Gardening: March to Renewal

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Mother Nature has really displayed her powerful talents this year. No one here ever dreamed of seeing snowflakes the size of half dollars falling ever so gently on the landscape below. This winter has surely been a frigid one. No wonder we are all looking forward to spring and new beginnings.

March is the perfect time for renewal in the garden—not only clean up, but planning a garden that attracts some of Mother’s flying wonders, bees and butterflies. Look for sunlit areas to plant crepe myrtles, witch hazel, forsythia, bridal wreath or photinia. These will help bring in the flying wonders and fill the garden with flowering beauty. Crepe myrtles may be trimmed now and shaped to fit their spot. For plants already blooming or getting ready to bloom, wait until the flower show is over to shape those up as well. Now is still the time to prune roses to encourage new growth and more flowering.

Do a little spring cleaning closer to the ground—rake compacted mulch and aerate the soil. Bulbs should be appearing and adding to the birth of color. If you forgot to plant your bulbs in the fall, plant them now to bloom next spring. Lilies, a delight to butterflies, will soon be in glorious form. Remember to leave the green leaves around the bulb area after the blooms fade. This provides food for the bulb below as the leaves naturally decay.
Plants like dusty miller, candy tuft and phlox make excellent blooming borders. They also stay low and are lovely paired with the taller butterfly weed, lantana and sultana which will continue blooming into the warmth of summer.

This time of year, many birds are returning home from their journey south and will stop for a short visit. Freshen feeders and hang more in other parts of the garden. Sock-like feeders are great for holding thistle, which the beautiful little finches really love. Hang one close to the breakfast room window for a most enjoyable show every morning. Also clean all birdbaths with Clorox and refill with fresh water. Visitors and regulars alike will enjoy a fresh dip before returning to the sky.

Take a moment to enjoy the color and activity of March in the garden. As Nature renews the winter spectrum you just might get a fresh glimpse of your own beauty within. Spread your wings and fly!