such as pulmonaria and epimedium, which should be cut back before
new growth has a chance to mature.
w Check evergreen plants for removal of dead leaves.
w Mow liriope.APRIL
April and May are usually the 2 busiest months in the perennial garden. I always
remind myself to remain calm. This can be an unnerving time, to say the least,
especially if you are in the industry. A good deal of planting, along with any
spring maintenance that didn’t get done in March, happens in April, provided
the weather is cooperating.
PlantinG
w Renovation of perennial gardens should get under way in early April.
w Perennials can be divided and transplanted when growth is 3–4 in. high.
If growth has gotten any larger, plants may benefit from cutting back by
a third to half.
w Divide woodland wildflowers after flowering. This applies only to plants
in your gardens or on your own property—never collect from the wild.
w Add compost if transplanting or planting into an existing garden.
w A nonselective, nonresidual herbicide (such as Roundup) can be applied
starting in about the 2nd week of April when grass and weeds are
actively growing.
w Installations and plantings usually begin around the 3rd week of April.
w Be patient with late-emerging perennials such as Begonia grandis,
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, and Platycodon grandiflorus. Do not disturb
or plant over them.General Maintenance
w Fertilizing, topdressing, and mulching that wasn’t completed in March
continues in April.
w April is a good time to aerate the soil with a fork or hoe; take care to not
damage roots.
w All winter mulch should be removed by now in most gardens. In colder
climates (perhaps zone 4 or colder) leave mulch until early May.
w Weeding begins with a bang, as the perennials haven’t yet filled in
enough to smother them out.
w Pea staking may need to be applied in the 3rd or 4th week of April,
particularly to fast-growing perennials like Clematis recta and C. integri-
folia that undergo rapid growth at this time.
w Continue to fill bird feeders, as many birds migrate during late April into
May and will reward you with a visit.
PruninG
w Early spring cleanup continues in April if not completed in March.
w Once warm weather is assured, prune down tender perennials such as
mums and Aster ×frikartii ‘Mönch’.
w Pinching may be needed on perennials at planting.