Franks Latest Article!
The Garden Fairy
February…. Ready or Not, Get READY!!
February gives us glimmers of HOPE that winter will soon give way to spring.
Daffodils and other bulbs will be calling out to all gardeners. Yes, a time to play in
the dirt!! I LOVE IT!!
However, before the game begins, a little prep is in order. I have put together a
list of to do’s. I know! I hate to do lists, too. But a list might help us in this game
called Gardening.
Gardening is once again a favorite leisure pastime in America and around the
world. Homeowners and others are realizing the health benefits derived from
gardening. Not only is it good exercise, it is mentally therapeutic,
If you are a homeowner, you have most likely discovered the resulting increase
in your home’s property value. My clients have been amazed at what a few
flowers, shrubs and a tree with rocks around it have done for home “curb
appeal.” Not only is planting an investment in your property, it is an investment
in your serenity. Even people who rent find that planting their own garden adds
delight to the dinner table in the later months.
Involve kids in your gardening. When I teach community gardening workshops,
I see how the children LOVE growing their own vegetables. I think it is a great
thing to teach our children the benefits of growing our own food, and tending
to the earth. It teaches children much more than just nurturing qualities; it also
teaches them the cycles of nature, of life and death. It makes kids strong in so
many ways!!
TO DO LIST for FEBRUARY!!
1) Look through seed catalogues and decide what new seeds you’d like to plant.
Order early to get discounts.
2) Take a nap.
3) Make a cup of tea or a pot of coffee, step out into your garden a look around.
Bring a note pad. Write down what works and what doesn’t. (Pajamas optional.)
4) If you like Jerusalem artichoke (Helinathus tuberosus), prepare a bed and
have them ready to plant.
5) Look up recipes for Jerusalem artichoke…YUMMY!!
6) Stream a movie and relax.
7) Cut late flowering clematis to a foot off the ground in late winter. There are
several varieties and species of clematis so keep a tag on the ones that need
pruning. Research types of clematis. Do this step before actually cutting.
You can cut a few branches off your dogwood or forsythia and bring them
inside for early flowering.
9) Now is the time to prune most fruit trees and look for winter pests, such as
scale. If necessary, spray with “ORGANIC” products to deter them.
10) Make a date with a friend or with yourself to go to the U.S. Botanical
Gardens, The Arboretum, or any public garden just to see nature at play. (A good
thing to do if you have a Valentine.)
11) Pot a few clumps of crocuses from the garden as they emerge. In a sunny
spot indoors, they will develop blooms before the ones outside.
12) Create a new station on Pandora.
13) Sow seeds such as poppy, forget-me-nots, snapdragons, blanket flower,
sweet peas, bachelor buttons and sea drift.
14) Take a leisurely walk in the neighborhood. Make this walk different. Go a
different route. Even if you are driving, go down a new street. See what’s new in
the neighborhood.
15) Dig out any “needy plants” in your garden. It certainly makes room for new
plants that might add more pop in the coming seasons. (This can be applied to
friends as well. While you are creating beds and borders in your garden, create
and expand comfort zones or renegotiate boundaries with the people around
you.)
16) Enjoy and pamper yourself in as many ways as possible. Go to a spa. See
a play. Go to the movies. Go out to a new restaurant for dinner. Try some things
you have never done before.
17) Get the kids to a planting workshop. Take one yourself.
18) Oh yes…this is a time to prep herb seeds if you like.. Research available
herbs at OLD CITY green in mid-March. Workshops available, too.
19) Call (202) 412.CITY (2489) for late winter garden clean-ups.
February is but once a year. Make the most of it!
Relax and enjoy more. And give yourself some time to plan.
Frank Asher
Owner/Founder of OLD CITY green
Where people and plants come together.
Owner/Founder of Fairies’ Crossing:
A landscape and gardening company.
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