As the seasons change

March 2000 - getting ready for spring

Things to do:

* Apply Dormant Oil Spray- apply prior to bud break when' temperatures are above 40 degrees F.

* Fertilize all landscape material with plant specific formula.

* Apply spring plain lawn fertilizer.

* Apply Pre-emergent crabgrass control- late March to mid-April- depending on weather conditions. Note - Please read the label on all products. Be totally sure of the application instructions.

* Apply lime if soil pH conditions justify application. (Do yearly soil pH check prior to application).

* Prune ornamental grasses back- mid-month.

* Do pruning now. (Not Spring or Summer flowering material).

* Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and fruits now.

* Prepare new flower or vegetable beds once soil conditions allow for prior tilling. Raised beds are becoming very popular - try some this year.

* Nursery Stock- balled and burlapped or containerized stock can be planted by the end of the month if weather conditions allow.

* Apply Grub Control - Dylox- late March- make sure to water in.

Here a re a few plants that would be great additions to any landscape:

• Fresh cut flower of the year- Rudbeckia hirta "In- dian Summer"
• Dried cut flower of the year- Echinosritro or Globe Thistle
• Annual of the year- Zinnia
• Herb of the year- Rosemary
• Perennial of the year- Scabiosa "Butterfly Blue"
• Speaking of Perennials here are some that are best for sunny locations. Try some this year.
• Achillea- Yarrow; Asters; Buddleia- love butter- flies?

These are a must: Coreopsis; Veronica; Gaura; Peroskia; Rudbeckia; Salvia; Echinacea purpurea- perennial of the year '99.

Select a variety best for your location and landscape design.

Try something new this spring. Here's some examples:

• Abelia "Little Richard"- flowers May-October.
• Hibiscus Variegates- variegated Rose of Sharon.
• Hydrangea "Lemon Wave"- Variegated foliage.
• Itea "Little Henry"- Best fall colored foliage available.
• Weigela "French Lace"- Brand new. Dark red flower- variegated foliar.
• Weigela "Rubidor"- Neon yellow foliage- red flower.
• Lonicera Magnifica- New red trumpet honeysuckle- Hummingbirds and butterflies love these.
• Coreopsis "Tequila Sun- rise"-,Wow! Variegated foliage- bi-color flower.
• Brand new. Salvia Purple Majesty- Deep royal purple flowers April-October. Attracts Hummingbirds.

Extensive winter damage Noted in many locations. Even well established plantings are beginning to show winter burn. Broadleafed and needled ever greens are both showing damage.

Wait until the weather warms up before you do any pruning.

Call the Nursery with any questions. Enjoy the early Spring weather and be well. Herb Marinari, Big Woods Garden Center and Nursery~