move your hardy transplants of alyssum, phlox, and marigolds outside. You'll just have to watch for signs of a late freeze and then cover if necessary.
Pest Management Clean-up hiding places for slugs, sow bugs and millipedes. If necessary spray apple and pear trees for scab when buds appear. Continue to cut and remove weeds in an effort to minimize plant disease.
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