Happy spring gardeners! April is such an exciting month. We can really see that the season
has changed and soon, so soon, the garden is going to spring to life. At the beginning of the month, early blooming spring bulbs, such as snow drops and squill are blooming. These are usually the smallest spring flowers and look best if planted in swaths, but it is still delightful to see even an individual plant in bloom this early in the season.
Species tulip leaves are emerging from the soil and the prairie crocus can be found blooming on warm, sun-facing slopes. Later, more of the spring flowering bulbs will emerge and bloom. Buds on the trees and shrubs are plumping up and are showing signs of green.
Larch trees will form violet flowers that will later become this year’s cones. Pots and packs of pansies and viola will be available for purchase at garden centres. These lovely plants can take a freeze and still look great, making them a nice addition to spring containers.
While we may want to wander the garden to evaluate how well we’ve planned for spring colour or take note about what’s coming up, we also need to prevent soil compaction that can be caused by walking on the newly thawed soil. The spring freeze-thaw process creates air pockets in the soil. When the temperatures drop below zero, the moisture in the soil forms ice crystals. The ice crystal swells as it forms. When it melts, it makes a tiny air pocket. The air pockets help with drainage and plant root development. When the thawed soil is walked on, the air pockets collapse, compacting the soil.
It may also be difficult to spot herbaceous perennials because they die back to the ground each season. Stepping on them in early spring can damage their crown and new growth. Having stepping stones and paths in the garden is not just an aesthetic element but an especially practical one in the spring—you have a dedicated place for your feet that won’t have a negative impact on the garden.
Avoid walking on lawns in the spring for the same reasons. If you have an April project that requires you to regularly cross your lawn, put down some boards for a temporary pathway. The board will distribute the impact of a footfall and help prevent compaction. And don’t power or hand rake lawns in April either, as you will pull out newly forming grass plants. If you feel you must rake, wait until the lawn is at least 3 cm tall and plant roots are well established. If you are trying to lift leaves off the lawn, use a leaf rake. This rake is lighter and less likely to pull on the grass. If you can, leave the leaves in a pile in a corner of the yard as habitat for ladybugs and other helpful critters.
If you replaced your lawn with sedum turf, it will not tolerate any foot traffic now. Trampling over the dormant or emerging plants may kill them. Be sure to take notes about your observations and photos of the yard; what’s coming up, where do you need to walk, etc. Spring blooming bulbs are planted in the fall. Document what you want to plant, so you can remember when it is time to order (as early as June) or acquire at a garden centre in September.
Do you want to learn more about spring gardening? Join us for another sign of spring, the Calgary Horticultural Society’s Gardeners’ Market, presented by greengate Garden Centres on April 26 at The Commons in ATCO Park Blue Flame Kitchen. It will ignite your excitement for the gardening season! Learn more at calhort.org.
