May Garden 'To Do' Short List...

It's all about putting a list together and then figuring out what you can get done and what you will want to others to do... Fran is the list maker; I am the 'others' that gets it done...

May Projects and Tasks:
* Apply a weed and fertilizer program to your lawn to take out the dandelions before they flower. The fertilizer will nurture your lawn to help fight weeds off in the future. Now that the lawn is 'Lush, and don't I know she likes a Lush Lawn.' We use organic weed controls and fertilizers.
* You pick 'em, I'll plant 'em annuals! No threat of frost in the future, we have cast off our lines and are planting (sailing) away. So after hours Fran and I will shop till we drop. I feel like a kid in a candy store. And the cavities in the garden are all being filled in with color!
* Fran saves time in her busy schedule by adding instant curb appeal with patio floral arrangements and hanging baskets. The drip irrigation I put in at the house makes watering as easy as turning on and off a switch.
* There is nothing like rich nutrient filled soil. Replenish your containers with new potting soil. This was to be last fall's task. But at least the containers got put away. So I emptied them last week... New soil and fertilizer will make your flowers thrive!
* Plant summer-flowering bulbs for additional bursts of vibrant summer color. I always like it when Fran says 'I don't remember planting that.' Personally, I think she likes the surprise. It's just the opposite when I walk into the house and say 'When did you get that?' And she says 'Two months ago. It took you that long to notice...'
* Delphiniums, Phlox, Carnations, Aubrietia, Candytuft, Basket of Gold, Primroses, Coral Bells and Saxifrage are great flowers to add early season perennial color. I mass the color with quantity. I'm not a plant one of this, one of that kind of guy.
* Cut back expired blooms from flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils) but continue to feed and care for the plants until the foliage has died back naturally. Do as I say, not as I do. I never get this done. And the flowers seem to take care of themselves. Or maybe it is the occasional rabbit or deer we hired to dead head. Hmm...
* Set the stakes next to your taller flowers like peonies early in the season. I never take our stakes out. Fran doesn't seem to mind. It's one less task to keep off our list and maybe yours too. 'Pin Up Stakes' are the best. When used properly you don't see the supports and everyone of your neighbors will ask you why your Peonies don't fall down. I guarantee it! They are well worth the investment of buying them once and having them forever.

Next week: Plant the Veggie Garden. I can't wait for fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar...