Free lecture!
Roses Simplified
April 16
10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Chalet Garden Center
3132 Lake Ave.
Wilmette
www.chaletnursery.com
Tips for the April Garden
Thanks to early mild temperatures this season, plants are emerging days ahead of what is normal. When working in your garden, take care not to break tender new shoots.
For example, some peonies are already six inches tall. Peonies and other taller growing perennials need support, so now is a good time to place cages around their base. Clean them up by removing old foliage that may be left from last season.
April is a great time to propagate and rejuvenate perennials that flower after July 1, such as daylilies.
If you haven't already done so, remove winter protection from roses. Spread topsoil or compost so that it's even with the soil. Examine stems that are black or dark brown and notice where they become green lower on the plant. Get your pruners and remove anything that's obviously dead. Leave canes, or stems, that are pencil-sized or slightly larger.
For modern shrub roses, such as the popular 'Knockout' series, examine the shrub from the top. Leave five to seven canes that are symmetrical. Always try and remove canes from the center to encourage airflow and reduce disease risk later in the year.
For more information on spring gardening, including free fact sheets on rose and perennial care, please visit www.chaletnursery.com. See "education and events."
Roses Simplified
10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Chalet Garden Center
3132 Lake Ave.
Wilmette
www.chaletnursery.com
Tips for the April Garden
Thanks to early mild temperatures this season, plants are emerging days ahead of what is normal. When working in your garden, take care not to break tender new shoots.
For example, some peonies are already six inches tall. Peonies and other taller growing perennials need support, so now is a good time to place cages around their base. Clean them up by removing old foliage that may be left from last season.
April is a great time to propagate and rejuvenate perennials that flower after July 1, such as daylilies.
If you haven't already done so, remove winter protection from roses. Spread topsoil or compost so that it's even with the soil. Examine stems that are black or dark brown and notice where they become green lower on the plant. Get your pruners and remove anything that's obviously dead. Leave canes, or stems, that are pencil-sized or slightly larger.
For modern shrub roses, such as the popular 'Knockout' series, examine the shrub from the top. Leave five to seven canes that are symmetrical. Always try and remove canes from the center to encourage airflow and reduce disease risk later in the year.
For more information on spring gardening, including free fact sheets on rose and perennial care, please visit www.chaletnursery.com. See "education and events."
