As I looked out my window on the first day of spring, it looked more like January! Have no fear; Mother Nature’s blanket of snow gives our plants insulation from the winds, and much needed moisture. Now that the snow has melted, this is the perfect time to divide your perennials. Dig your hole twice the size of your root ball. Always loosen the soil and add peat or compost, this gives the roots a good chance to spread. If you plant bare root, do the same procedure, except mound the soil in the center of the hole. Set your plant on the mound, spreading the roots. Work the soil in firmly; if your plant is a rose, mound the soil seven or eight inches. As the new shoots appear, remove the soil until the crown is even with the ground. Apply a good 10-11-10 fertilizer, working it into the soil. Always remember to water thoroughly. I find using a systemic fertilizer, herbicide and fungicide saves time and attacks problems before they arise.

If you like to grow your flowers from seed, as I do, remember when using Preen in your garden it doesn’t distinguish a flower seed from a weed seed. Wait until the plants are three or four inches in height before applying. Always keep fertilizers and weed killers off the leaves, with the exception of diluted liquids such as Miracle Grow. Remember that perennials multiply and need to be divided every two to five years. Share them with your friends, or enjoy them yourself! Good gardening and God bless!