February typically has some warm days that are perfect for working in our landscapes. Deadhead pansies and violas to promote more blooms and feed these annuals with a bloom-boosting fertilizer. As our days become longer and temperatures inch upward, we will be rewarded with beautiful flowers. Head outside on a warm day to clean up your annual and perennial beds. Trim branches of Forsythia, Redbud, Spirea, Quince and flowering Cherry and place them indoors in a vase with water to force the blooms. Prune dead and crossing branches on deciduous trees. Blueberries, Butterfly bush and Roses may also be pruned now. Please come speak with our outdoor staff if you have any questions about pruning – we are here to help you.
You may direct sow some cold-hardy seeds in your vegetable beds in mid to late February. Some warmer season seeds can be started indoors. Check your seed packets for specific dates.
February is a great month for planning. Take stock of your beds – do they need additional Winter interest? If so, consider planting some evergreens and Winter blooming plants, like Edgworthia and Winter Daphne.
Deer are frequent visitors to our landscapes this time of year. Tastes vary with the season and availability of plants. They may be very hungry and eat plants they typically leave alone. It’s important to remember that nothing is deer proof. A multidisciplinary approach is helpful in minimizing damage if deer are a challenge in your yard. Use plants that deer rarely browse, interspersed with those they prefer, weaving smaller plants among larger specimens to create a sense of flow and interest. This practice will reward you with a beautiful visual display and make your landscape less desirable for deer. The use of statuary, containers, boulders and rock walls can make a real difference in the desirability of your landscape – improving your view and deterring deer. 8-foot fencing works best but may be prohibitively expensive. Repellents are a necessity for most of us who live in this area. Plantskydd is my preferred product, particularly in Winter when food is scarce for deer. Thoughtful plant partnering and use of hardscape are strategic ways to protect your investment.
Our classes will begin later this month and continue into Spring. Check our website and social media pages often to stay informed about the dates and times of our programs. Consider joining our Garden Club community – we have a group of gardeners of all levels who come together to learn and share experiences. Our North Greenhouse has gone through a dramatic transformation with beautiful displays of houseplants. We look forward to seeing you and helping you with all your plant questions. Our barn merchandise is transforming into Spring product. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Stay warm out there,
We’ll see you in the garden center!