Catch the Magic
By Jim Sollecito
I cannot wait for this new planting season, particularly after such a challenging winter.
Every year is different; that is part of the charm. And now I believe we are all ready to catch the magic of spring, to create breathtaking wonder in our own yard.
Normally, we lean toward the inspiration of big blooms, lots of color, ease of growth and reblooming plants. That being said, we sometimes get in a rut. Or because we have experienced unsatisfactory results, hesitate to try again.
Have you felt this? Do you suffer from…yourself? Well, I have some good news.
Mistakes are an inescapable part of being human. We all make them. And maybe the No. 1 lesson is that bargain plants cost more than you think. You invest funds, time, effort and care to result in failure because the poor plants honestly don’t have it in their DNA to perform in our less-than-ideal growing challenges.
Changing weather patterns cause earlier bud break, but hard frost risk doesn’t decrease. Actively growing tissue has a much higher water content than dormant wood, so early-popping buds might be destroyed and never open to full flower. In a few short weeks the strain of the previous winter on non-hardy plants will show you how truly non-hardy they are. So, it’s time to consider new varieties that will withstand these conditions.
Trust my own decades of experience, failures and successes.
Don’t waste any more time on plants that appear sick and weak, including those in your own yard that are struggling.
Put them out of your misery. There are far better, improved varieties available now than there were even five years ago. Start with robust specimens that assure outstanding outcomes.
You say you like pink? So do I. Explore the newer varieties of re-blooming weigela such as stunner, peach kisses or sonic bloom pure pink to replace whatever didn’t perform as expected.
There are at least five new varieties of compact redbud that will flower every year, followed by bountiful happy bright clean foliage that turns a gorgeous rainbow of fall colors. Compare that to your old crabapple that loses diseased leaves to apple scab every August.
And please, please, please, don’t depend on your neighbors for guidance on what you should plant unless they are certified master gardeners. Really, does this person’s opinion enlighten the plant science conversation? Seek horticultural advice from trusted sources. You can rely on NYS certified landscape professionals.
Time moves more slowly when we’re young because life, still new to us, is a process of discovery. With less sand in the hourglass, don’t waste a minute. Let’s make the most of every changing season. Go outdoors and get your first taste of that spring-time air with a fresh perspective. Consider opportunities for improvement and enjoyment.
Planting and nurturing ornamentals are acts of caring that benefit you, the people around you and your natural environment. If you have plant concerns or merely want to know more, let’s connect. Spring happens once a year. Create some magic.
Jim Sollecito is the first lifetime senior certified landscape professional in New York State. He operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Syracuse. Contact him at 315-468-1142 or jim@sollecito.com.