I’m reminded by FB several days a week as “this time last year” pictures pop up that we are about one month behind on self-seeding germination and perennial resurgance because of our double whammy deep-freeze of 2020. Suddenly, I’m confused as to what my garden chores are for May!
Be patient Sheila!
1. The larkspur lining my front-yard and framing our home entrance, along with the bachelor buttons, poppies, and columbine are reminding me that they haven’t finished their spring bloom cycle yet and I’ll have to wait before I replace them with zinnia seeds.
2. Allow your early spring bloomers to go to seed. Save yourself some labor! Invite your friends and neighbors over to pull up these spent flowers and share with them the seed pods.
3. Continue to dead head iris, roses, dahlias, and grandma’s pin cushions to promote healthy growth.
4. As you clear out the self-seeding bloomers and trim back others, you will make room for the perennial bloomers that are just now starting to bud out.
5. Direct sow into the soil the hot weather flowers like zinnia, cosmos, and globe amarynth. For these summer warriors, scoot back your layers of mulch and leaves and expose the healthy soil underneath. Place your seeds on the surface, sprinkle over with potting soil mixed with compost, and gently pat down. Water daily with a soft spray until you see the tiny seedlings pop up. Continue watering gently until sturdy stalks form.
Besides pulling up an occasional wayward weed, that’s just about it for me to do in my May flowerbeds!
Which summer flowers are you anxious to plant?
Dreamy midsummer comes to the garden
Leaving her pefume so intoxicating
Colors float up-bounce like a fountain
Autumn will come soon – a lady in waiting.
What can you say about fragrant Rose?
So beautiful her face wherever she grows –
Sometimes she climbs, or lives in gardens,
Her sharp thorns we will pardon.
Larkspur blue conceals a pocket –
Hides her nectar there;
But only with cousin Delphinium
Her secret shares
Zinnia grows in so many places,
Loves to skip across dry prairie places; Attracting humminbirds and bright butterflies,
Always searching for sun in the sky.