Seasonal Chores & Observations...
In and Out of My Zone 6 Garden

Copyright © 2012 Hilda M. Morrill

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - When February arrives, most of us think about hearts and Valentine's Day. So it was time to finally take down the Christmas wreath. As I look around the neighborhood, I see that I was not alone in my tardiness. Our favorite heart-shaped flower is the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra).

The weather continues to be unseasonably warm. The temps reached 60 degrees today. Hubby played golf. Truly amazing!

Lots of robins are hanging around the yard eating the berries off our holly bushes. They don't head south in winter anymore.

This past weekend, we planted the last of the daffodil bulbs that were forgotten last fall. Many had already begun to leaf out. To make it easier and not have to dig holes, we found a spot in the garden that had a natural deep depression.

After scratching the surface with a hand-weeder, we poked the bulbs (pointy side up) in the loose soil and then covered them with a couple of bags of pine bark mulch. After tamping down the area gently, we then lay some grow-through rings on top, to deter the squirrels from digging up the bulbs. Although poisonous to the rascally varmints and not eaten by them, daffie bulbs have been dug up in the past.

Indoors, my new air plant is developing a bud! So exciting. Will take a photo if and when it blooms.

Monday, January 16, 2012 - It's a new year and I have a new houseplant. The best part is that I am told I can't kill it, no matter what!

Many thanks to our wonderful daughter for such a lovely and unique Christmas present. I've never grown one of these before.

Known as an air plant, Tillandsia is a genus of around 540 species in the Bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). Tillandsias are epiphytes (also called aerophytes), which means that they normally grow without soil while attached to other plants. Epiphytes are not parasitic, depending on the host only for support.

A "repurposed" design per the care card that accompanied the gift, my new plant is mounted on what appears to be an old piece of wood crown molding with patches of paint. I only have to remove it once a week and submerge it in water for 2-4 hours according to its distributor www.RootsinRust.com.

How simple is that? I love it and it looks so pretty in our kitchen. Thank you, Maria!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - The hellebores are in bloom and they are beautiful to behold, even among the weeds and fallen leaves.

The street trees are finally leafless and we've been trying to catch up on the raking.

The gardens are not totally asleep yet and we are still able to enjoy parsley, alyssum and Knock Out roses!

We've been taking advantage of the lack of snow to prune some of our smaller trees, such as the Kousa dogwoods and the plum trees (Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud'). Last year's snow storms weighed down some of their longer horizontal branches almost to the ground. I'm hopeful that we will avoid a similar occurrence this winter.

We still have to find homes for several bags of daffodil bulbs and some rooted cuttings. Maybe after Christmas. If worse comes to worse, we'll plant them in pots and store them in the unheated porch or cellar.

Plant and seed catalogs have begun to arrive. Silly me... I'm making a list of what to buy when I can't even handle what I have on hand.

Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, also known as the first day of winter. Believe it or not, the days will start to get longer. We can joke that spring is on the way.

Monday, November 28, 2011 - We are finally paying some attention to our long neglected houseplants. Among those getting a good warm water spray in the bathtub to get the dust off of them this past week were the Scheffleras, Crotons and Pleomeles. We made sure to place the pots on towels so as not to scratch the tub. We left them there overnight so that the leaves could dry off completely.

Later in the season when we have more time we will repot some of the plants.

The amaryllis have not been watered since they were brought indoors. Once their leaves die down, flower buds should appear. At least, they have in previous years. There are never any guarantees.

Alas, no buds or blossoms this year on our Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). Other years at this time, it has been full of buds and blooms. Maybe it's because I did not let it remain outside a bit longer when the temperatures got cooler as I have other years. It seems to perform better when I do.

Speaking of temperatures, it was unseasonably warm today. We may even set a record for November.

Sunday, November 20, 2011 - Thanksgiving is just around the corner and there's still much to be done. Flower arrangements need to be made and I'm hopeful that this weekend we'll get to cut some greens to insert in the planters, where the fibrous rooted begonias were killed by a recent frost.

We still have many daffodil bulbs to plant as well as several perennials that never made it to a permanent home. If worse comes to worse, we'll bury their pots in the veggie garden for the winter.

The birdbath bowls have all been turned over so that they won't crack, and they now resemble mushrooms.

Almost all the neighborhood trees are now bare. Hubby has been raking leaves and more leaves!

The Knock Out roses and chrysanthemums continue to look good. Johnny-Jump-Ups are showing off their pretty little faces.

Unbelievably, last week I found a live tick crawling around in my office. I must have brought it in from outdoors on my clothes.

My favorite radio station has been playing Christmas carols.

As much as I like them, it seems too early for me.

Friday, November 4, 2011 - The recent Nor'easter the night before Halloween brought down a couple of our smaller trees, a PeeGee hydrangea and a cotinus. The weight of the hydrangea blossoms covered with heavy snow was a factor. They are both up again with the help of stakes and wires.

The majority of large trees in the neighborhood still have their green leaves and few have started to show fall coloring. Sadly, many areas of the state had severe damage and are still without power. And some towns cancelled or postponed trick-or-treating for the little ones.

In our yard we still have not had a real hard frost, and the Knock Out roses and chrysanthemums are looking good. Alas, the veggie garden is history.

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend.

Thursday, October 6, 2011- We are now officially in the Fall Season. It's been cloudy and rainy, and some areas north of Boston have had floods. Considering that since our last posting we've endured an earthquake and a hurricane, I guess we can't complain too much.

The vegetable garden is still producing, although in general not looking so good anymore. Tomato, cucumber and zucchini vines are winding down; but the green pole beans still look great.

In bloom in the flower gardens are the spectacular asters 'Alma Potschke' (sometimes spelled Poetschke), which are also known as New England Asters, Hardy Asters, and Michaelmas Daisies. Also performing well are the fall crocus 'Colchicum Autumnale', dahlias, chrysanthemums, butterfly bushes, hydrangea 'Tardiva' and our one patch of the lavender herb.

The persistent autumn clematis vine is climbing through and around some shrubs even though we've been pulling it out for years. Our main objective is not to let it flower and later scatter its seeds around, even though the flowers are very pretty and have a wonderful fragrance. In our garden, it's certainly an invasive plant.

The hummingbirds have left for their winter vacation and it's time to bring in their feeders.

Last week I was stung by a bee. Twice! I always believed that once they stung they died. I guess I was wrong! Bees are good and I encourage them in our garden, but maybe I should keep my distance in the future.

On a more serious note, according to a recent Boston Globe report, more than 250 mosquito samples from Massachusetts were found to contain the West Nile virus, including some found in Boston, Dedham, Milton, Quincy, Norwood, Westwood, Randolph, and Weymouth.

The Department of Public Health suggests applying insect repellent, as well as wearing long pants, long sleeves, and socks when outdoors. The threat will continue until after the first hard frost. This morning some areas west of Route 495 were covered with a light frost.

This coming weekend temperatures are supposed to be in the high 80's!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011- After a month of record breaking heat in between countless torrential downpours, it is exhilarating to enjoy today's perfect temperatures and gorgeous blue skies.

The sedums are beginning to show their fall coloring. Amazingly, our azaleas are re-blooming. They've never done that before.

Also puzzling are the many baby green plants among our potted pink begonias. Imagine my surprise when I figured out that they are pepper plants!

The only answer I can come up with is that the crushed red pepper flakes that I sprinkled last spring in the pots and planters had seeds in the mix which have now germinated. That's never happened before either. The flakes are supposed to keep critters away, namely the squirrels and chipmunks that dig up our newly planted annuals.

In the vegetable garden we're keeping busy picking green pole beans and cucumbers. Radishes were plentiful; but the zucchini plants have mostly male flowers. The first red tomatoes were picked yesterday. They were really late this year and the plants don't look so great. It must have been the super hot temperatures that slowed them down.

The leaves of next spring's grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) are already poking their heads up. The newspapers are full of back-to school and Halloween candy ads. Fall is on the horizon for sure.

One of the most enjoyable treats this summer has been watching our resident woodpecker visiting the hummingbird feeders several times a day. The hummers don't seem to mind!

Saturday, July 16, 2011 - Now that their flower petals have dropped off, the seedpods and new buds of our Breadseed Poppies remind me of a Dale Chihuly glass sculpture.

Around the end of March I sprinkled the poppy seeds among the groupings of emerging daffodil foliage. Subsequent snow falls and cold weather did not harm them. Of course, wouldn't you know that the largest poppy plant is growing nowhere near where the seeds were spread.

I will let some of the urn-shaped decorative pods, with their little crowns of ridges ringing their poppy tops, get brown and hard and in a few weeks I will cut them off and store them in a paper bag. When completely dry, the pods can be cracked open to remove the seeds.

According to Renee Shepherd (www.reneesgarden.com), the harvested poppy seed may be stored in a sealed container in the freezer to keep it fresh and pest free until it's time to plant, either in the fall or next spring.

I've always been a failure when it comes to poppies.

I am told that once I get them going, they'll reward me with their flamboyant and colorful blossoms for years to come. I sure hope so. They are so pretty.

Wednesday,
July 6, 2011 - The hydrangeas are in their glory, especially 'Endless Summer'. As the blossoms fade, they will be removed and relegated to the compost bin to ensure a continuation of blooms. In our garden they really do bloom all summer into the early fall and first frost.

Horticultural guru, Dr. Michael Dirr, has been quoted as saying that the 'Endless Summer' hydrangea is "One of the most important new plant introductions of the last 50 years."

Also in bloom this week: Shasta daisies, assorted hostas, lavender, Japanese irises, monarda, daylilies, spireas, coreopsis and salvias.

Besides weeding, this week's chores included removing the yellow daffodil foliage and hand pruning some of the azaleas and rhodies, as well as the perovskia and chrysanthemums. This was the last pruning for the latter, which will make them bushier and bloom later in the fall.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - The foxgloves and the clematis are spectacular this year. Also showing off are the Knock Out roses and the Kousa dogwoods.

Although it's raining today, we've enjoyed some good weather recently after enduring a major heat wave. It's given us a good opportunity to sow some vegetable seeds. For some reason, this year we're behind in our gardening chores.

Already poking their little leaves out of the soil are radishes, pickling cucumbers, zucchini, and pole beans. Our grandson's tomato seedlings are coming along nicely.

Yesterday we celebrated the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Unbelievably, the fall garden catalogs are arriving almost daily in the mail. We even saw Christmas decorations on sale in last Sunday's paper.

There are reports of bear sightings in neighboring towns, while we seem to have a resident Heron. Recently pictured on our fence, it is obviously interested in our next-door neighbors' lovely koi pond. Good thing they've stretched a net over the pond to protect their fish!

Thursday, May 26, 2011 - It seems that everyone is captivated by the pretty white flowers. But then, so was I many years ago.

The reality is that Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is an aggressive thug, at least in our garden; and I spend countless hours removing the flowering bulbs and depositing them in the trash.

They pop up everywhere and, if left undisturbed, can create gradually increasing impenetrable mats in the spring.

Silly me. I was warned by my dear friend, the late Christine Farrell, a gardener extraordinaire and an outstanding teacher/mentor. "I'll be able to keep them under control," I foolishly assured her about 40 years ago as I greedily scooped up all the bulblets she had weeded out of her garden.

"Stars" indeed. Live and learn!

Today is a beautiful day to be working outside, although wafting waves of pollen aggravate my allergies. Maybe it's time to entertain the neighbors and don my face mask. At least the rainstorms have stopped.

We are really looking forward to this Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial beginning of the summer season. Lucky us! We will enjoy a visit from our precious grandson, who will be planting his tomato seedlings in the vegetable garden.

Saturday, April 30, 2011 - This year, our daffodils have performed the best that we can ever remember. Although many blossoms have gone by, there are still some varieties coming into bloom. That's why, if one has room in the garden, it's good to add new and different bulbs every year in order to extend the season.

If the weather behaves, that is!

Incidentally, according to the American Daffodil Society (ADS), there is no difference between the words "daffodils" and "narcissus." Their website notes that the two words are synonyms.

"Narcissus is the Latin or botanical name for all daffodils, just as ilex is for hollies. Daffodil is the common name for all members of the genus Narcissus, and its use is recommended by the ADS at all times other than in scientific writing."

Although the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center notes that it's not necessary to remove the daffodil seed pods (unlike those of tulips that should be removed), if we have the time, we snip them off and throw them back in the garden to decompose.

The foliage, however, must not be removed until it turns yellow. Admittedly, many years we've been tempted to do the evil deed!

We often scatter seed of cleomes and cosmos within the daffodil groupings. Once they germinate, the resulting annual plants are colorful and do no harm to the daffies. The poppy seeds that we scattered several weeks ago have germinated. Many little plants are evident in between the daffodils. Can't wait to see if they perform this summer.

We have lots of dandelions in our so-called lawn. Garlic mustard and wild onions are evident, too. Those will be weeded out and thrown in the trash.

The large pots of dahlias and other tender tropicals that spent the winter in our basement are coming out today. They'll remain in the sheltered cellar entrance at least for a couple of weeks before they are placed throughout the beds.

Cages have been placed over the emerging peony plants. It won't be long before they'll be supporting the beautiful blossoms.

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - The crocus blossoms are spectacular. Hearty for sure, they survived yesterday's April Fool's snowstorm. Spring in New England is always full of surprises.

Also in bloom with no visible damage from the snow are several hellebores, snowdrops, blue scillas, and some spring heath plants (Erica carnea). And, yes, even some unidentified weeds are full of pretty blossoms. I must photograph them to see if I can identify them at a later time.

The day is turning out to be beautiful with temperatures expected to reach the high 50's. Soon, the recent snow will be but a memory.

About a week or so ago, I planted some poppy seeds directly in the garden. I use the term "planted" even though I simply mixed the seeds with sand and sprinkled them within the groupings of emerging daffodil foliage.

If all works as planned, after the seeds germinate, the poppy plants will grow in the areas where the daffodil foliage will have yellowed and been carefully removed (a few months from now).

The seeds were a gift from Renee Shepherd, owner of Renee's Garden in Felton, CA (www.reneesgarden.com). Renee likes to receive feedback from garden writers to find out how her seeds perform in different regions of the country. So, I will keep notes. I especially like Renee's seeds because they are not treated or genetically modified.

According to directions on the packets, the seeds should be planted directly in the garden as early as possible in the spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. I must keep the soil moist as the seedlings emerge. Had I waited, I could have sprinkled them directly on yesterday's snow.

I usually don't have good luck with poppies. But then, I'm stubborn and often try to grow them in planting trays with potting mix. They've always germinated and then promptly died when I tried to transplant them.

So, we'll see what happens this year when I follow the rules.

Monday, March 7, 2011 - Although we grow them for their colorful foliage and ease of care, our croton plants also have interesting buds and blossoms. Unfortunately, they cause us severe allergy attacks, so the inflorescences are almost always pruned off, except when needed for the occasional "photo op." Native to tropical regions, crotons make great houseplants.

Outdoors most of the snow has melted, helped along by recent warm temperatures and drenching rains. It was good to "find" the Christmas lights that had disappeared in the mountains of snow.

One of the birdbaths fell apart while under the weight of the snow even though we have always turned over the bowls, mushroom-like, for the winter months. Maybe we can use the base for something else. A birdhouse perhaps?

Now that we can finally see soil, we've found many snowdrops magically in bloom, especially those growing under the protection of shrubs. Daffodil foliage is also poking out of the ground.

Spring is coming! Daylight Saving Time begins next Sunday.

Friday, February 11, 2011 - February and Valentine's Day conjure up images of hearts, chocolates, and red or pink flowers. For me, the perfect Valentine blossom is a Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis).

Of course, at this time of the year they are nowhere to be found, at least not in this part of the world. Cut roses and tulips fill in nicely in declaring love and romancing one's sweetheart.

Recently, gardening colleagues have called attention to other possibilities: 'Falling In Love' poppy from Territorial Seed Company; 'Hot Lips' salvia from Brent and Becky's; and a 'Sweetheart Hoya' recommended by Chris Hansen. I'll have to do some research. What I need is a greenhouse! Oh, well.

The weather, ice dams, mounds of snow and collapsed roofs continue to be the popular topics of conversation. We even had bad thunder and lightning storms this past week. The damage to our trees and shrubs has been extensive as I noted before. Many are making comparisons to the Blizzard of '78, which took place 33 years ago.

The neighborhood children have enjoyed the many "snow days" off from school and the new resident family of ducks that has settled in.

I wonder if our feathered friends will still be around when spring arrives? If it ever arrives, that is!

Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Tufted titmice are very common at our bird-feeders this winter, something we would not have seen 25 or 30 years ago.

According to knowledgeable birdwatchers, in spite of the severe winter we're experiencing, the titmice have established themselves in the Northeast in recent years "because of the widespread provision of food at feeders."

In spite of the deep snow cover in some areas of the yard, some of our holly berries are still available to the hungry birds. A good thing! In the meantime, we'll keep our feeders full.

Saturday, January 15, 2011 - My photos appear to be black-and-white images, although a finch with a hint of yellow at his neck and under wings brightens one snowy scene.

It's been dark and gloomy. And, because of freezing temperatures, there has not been any noticeable melting, even though our first Nor'easter of 2011 was three days ago.

Heavy wet snow, which brought down many trees in the Greater Boston area, still clings to our trees and power lines.

There has been much damage in our yard. However, considering that some people suffered damage to their homes and cars, we have nothing to complain about. We'll prune and "clean up" by spring.

Speaking of spring, Walgreens had seeds on sale last week. Five packets for a dollar (with a coupon). How could I resist?

Monday, January 3, 2011 - After a balmy "First Night" and somemelting of snow cover, our garden is still a winter wonderland following the "Blizzard of 2010."

Regarding our indoor plants, we've made some New Year's resolutions. Maybe this year we'll take better care of them. All need to be re-potted and, at the least, a good dusting for sure!

Most fun this month, of course, will be perusing the seed and plant catalogs that are arriving on an almost-daily basis. When ready to order, we'll share what our choices will be for 2011.

We're really looking forward to the 2011 Boston Flower & Garden Show from March 16-20 at the Seaport World Trade Center. During the months of January and February, web visitors who sign up to receive our occasional BostonGardens.com Newsletter, or those who Like us on Facebook, will be eligible to win two free tickets to the Show. We thank Carolyn Weston and the Paragon Group for the tickets.

Spring is just around the corner!

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