It’s time, dear Stouffville.
We have waited for months for this moment. We have sat in our homes, afraid to face the cold air of the harsh Stouffville winter. When we were forced to face the brutal Stouffville winter, we citizens of the great town of Stouffville faced it with the bravery we are forced to muster up for this season every single year. We let the harsh winds blow against our cold faces, we let the ever existing grey or blackness of the sky get us down, we tread along slippery roads, we let the slush and the much taint our jeans. We lived through this at best uncomfortable and at worst painful situation, as we do every single year.
But it is almost over. The dawn of a new season is upon us as denizens of the great town of Stouffville, and we could not be happier. So many people get to go back to work after not being able to do it for months on end, and for those of us in Stouffville who were working the whole time, we at least get to enjoy some much nicer, much more forgiving weather.
Spring is upon us, dear Stouffville. We don’t know how much longer we could have waited, because we were getting antsy, as we’re sure many of our fellow Stouffville denizens were as well. However the wait is almost over and soon we here in Stouffville are going to be living, full force, in that new world.
However, there are some downsides to the change of season. With the change of season of course comes new chores, something that can always be a bit of a bummer to the average homeowner, landscaper or gardener. One of those chores includes a spring cleanup, and during the spring cleanup one may also want to care for one’s perennials. That is the subject of today’s article: caring for one’s perennials during a spring cleanup. Remember, there are always professionals out there who are happy to do this job as well!
What Is A Perennial?
Before we start talking about how to care for a perennial, we have to determine what a perennial is exactly. In short, a perennial is a type of plant that lives for more than two years, with its roots remaining alive underground during the winter season. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle within a single year, perennials continue to grow year after year, producing new growth in the spring and going dormant in the winter. Perennials come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. They are known for their ability to bloom year after year, with proper care, and can provide beautiful accents to any outdoor space.
Caring For Perennials During A Spring Cleanup
And so, we move on to the true meat of this article – how to care for one’s perennials when one is doing their spring cleanup.
1. Clear Away Debris
The first step in caring for perennials during spring cleanup is to clear away any debris that has accumulated around the plants. This includes leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have blown into the garden bed during the fall and winter. Debris can trap moisture around the base of the plant, leading to root rot and other problems. Use a garden rake or a hand trowel to gently remove any debris from around the base of the plant.
2. Remove Dead or Damaged Stems
Once one has cleared away the debris, it’s time to take a closer look at the plants themselves. Look for any dead or damaged stems that may have been damaged by the winter weather. These should be cut back to the ground using a sharp pair of pruning shears. Removing dead or damaged stems helps to promote healthy growth and prevents diseases from spreading.
3. Prune for Shape and Size
Perennials can grow quickly and become overcrowded, leading to a decrease in blooming and overall health. During spring cleanup, it’s a good idea to prune back any stems that are overcrowding the plant or are growing in an undesirable direction. Pruning also helps to shape the plant and encourage more branching and blooms. Be sure to use a sharp pair of pruning shears and make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.
4. Divide Overgrown Plants
If one’s perennials have become overcrowded, it may be time to divide them. Overcrowded plants can become stressed and may not produce as many blooms as they should. Dividing the plants also helps to rejuvenate them and encourage healthy growth. To divide a plant, carefully dig it up and separate it into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden spade. Be sure to plant each new section in a well-prepared garden bed with plenty of organic matter.
5. Check for Pests and Diseases
During spring cleanup, it’s also a good idea to check one’s perennials for any signs of pests or diseases. Look for holes in the leaves, yellowing or curling leaves, or any other signs of damage. Pests and diseases can quickly spread to other plants in the garden and cause serious damage. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, take action immediately to prevent them from spreading.
6. Fertilize and Water
After the winter months, the average homeowner, gardener or landscaper’s perennials may be in need of some extra nutrition to get them off to a healthy start. During spring cleanup, it’s a good idea to fertilize one’s perennials with a slow-release fertilizer. This provides a steady source of nutrients over time and helps to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to burned or damaged plants.
In addition to fertilizing, it’s also important to water one’s perennials regularly during the spring months. This helps to keep the soil moist and provide the plants with the hydration they need to thrive. Be sure to water deeply and avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal diseases.
7. Mulch for Moisture and Insulation
Finally, adding a layer of mulch around your perennials can help to retain moisture and insulate the soil. Mulch also helps to prevent weeds from growing, and can really help promote healthy plant growth.
And so, this article about caring for perennials during has come to an end. For those who don’t want to do this kind of thing remember – there are always professionals who are happy to do it!
