A Spring To Do List

The sun’s power is magnetic; it draws us towards it, out of buildings and out of sweaters to bask in its warmth. And to witness the life, that it coaxes into the earthly cycle we call, seasons.
This time of year is by far, my favorite when every sunny day is treasured and every plants hovers upon the precipice of miraculously bursting into full exuberant bloom or lush leafy growth. There is so much to do in the garden and every action is filled with potential – dividing perennials, planning a new bed, deciding what seeds to buy for the vegetable garden. I often think that gardeners are the most optimistic and forward thinking variety of human. They are always thinking of what’s next: the next season, the next plant to trial, the next project.
Entering this season of activity and potential with a plan helps to focus your effort and allows you to track your achievements, and a list is often, the simplest way to plan. I have divided the list into rainy and sunny day activities, so that you can make the most of each day.

Rainy, Cold or Snowy Days:
~ Reference any notes from the previous year including written notes, pictures, and receipts or invoices.
~ Visit a Garden Show to get ideas and information.
~ Perform any necessary research about plants, materials, construction, tools and techniques keeping in mind that there are lots of local people with tons of knowledge including garden center employees, master gardeners, neighbors, college/university outreach centers, informational meetings & seminars, and annual garden shows.
~ Plan placement and features of garden beds (including location, orientation, materials, plants and soil required).
~ Peruse seed catalogs and make selections.
~ Clean and Organize Pots.
~ Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse.
~ Sharpen and oil hand-tools.
~ Perform basic annual maintenance to garden power tools and the lawn mower to prepare for service.

Photo: Northwest Flower and Garden Show 2015, Seattle, Washington.


Sunny Days:
~ Edit plants that need to move.
~ Divide perennials.
~ Plant Bare-root Fruits and Vegetables including fruit trees, small berries, rhubarb, horseradish and asparagus.
~ Start planting sturdier perennials, including perennial herbs. Wait until the weather and soils warm in April or May for Tender Perennials, like Agastache and Salvia etc.
~ Pot up perennials, shrubs or trees that are in containers.
~ Tidying Evergreen Perennials, cutting-out old, weathered foliage to allow fresh foliage to shine.
~ Cut-back Ornamental Grasses.
~ Add Compost into the soil and/or as mulch.
~ Refresh bedraggled container plantings with fresh spring color.
~ Clean and sanitize greenhouse (relatively warm day required).
~ Clean sidewalks, patios and pathways with pressure washer or scrub brush.
~ First Lawn Mowing.

Photo: Add color to the landscape.

The sun and the season of potential are coming. Be prepared by using this simple list to achieve your gardening dreams. For additional information and materials visit your Local Independent Garden Center.

Photo: Visit your Local Independent Garden Center.