"The trees began to whisper
And the wind began to roll
And in the wild March morning
I heard them call my soul."
~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
Spring Awakening
March, a month when you have to prepare for, and expect, every type of weather to occur daily. On cue, the first week of March has given us a range of weather. As temperatures rise and days lengthen many begin to look to their gardens for enjoyment. Blooms of early flowering crocus, galanthus, winter aconite, and hellebores grace gardens with bright cheer while the leaves of daffodils poking through the soil herald of blooms to come. Pots of pansies and primroses exclaim that spring has arrived. While the official first day of spring, the vernal equinox, isn't until Saturday, March 20th, spring fever is currently in full bloom. Relieve your spring fever by starting seeds, planting pansies, growing shamrocks, and ordering fresh cut flowers for your home. However, you choose to celebrate the arrival of spring we are here to help.
March Garden Checklist
March signals the time to prepare your garden, and yourself, for the coming spring. Here is a list of our top must-dos:
Enjoy the early blooms of crocus and hellebores. Look forward to the brilliant yellow of forsythia blooms and other early spring blooming plants.
Start seeds indoors. Peppers & tomatoes should be started by early or mid-March.
Clean-up garden beds. Cut down perennial grasses & liriope.
Get ready to mow: set mower blades higher, and only cut off 1/3 of the grass blades' total height. De-thatch, weed, & edge as needed.
Re-pot house plants if needed.
Start fertilizing house plants as days become longer.
Have a soil test if you are planning on starting a new garden bed or want to know which fertilizer and how much you should apply.
Direct sow cool weather veggies (once the soil has thawed):
* Early March: spinach, mustard, beets, & peas
* Mid to late March: carrots, collards, kale, radishes, turnips, & green onions
* Mid to late March: plant asparagus & rhubarb crowns, potato & onion sets
* Mid to late March: plant transplants of cabbage & kohlrabi
Check mulch levels around trees and plants. Mulch should only be 2"-3" deep; pull away from trunks to encourage spring root growth.
Summer-flowering trees & shrubs that bloom on new spring growth can be pruned: ex: Mimosa, Smoketree, Butterfly bush, Beautyberry, Annabelle Hydrangea, PeeGee Hydrangea, & Clethra.
Plant Johnny Jump-ups, snapdragons, Sweet William, & other cool season annuals in mid to late March.
Plant trees, shrubs, & perennials once soil is workable.
Sow grass seed.
The list could go on. March is a month to be spent in the garden.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Plants & Flowers
St. Patrick's Day is Wednesday, March 17th, which means shamrocks have arrived! Shamrocks (Oxalis sp.) are popular this time of year because of St. Patrick's Day. They make great gifts that can live for years with proper care. It is a shame that it can be difficult to find one during the rest of year, as they are quite easy to grow and make lovely house plants. We have a great selection of shamrocks to choose from. The classic green leaf variety (O.regnelli) is easily recognized for its cheery verdant leaves. Why not try growing one of the more colorful varieties, such as 'Iron Cross" (O. deppei) or purple shamrocks (O. triangularis)? To learn more about oxalis visit the Wisconsin Master Gardener website.
Green Bouquets
Send some Irish cheer with a beautifully green bouquet of fresh flowers. We will have some extra special green fresh cuts for you to order this month. Visit us online or call today to place your order for some Irish luck.
Time To Care for Your Lawn
Early spring is the time to apply Fertilome's All Seasons II. If you miss the forsythias blooming, just remember to apply All Seasons II by tax day. All Seasons II contains micronutrients and trace elements with its dual nitrogen release that will provide your lawn with steady dark green growth.
All Seasons II also contains a preemergent herbicide that can last 6 to 8 months. Crabgrass, purslane, knotweed, and other listed broadleaf weed seeds will be prevented from germinating.
If you have weeds already emerging use Hi-Yield's Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper with Dimension. This kills weeds 2 to 3 weeks after they have emerged, as well as providing preemergent protection.
We have grass seed for your late winter/early spring seeding needs.
We are ready to help with any questions on lawn care, weed control, or grass seed. Let us help you take the guesswork out of creating and maintaining a healthy lawn.
Important Upcoming Dates
The official start of spring is right around the corner. As warmer weather comes our schedules have a tendency to become quite full. As always, our professional floral designers are here to help you celebrate every day. If you have an upcoming event or special day please let us create an arrangement that is perfect for the occasion. Here is a brief list of dates to keep in mind.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - St. Patrick's Day
Saturday, March 20, 2021 - First Day of Spring
Sunday, April 4, 2021 - Easter
Thursday, April 22, 2021 - Earth Day
April 18 - 24, 2021 - Administrative Professional's Week
Sunday, May 9, 2021 - Mother's Day
"May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!"
~ Traditional Irish Blessing (via Blackberry)
Stay safe and be well.
Happy gardening!
Your friends at Jackson Florist & Garden Center
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