Today is a snow day for Gardens4u. I tried hard to get all of my clients’ gardens ready for winter and bulbs planted this week before the snow hit, but will have to wait for better weather before I get them all done. Fortunately, the weather forecast for the next two weeks is promising to be warmer and greener:
I have been hesitant to cut back most plants in their gardens (and mine too) because everything has looked so nice up until yesterday. We have had a beautiful fall season with extended bloom on most perennials and annuals. This snow will take its toll on these perennials and annuals, so they will be ready to be cut back when I get to them next week.
For those of you wondering if it is too late to plant bulbs, you can plant them until the ground freezes. Plant them pointy side up, or if you are not sure which side is up, on their sides. I sprinkle cayenne pepper in the holes with the bulbs and over the soil on top of the holes to deter the squirrels from digging up the bulbs. Another trick is to plant daffodils in the same hole as the tulips. Squirrels hate daffodils. Someone told me to try putting banana peels in the hole with my tulip bulbs to deter squirrels. I haven’t tried that trick yet, but it may be worth a try. Don’t forget to water your newly planted bulbs. If your hose has been disconnected and outside water turned off for the season, get some water from your kitchen sink to sprinkle over the planted bulbs.
The snow is pretty today, but I am glad it is not here to stay. Yet…
