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Tropical plants and flowering arrangements are always a wonderful source of comfort when it's still too early to work outside. You can also start planning your summer bulb plantings, such as cannas, gladiolus, dahlias, crocosmia and other classics. It's also the perfect time to complete your vegetable garden seed purchases.
We all crave lush, blooming plants from the very first days of spring. It's worth planning ahead to fill areas where the snow melts quickly with primroses, epimediums and hellebores. These charming species are reliable choices.
As their name suggests, primroses are among the first plants to send up their foliage in spring, along with crocuses, early tulips and other bulbs. The light green foliage and brightly coloured flowers are enough to bring life back to a landscape.
 
A small perennial with graceful, airy foliage, epimedium thrives in poor soil and in partial to full shade. Its flowers rise above foliage that is often edged with reddish tones. Even after the blooms fade, the plant remains interesting in the garden thanks to its unique appearance.
 
The cultivars of this perennial species are each as fascinating as the next. They prefer moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Their flowering in April or early May stands out for its distinctive colours. They are generally easy plants to grow. Note that the foliage should not be cut back in the fall, as it withstands winter without any problem.
 
 
 
 
 
You shouldn't rush to restore your landscaping and lawn immediately after the snow melts. Patience is essential while the soil is still frozen and saturated with water. Working too early can cause more damage than good. Different grass varieties make up your lawn, and many are still dormant in April. If your yard is very exposed to sun and heat and growth has already resumed, the roots are still too short and weak for cleaning. Raking may simply pull them out.

However, if you have bare patches after the thaw, you can plan your repair seeding and have everything ready: soil and quality seed. That way, as soon as warmer weather arrives, you'll be ready to act!
 
 
 
 
The warming climate also helps many perennial species survive winter in large above-ground containers.
Many manufacturers now offer a wide range of attractive and practical products for above-ground growing.

Wooden planters or SmartPot™ containers are ideal for filling paved areas and creating a vegetable garden, for gardening without having to bend down in your yard, or for enjoying small fruits within arm's reach.

A new wave of dwarf or compact cultivars has also recently made a noticeable entrance on the market.
 
 
 
 
Fruit trees, which remain very popular year after year, do require more attention than other crops. In return for proper care, they offer us the immense satisfaction of biting into their fruit.

In April, it is still time to apply lime sulfur and dormant oil to control insect infestations and fungal diseases. To carry out these treatments, you need a period of 24 to 36 hours without rain or frost. It's important to be ready to act at any time.
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A new variety has generated real enthusiasm in recent years: Chum. The name comes from the fusion of cherry and plum, since these varieties result from crosses between these two Prunus families. The cherry-plum stands out for its dark, sweet and fragrant flesh. Each variety available on the market also has its own distinctive flavour. A shrub-like tree well worth discovering!
 
 
 
 
Rodents chew the trunks and lower branches of many varieties of trees and shrubs to survive the cold season. Damage is also very often caused by hungry deer.

If a non-essential part (a secondary branch) has been completely stripped of bark, it will quickly die once the buds begin to break. It's best to remove it with a clean, proper pruning cut. If the main trunk is affected, there is unfortunately no simple solution and the entire plant will likely need to be replaced.

Bring photos and consult our experts on site for the best advice.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The columns in this newsletter are signed by

Julie Lemieux
for Jardin Jasmin
 
6305 Boul Henri-Bourassa W, Montreal, Quebec H4R 1C7  514 332-2978
You have questions ? Click here
www.jardinjasmin.com
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