The Birds are announcing the arrival of spring. Each morning, I sit on my couch with my coffee, and watch as they return to the hawthorn and juniper outside of my window. Busy, directed energy that is right on time for the season. Do you remember at the beginning of Covid, when non-birders people began to notice our flying friends? There was this widespread chatter, questioning if they were louder, if they were more easeful. But really it was that we were quieter, less overwhelmed by the incessant to-do's of our minds and actions. 

 

And now that life has returned accelerated its pace once again, I am feeling that there is a collective pull back to the garden. To calm our nervous systems, to ground. By growing plants, creating beauty, and being in nature. I wonder if you're feeling this too? If so, stay tuned - a workshop/collective gathering series will be announced soon!

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Learn from the master pruners (and fun folks, too!) at Plant Amnesty's Mini Rose Pruning Workshop tomorrow, March 26: https://www.plantamnesty.org/event/rose-pruning-mini-workshop/

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~ Prune back any spent flower heads that you let over-winter

~ Prune back any grasses to about 6-8 inches (be careful not to cut into the crown of the plant)

~ Feed roses

~ Weed - This is your opportunity for connection with your landscape, to get to know your plants and soil, and to get a little nature time. Get on top of those weeds now to make your life much easier come late spring and summer. 

~ Mulch and Compost - Cover the area with mulch immediately after weeding, which will create a tidy appearance, reduce light exposure to decrease future weed growth, increase bio-diversity, and help maintain moisture in your soil. As always, use a shredded mulch, and avoid dyed bark mulches. A mulch/compost blend from Burien Bark, Sky Nursery, DeJong's or Dirt Exchange are all great options for spring and fall.

~ Walk your garden and take note. How are your plants doing? Are any struggling? Are some getting too large for the space? Keep notes note of what actions you may take this year: dividing, fertilizing, removing runners from plants that enjoy taking over, sending away for your free soil test from King County, or applying beneficial nematodes to help with unwanted pest populations. Need help with the above? Just reach out!

 

"Plants allow us to be fully human."~ Kat Maier, Author of Energetic Herbalism, A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions

Ready for a garden design or containers for your entryway or patio? Reach out today! I still have a few slots left for springtime design and would love to work with you!