SPRING IN THE GARDEN!

Seasonal Narrative by Denice

As spring tries hard to get here, a walk around the garden can prove to you that it is on its way. 

Crocus, daffodils and other spring bulbs are breaking through, and some of the early flowering shrubs are beginning to show signs of budding. Most bulbs and rhizomes do not need to be fertilized but some, such as common tulips, can benefit from this; so do so before they flower in the spring and again in the fall. 

Now is the time to do a little clean up.  Dead and injured branches on trees and shrubs can be pruned as well as rosebush canes that show winterkill. The branches can be used to start a brush pile for birds; but not the rose canes, these should be destroyed. Don't be too overly ambitious though; keep old mulch around perennials for a while longer since temps can still dip well below freezing especially at night. 

This is also a good time to clean around your feeding stations and to clean bird feeders and birdbaths.  One part bleach/ 9 parts water will disinfect them.

Soon our feathered friends will begin to establish territories and look for mates, as well as building and defending nests. Supplemental feeding can be very important since much of the winter foods are now exhausted, and insects and bugs are still not available.  Try putting out as many different types of foods as possible in different areas around your yard. This time of year the migrants are coming thru and you can be the "rest area" along the way. Try mealworms, grape jelly or oranges and by mid April be sure to get your hummingbird feeder out for any early arrivals.

Don't forget water! Birds need a constant clean supply of it and, in the suburbs especially, this can be hard to find.  

Remember that birds look for food, shelter and water, so when planning the changes for your garden this year why not consider shrubs and flowers that will attract the birds like chokeberry, dogwoods, bee balm or coneflowers and evergreens.  Or maybe a small pond; one can be as simple as a rubber liner laid in a shallow dug area.  Place a few plants and rocks along the edges and you will be surprised at the activity that will take place. Also a mister or fine spray will attract hummingbirds that like to fly through it to help clean off sticky nectar from their feathers.

If you have not already done so, clean out any nest boxes from last year's nests, and set out any new ones you plan on for this year.  Nesting materials are another must; small twigs, hair, fur, yarn or string cut into small pieces up to about 6 inches, feathers, grasses etc. Do not use dryer lint though, as this dries hard after becoming wet and does not make for good nest lining. All this can be set out in different places around the yard to help the birds find what they need quicker.

           Since it's too early to "stop and smell the roses", take a few minutes to just listen. This time of year you can hear the changes in the birds' calls and songs.  As they begin to sing to each other, they will remind you that spring is really on its way.