Early Spring Creates Pleasant Surprises ...and some work
Cornus alternifolia 'Golden Shadows'
Spring has come early this year. Its March and the temperatures are more like May or June. Temperatures have forced the buds to open early and leaves begun to unfold. The forsythia is in full bloom, daffodils are up and its time to put down the lawn fertilizer with crabgrass preventer. I am not one to use lots of fertilizer, so this application of preventer and fertilizer may be all I do until fall. Trees and shrubs will get an application of Espoma products, Holly-tone, Plant-tone....
Roots have begun to grow and if that tree or shrub is not planted where you want it, now is the time to transplant it . Don't wait too long, or you may risk damaging the newly formed feeder roots. It seems like each year I put off this chore. As I get older the thought of moving large shrubs gets less appealing.
This native Sassafras tree grows wild in a tree line next to my house. Flowers are not fragrant but are a pleasant surprise in the spring. Leaves come in different shapes, check out the link.
It does not take long for these hosta leaves to open up fully .
Red maple is a great native tree which will grow 40-60' tall providing lots of shade for your yard. Called red maple because its green leaves turn red in fall. As a native it may be found in wet bottom land, river flood plains, and wet woods, which is good because that means it will tolerate poor soils in your yard. Red flowers ( above) in dense clusters in late March to early April (before the leaves appear), red fruit two-winged samara.
Acer Shishigashira - Lions Head Maple
When you go to purchase a Japanese Maple, most of us think of finely cut palmate leaves, red in color. Most novice gardens would not recognize this as a Japanese maple. This maple has green star shaped leaves formed in dense groupings. My tree grows slowly upright, vase shaped , hoping one day to reach 15 ft . Great plant for a patio or a large container.
I really don't have to do much to care for this tree. Mulch and occasional light application of organic fertilizer.
Spring is officially here. The garden has provided many surprises, and although there is still the possibly that we could get some cold, frosty weather, I guess it's time to go out and get my hands dirty .
If you would like to attend some fun and informative gardening classes in the Harrisburg Area. Go to this link www.ashcombe.com
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