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Winter's casualties need a little extra springtime help

By MARY COLLISTER
Published March 18, 2005

This winter reminded me that there are many different microclimates in my yard. I have two fire bushes (hamelia patens) in my back yard. One shrub is located in the southeast corner, tucked up to the fence. Another, which was a sucker from the first, was transplanted about a year ago about 30 feet south of the mother plant.

I would have thought the original plant would have been protected in its location, but it lost all of its leaves this winter and has now been cut back within 6 inches of the ground. The transplant lost very few leaves, so I gave it just a minimal haircut to shape it up a bit. Within a couple of months, there will be little or no difference between the two plants. But it is interesting to note how they can be affected so differently by the weather, even when they are so close together.

The fire bush is a great semiwoody shrub to use in the background of a flowerbed. Although the cold will nip it, or worse, it will come back strong. Some view it as too invasive, but I know our cool winter nights and pruning now and again will keep it in line.

Another area affected this winter was under my backyard oak. This large oak is surrounded by sword ferns that have been there at least 10 years. Nothing seems to bother them. Well, this fall I had the oak thinned and shaped, and those ferns took a beating this winter. The less dense canopy allowed the cold to settle on the ferns and they really just don't look good right now.

Pulling up these ferns will complete the removal of all winter damaged plant materials from my yard. I will pull up the majority of them because I know they will come back strong with the multitude of roots in the ground. I already see new growth, so I really need to complete that project tomorrow.

Most of my time in the yard last weekend was spent "dressing" my peach trees for the season. Yes, I hung my computer disks in the trees again. It worked so well keeping the squirrels away last year, I thought I would try it again. I did improve on my system. Instead of hanging each disk individually, I purchased one-half inch PVC pipe and cut it into 5- to 6-foot lengths. I then drilled a hole every 5 to 6 inches and looped wire through each hole, tying the disks with string to the wire loops. The PVC pipe is now lying in my trees, resting in the limb crotches. This is one of those projects that took me longer than I thought it would. But I will be able to quickly remove the pieces of PVC and store them, disks attached. It will also be quick work to place them in the trees next year.

One of my trees is loaded with flowers, while the other has fewer than in years past. But I know each of the peaches will be great, so I look forward to any size of crop. I noticed a few of the smaller branches have no leaves or flowers, so they have probably died. I will wait a couple of weeks to be sure and then will remove those lifeless limbs.

I am still looking for a cherry tree. I have seen a few in local garden centers but either didn't like the shape, condition or price! I will continue to look, although it is getting a little late in the season. I have a perfect location for it, only requiring the transplanting of one rose bush. The tree will not only provide fruit but will also shade a swing out back. I think I'll make a few phone calls this week and see if I can't find one.

Recently I took inventory of every little bare spot in the flowerbeds. I will tuck some sort of annual color into each. It seems like some years, I ease back on the annuals; others I go all out. I think this will be an annual celebration this season. I have a trip planned to a local wholesale nursery this week, so I'm hoping to find flats of beautiful flowers I just won't be able to resist.

This is a great time to get your turf in shape. If you have bare spots, rake them, put down some topsoil and buy a few pieces of sod. Rain is usually lacking this time of year, so you will have to keep the grass irrigated. If you haven't already, apply a pre-emergent weed killer to your lawn. Do it now. This will definitely cut down on problems latter in the season. A light fertilization is also a good idea.

The rain really helped the inexpensive flower seeds I had randomly scattered in some of my beds in the backyard. Some of the plants have their first set of true leaves and are looking strong. They still need to be kept moist because the root system has not had the opportunity to grow and get established.

My neighbor Jim is harvesting tomatoes. I was negligent and did not plant any tomatoes this year, but if you did, you should be starting to enjoy your harvest. I get lazy about adding tomato plants to my yard because I know Jim will always share with me.

Whether you are growing flowers or vegetables or just enjoying a low maintenance landscape, this is an excellent time to make sure you spend part of each day outside. This ideal weather does not last long and I for one plan on enjoying as much of it outside as I can!

Mary Collister writes about how to garden successfully in Florida's climate and offers problem-solving tips for your home garden. Mail questions to: Mary Collister, North of Tampa, 14358-B N Dale Mabry Blvd., Tampa, FL 33618.

[Last modified March 17, 2005, 08:40:12]