May 1, 2010
The spring has been intriguing so far this year, fluctuating between warmer than normal and cooler than normal. Of course if you think about it, that is normal! Averaging the extremes together, creates the average, which by definition should be the norm! (Great way to start off an article, by confusing everyone.) Native plants are breaking dormancy, some are even flowering (e.g., American plum, some serviceberries, crab apples), so that should be a visual reminder that spring is progressing. Horticultural plants are going great guns- magnolia blossoms are beginning to wane already, but rhododendrons are taking over the show, and other species are queuing up for their turn. Go to your favorite garden center and see what is going on, this time of year the visual stimulus changes frequently.
Incidentally, the last Friday in April is the official date that Wisconsin celebrates Arbor Day, so if you were unawares, mark it on your calendar for next year. If you are reading this and it is past that date, you can still purchase a tree and plant it (better late than never!) If /when you purchase a tree, keep in mind its mature size when you select something, so that it will fit the site you have in mind for it. It is money wasted if five years from now you have to cut it down because it outgrew the spot you planted it in.
Last time we were discussing container gardening and the wonderful accents that can be wrought by well placed container plantings. Once you have selected a /some container(s) for your landscape, the next decision that you will have to make is what to put in them. Because of the vagaries inherent in Wisconsin’s weather, I would not recommend anything other than annual plants. You certainly can use perennials (or small shrubs), but do not expect them to survive Wisconsin’s harsh winters if left outside. The freezing and thawing that would occur in above ground plantings during the cold months, is usually fatal to otherwise durable plants. This is why Piala’s does not guarantee ANY plant grown in an above ground container. Since perennials (or small shrubs) are more expensive than annuals, save your money buy purchasing the latter. If you have your heart set on a perennial (such as a trailing strawberry) in a container, no one will stop you from buying it, but realize that for all practical purposes it will last the current growing season only.
The current cool spell has put a damper the availability of annuals which are traditionally available around Mother’s Day, but it will warm eventually (?) and the more colorful, but temperature sensitive bedding plants will make their appearance. If you are impatient for the appearance of impatiens, come out to your favorite garden center and see what is available, and perhaps you’ll discover something different. Piala’s will be happy to advise you if you have any questions when you come to visit.
