Spring2

�2003 Judith Grover
writer, editor, about, clips, r�sum�, contact

One of the key things with bulbs such as tulips and daffodils is that after they�ve finished blooming, the foliage remains. Localio recommends holding off on cutting back the plants, until they�ve pretty much died back. �A lot of times what people do is, as soon as the flower�s done, they cut it back and that�s a mistake. What you want to do is wait until the foliage dies back and then you cut the plant back.� To divide perennials, Localio explains, �Just take a spade and break the clump in the ground, dividing it into quarters. And you can plant each clump and it will grow.� He recommends dividing your perennials every three years.

Don�t forget about those houseplants: There�s work to be done indoors in March and April, as well. Cut back leggy houseplants and begin to transplant pot-bound plants. Continue to inspect for pests and control as needed. In May, you can take your houseplants outdoors as night temperatures moderate into the 60s. Make sure they�re in a partially shaded, wind-protected location. You can go ahead and fertilize your container plants in June.

Depending on the weather, Late April/May is also the time to begin mowing your lawns regularly to keep grass at the standard two-and-a-quarter inch height. Begin a watering program as necessary and start to get rid of any weeds that sprout to the surface. And if you�re concerned some local pests will begin eating you out of house and home, May is the month to begin application of the all-important repellents. There�s nothing like working hard all spring only to have your precious vegetables besieged by unwanted guests.

If the thought of little winged creatures visiting your summer yard brightens your winter mood, however, you might want to consider a few simple additions to establish a backyard sanctuary. We�re not talking about simple bird feeders, either. Plant some native berry-bearing shrubs and trees, and you'll be supplying a natural food source year after year that can be supplemented with bird seed. In a small garden, try planting three to six shrubs very close together. If you have more space, consider a hedgerow. Ask your local nursery for the most appropriate plants and shrubs.

If it�s possible, leave a dead tree standing in your garden (a �snag�). It will contain insects for birds to birds to munch on. If you include enough trees and shrubs of varying heights in your garden and allow snags to remain, birds will take advantage of these natural sites for nesting. If snags are not available, you'll need to erect bird boxes for your little feathered friends.

According to the experts at Home and Garden Television, water is a definite attraction for birds. They say a small rustic pond is charming, but not everyone has the means or inclination to create this feature. HGTV says simple bird baths can be made by placing a large (20" to 30") clay saucer on a tree stump or on the ground. You can also get an inexpensive concrete bird bath locally. Another HGTV ideas is to dig a small, shallow sloping hole in the ground about the same diameter as the clay saucer and no more than 5" deep in the middle, and line it with very heavy plastic. Extend the plastic 12" to 14" beyond the pond edge and anchor it with flat rocks. Place another flat-topped stone in the water to provide a perch. Realize that unless the plastic is very heavy, it can tear easily. HGTV says that as with bird baths, this "pond" needs to be filled frequently.

Moving water is a real lure for birds and takes care of any concerns you have of breeding mosquitoes during the summer. Punch a few tiny holes in a bucket and suspend it over your bird bath. The slow dripping is enough to bring in the birds.

These are only a few of the many things you can do to create a backyard bird habitat. For more ideas take a look at some of the many books on the subject. And don't forget, in making your garden attractive to birds, you are also helping other wildlife to find a safe haven. You may want to set aside a place to grow larval and nectar plants for butterflies. But remember that butterflies and caterpillars are insects, so be careful in the use of pesticides. Build a rock pile for small mammals, create a spot for toads, or attract beneficial insects. HGTV says the possibilities are endless, and the wildlife will thank you.

It�s evident that lawn and garden activities aren�t for the faint of heart. There are many things you can do now to get off to a splendid start for the season. And if you�re the type that just can�t wait for that early splash of color, Spring-blooming perennials, bulbs and ground covers in window boxes or containers give a colorful start to the season. The sky�s the limit. And while some of the chores might seem a bit strenuous, you�ll find it can be very rewarding. Come July, you can sit back and sip a mint julep while watching your splendid grass grow.