Ahhh, Spring is in the air. Yes, the winter doldrums are leaving, warm weather is here. Well it was yesterday, not so much today!
We get so encouraged to rush out and buy plants to fill our beds around our homes and brighten up our curb appeal. But, it can be a costly mistake if you plant to early.
Whilst we get some warm days, we spent yesterday afternoon at Longwood Gardens enjoying seeing the cherry trees and magnolias in bloom. Everywhere you looked there was evidence of life, flowers beginning to bloom and brighten the landscape. We even sat at a table and enjoyed some minutes soaking up the sun. it was amazing how busy it was.
Of course, you go home and think, let's get planting, but most plants cannot take a frost. And really until much later the threat of a frost is real and those plants will suffer. I noticed this morning that the roofs had frost on them and a distinct chill was in the air, especially where you were exposed to any wind.
Where we have moved it is very windy, I never knew that to be the case, but it literally howls around the houses and chills the air, you definitely feel the wind effect on the temperature.
Generally a good rule of thumb is to wait till Mother's Day in our area, the Philadelphia Main Line, Chester County and the Brandywine Valley. By then any risk of a frost is past and you will not lose those plants in which you have invested your money.
So, stay patient, it is just a few more weeks and you can then get planting. Remember, annuals provide a great quick pop of color whilst perennials will come back again and again, but may need more time to get established. Good luck and enjoy your yard and garden.
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