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March 14, 2007
Dust Off Those Rusty Trowels (Just One Last Time)
Even if you don't have as much to do as the poster of this photo on Flickr, it's definitely time to start planning a strategy for jump-starting your garden. Considering that 90 percent of what we planted last year died, we won't even try to offer any advice. We will tell you what the landscape designer who lives a couple doors down from us told us over the fence last weekend: perennials should be planted at the end of March and annuals at the end of April. Any other timing tips from people with greener thumbs than we have?
Photo by kyllo on Flickr.
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Comments
Sun exposure is the most important thing. I've seen many plants die because of improper light.
Full sun is at least 6 hours per day of direct sun light. Partial shade/sun is 3-6 hours. And full shade is less than that 3 hours day.
Its been my experience that most Brooklyn backyards are Partial sun/shade at best. Buildings and fences cast long shadows.
August heat is murder on the plants and many plants end up wilting. Look for plants that are heat tolerant.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 14, 2007 9:21 AM
...gonna make 'em shine...
SHINE!
Posted by: Anonymous at March 14, 2007 9:29 AM
Jerry was a gardener
Posted by: Bob W. at March 14, 2007 9:40 AM
I'd wait slightly longer for annuals. 1st or 2nd week of May to be safe. The typical rule of thumb is Mother's Day.
This is a good time to be doing some pruning as well before everything starts to leaf out.
Posted by: anonymous at March 14, 2007 9:59 AM
I would say while that's a good rule of thumb for pruning, some plants only flower on old wood and you should know what you're pruning before you start.
Posted by: combustiblegirl at March 14, 2007 10:14 AM
yes, i should have mentioned that. thanks.
i believe lilacs are one of these such plants that bloom on the old wood.
Posted by: anonymous at March 14, 2007 10:18 AM
Brownstoner - how's the lawn? Probably looks horrible now, but it should be lush and green soon.
As for planting, listen to 9:21. We have very deep shade in our garden, but it thrives with the right plants. Also, go slow - plant a bit each year, see how it takes, how you like it, etc. And don't be afraid to rip up mistakes.
Posted by: Halden at March 14, 2007 10:26 AM
Forsythia also blooms on old wood.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 14, 2007 10:29 AM
What are the best plants for shady areas?
Posted by: brownstoner at March 14, 2007 10:44 AM
I'd have to ask Mrs. Halden!
Posted by: Halden at March 14, 2007 11:09 AM
Hydrangeas do very well in full shade and come in several shapes and colors. PeeGee hydrangeas are trees; oak leaf is a hardy shrub size; and climbing hydrangea is another favorite. Ours grew very little in the first year and then grew about ten feet up the well the next year. Ivy also does very well in full shade.
Posted by: Tim at March 14, 2007 11:17 AM
hostas are quite nice for shade and they come back every year. also caladiums, which are bulbs.
in terms on annuals, coleus, impatients do very well in shade.
ajuga is also nice as a ground cover with purple flowers.
these are all relatively low maintenance as well.
Posted by: anonymous at March 14, 2007 11:29 AM
Last year I planted honeysuckle vine. Should I prune it back even though some leaves still appear to be alive?
Posted by: Anonymous at March 14, 2007 11:40 AM
One MORE time! C'mon dude! BTW, Hydrangeas are great for the shade, but they'll take a few years to really fill out and they have trouble flowering if they really get no sun.
Posted by: Cranky Deadhead at March 14, 2007 11:45 AM
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