Garden goalroll, 2012

For several years, I have run a garden goalroll. This is my place to scribble horticultural marginalia and to post reminders about what needs doing when. Or to record what I still haven't done.  

June

Move potted amaryllis bulbs outdoors and feed regularly with liquid fertilizer.

Edge garden beds.

Continue to prune into shape front foundation plantings and yews along side property line.

Scratch 1 1/4 cups of RoseTone around the roots of "New Dawn" climbing rose now monthly through the summer; be sure to stop feeding by August 15 in order to prevent developing new growth that will not have time to harden off before fall temperatures drop. Done June 2.

After flowering, shear Amsonia hubrichtii by 1/3 of its height to promote better form. Done June 10.

When it is 3 feet tall, cut Joe pye weed "Gateway" back to half its height to encourage dense growth. Done June 2. 

Stake dahlias when the tubers are planted and again and again as they grow. Stop dahlias by pinching stem back to four pairs of leaves. Ongoing.

Pinch back shasta daisies to 6".

And stake, stake, stake!

July

Yes, it's dreadfully hot and humid, but pour yourself a tall glass of iced tea and get out there in the early morning cool to prune the "New Dawn" climbing rose.  Cut it back hard.


Late August/Early September

Separate Siberian irises to left of kitchen door and along left side of back bed (Eric the Red).

Columbus Day

Add more miniature daffodils and 100-250 allium "Ostrowkianum" to beds by side of front walk and at least 50 more wood hyacinths "Dainty Maid" to old back bed. 

Order 12 or more hyacinth bulbs, at least 25 paperwhite narcissus bulbs, and 2 amaryllis bulbs for indoor forcing.

Dig in bone meal around peonies.

Lightly feed evergreens along front of house with Holly-Tone.

Move potted amaryllis bulbs indoors and chill in refrigerator.

Veterans Day

While daytime temperatures are still above 40 degrees, spray an anti-transpirant, like Wilt-Pruf or Wilt Stop, on "Sky Needle" hollies to prevent winter kill.

Top-dress beds with composted cow manure.

Thanksgiving

Winter-sow larkspur seeds.

Late December

Start planning plant purchases for 2013.