This early flowering tree rhododendron (Rhododendron calophytum var. calophytum) is originally from Southern China's mountains but does quite well in Southern British Columbia. Photo Amanda Jarrett, at VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
The Garden Website for March
March Introduction - March Plant Combo - Amanda's Garden Blog - March Garden Chores
Getting the Garden Rolling - Plant Police - Planting Trees & Shrubs
Starting Seeds Indoors - Transplanting Seeds Sown Inside - Sow Seeds Outside - Seed Protection: Cloches
Get a Hold on Weeds - Horsetails
What Not to Prune Now - What to Prune Now
Spring Lawn Care - March Garden Chores - New, Bigger Beds - Improving Soil
March Flower Arrangement - Plant of the Month: Flowering Currant - For the Tropical Gardener
Getting the Garden Rolling - Plant Police - Planting Trees & Shrubs
Starting Seeds Indoors - Transplanting Seeds Sown Inside - Sow Seeds Outside - Seed Protection: Cloches
Get a Hold on Weeds - Horsetails
What Not to Prune Now - What to Prune Now
Spring Lawn Care - March Garden Chores - New, Bigger Beds - Improving Soil
March Flower Arrangement - Plant of the Month: Flowering Currant - For the Tropical Gardener
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival had lots of goodies including delightful dwarf conifers.
New On the Garden Website.com
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Check out my latest two articles:
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Job Postings
For landscapers looking for work and landscape companies looking to hire.
If you are looking for work or if you wish to post a position please go to Job Postings.
If you are looking for work or if you wish to post a position please go to Job Postings.
Landscapers and Supervisor Wanted:
Patricia Tyler Landscape Services in Surrey, Ocean Park area, is looking for Supervisory/Lead position and landscapers with 2 years experience and with Residential Landscape Technician (RLT) for Supervisory/Lead position. Landscape maintenance & installation. $15.00 - $25.00 per hour depending on experience read more..
Patricia Tyler Landscape Services in Surrey, Ocean Park area, is looking for Supervisory/Lead position and landscapers with 2 years experience and with Residential Landscape Technician (RLT) for Supervisory/Lead position. Landscape maintenance & installation. $15.00 - $25.00 per hour depending on experience read more..
Landscapers Wanted:
White Glove Lawn and Property LTD in Abbotsford, is looking for landscapers preferably with experience and/or RLT or similar horticultural education. Landscape maintenance and installation. Hourly and Salary, 14/hr - 55,000/yr+ read more...
White Glove Lawn and Property LTD in Abbotsford, is looking for landscapers preferably with experience and/or RLT or similar horticultural education. Landscape maintenance and installation. Hourly and Salary, 14/hr - 55,000/yr+ read more...
Akebono Yoshino daybreak cherry flowers early. Prunus yedoensis 'Akebono'.
Getting the Garden rolling
with Amanda
If getting your garden ready for growing seems a bit daunting, and you don't know where to start, Amanda will show you how. Want help on how to create a vegetable garden? Want to grow from seed, but don't know how? Need help trying to figure out how to get the garden ready for spring? Get Amanda to teach you the ropes in your own garden by making an appointment here.
March Intro
Daffodils come into their own this month.
Get your mud boots on; it's back to the garden we go!
March is a tricky month in British Columbia; even more so than February, as spring hesitantly staggers in. It’s often cool and rainy but a killing frost is not uncommon. Be aware of night time temperatures as they can dip below freezing, especially when there are no clouds to retain the heat of the day. Protect tender plants and ones that flower early such as camellia, flowering dogwoods and magnolia, if they are not too large to cover. Wrap them with fabric such as old sheets or cardboard, but don’t use plastic as it has little insulating value. Plants commonly will suffer from mushy leaves and rot due to the lack of air circulation. Plants are also unable to breathe, compromising their health even more. February was quite fickle here in the Pacific Northwest. It started off great with mild temperatures and spring seemed just moments away. Some plants were sporting new growth, but then our balmy temperatures dipped to just above freezing with cold, bone chilling wind. Those false spring starts, play havoc with plant's lives; some make it, some unfortunately don't. Unseasonable warm conditions followed by freezing temps do affect plants negatively, but don’t give up on those that appear dead as they may not be. The thermal heat of the earth keeps roots much warmer than above the ground, which means they might have some life in them yet. If plants have not sprouted new growth by April, they are probably goners. It's not necessary to dig them up, as those dead roots will decompose in situ providing organic matter and nutrients to the soil. Either that, or chuck them in the compost. Meanwhile, spring marches on. As gardens demand more of our time, daffodils remind us that spring is on its way. They are often pared with their primrose pals in many gardens, but I love to see them in country fields and along roadsides. How did they get there, I wonder? Maybe there is a daffodil fairy sprinkling bulbs from her bright yellow trumpet, nah… someone must have planted them. Whomever is responsible – thank you! Cheers, Amanda |
Amanda's Garden Blog
My latest blog is all about my visit to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle. It was an exciting journey into veritable garden mecca. Have a look at what I found.
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March Garden Stars
Camellias
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Evergreen clematis, Clematis 'Armandii'
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Lily-of-the-Valley shrub, Pieris japonica.
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March PLANT COMBO
Orange cupped daffodils on the left with orange Crown Imperial on the right. Red barberry in the background and Mediterranean spurge on the left.
plant police
This young tree is being held captive by a tree collar and suckers.
This tree collar was placed around this tree to prevent mechanical damage from lawn mowers and line trimmers. As you can plainly see it causes more harm than good, especially if if left on indefinitely. The plastic collar is already restricted this tree's growth and the suckers also are compromising its health.
A much better way to protect this tree would be to place a garden around it. No line trimmer or lawn mower will be needed to keep the grass away. It's a neat way to protect trees and is quite decorative. 
A tree bed protects tree trunks and looks decent too.
Planting Trees & Shrubs
Now is a great time to plant, so check out your local plant nursery like the beautiful Southlands Nursery, Vancouver.
It’s safe to plant trees, shrubs, roses, vines and hardy herbaceous (non woody) perennials such as iris, peonies and aubretia, but only if the soil isn't too soggy. A good way to tell is to grab a handful of soil and squeeze it. If it drips the soil is too wet so it is best to wait.
Moving plants around the garden is best done earlier rather than later. This gives them time to establish new roots well before the summer arrives. When purchasing plants, read the plant’s label for its mature width and height. It’s easy to be fooled by an irresistible cute little plant in a small pot. Keep in mind where that tree or shrub is going to fit into the garden. Size is important yes, but consider how much light is available. How many hours of light will the plant receive? Will it be the gentle morning light from the east or hot and sunny afternoon sun from the west and/or south? Most plants have specific light requirements; some need a full 6 hours of direct sun while others prefer a more shaded location. Before purchasing, take note of their preference on their label and grow in a suitable location. Remember the landscaper's adage "Right Plant, Right Place". When planting trees and shrubs there is no need to prune them, but do remove any flowers, fruits and seeds. It is a sad thing to do, but they need all their energy to grow roots into their new home. 
Soil should be moist but not dripping wet.
There is no need to stake trees when planting them unless they are top-heavy and cannot stand upright after planting, such as evergreen trees and bare-root plants. If trees have to have the extra support, remove the stake after 1 or 2 years. Don’t tie it too tightly as this will injure the trunk and weakens the tree.
Sow Seeds Outside
Peas like early spring's cool weather. Sow them directly in the ground.
Don’t know when to sow those early cool season plants outside in the ground? The seed packet contains a wealth of information so read the instructions on the back of the packet. There you will find suitable growing conditions, whether the seeds should be sown inside or outside, how deep to plant them and how far apart. Seed catalogues also provide a wealth of information. I like West Coast Seeds catalogue as they also include easy to follow charts.
If you are not sure if the conditions are suitable to sow seeds outside, check to see if weeds are popping up and actively growing in your garden. For more accuracy, use a soil thermometer available at many garden centres. The minimum temperature is 4 degrees C (40 degrees F), but you will have more success when the temperature for cool season crops is at its optimum of 10 to 20 degrees C (50 to 70F). 
Broccoli is a cool season crop that can be sown outdoors or started indoors.
If the soil temperature is good, how about the moisture content of the soil? Before planting, squeeze a handful of soil and if it drips it's too wet. Wait until the soil dries out to prevent seeds from rotting. Keep seeds moist once they have been sown, then reduce watering to prevent rotting. When they have germinated check them daily to make sure they are not a slug’s breakfast, or a cutworm’s dinner.
Sow calendula, Scotch marigold, directly in the ground.
Directly sow the following, when the conditions are favorable:
Seedling Protection!
Cloches insulate and are an effective barrier against flying insects.
Keep seeds and seedlings warmer by covering them with a floating row cover, known as Remay garden blanket. This lightweight fabric allows air, light and water through. It also acts as barrier. It prevents aphids, cabbage moths, carrot rust fly, leaf minors and other flying pest from infesting plants as they grow. Plastic may also be used as a cover, however, water and air cannot penetrate through. Heat and moisture also builds up during the heat of the summer. In other words, it is a bit more work than the Remay.
To make a cloche, use hoops (hula hoops cut in half or pvc stuck into rebar). Pin the ends with fabric pegs or pins designed for the job or make your own with heavy duty wire (coat hangers work well) bent into U shapes. Cloches also extend the season in fall. They are a good thing.
Spring Lawn CareGetting to the ROot of Things
A lush green lawn is achievable with correct maintenance, starting in early spring.
Healthy, vigorous and abundant grass roots are essential to a healthy and stress tolerant lawn; and this is the perfect time of year to make that happen. Lots of fibrous roots that delve deep into the soil produce a lush, green lawn that’s better prepared to combat environmental stresses so they can defend themselves against such things as lawn grubs.
To promote deep roots, use an aerator once a year either in spring or fall. This machine, which you can rent or hire someone to do the job, removes 2 inch or longer cores from the turf. Core aeration provides channels for water and air to penetrate. Keep the cores on the grass, as they will quickly decompose adding valuable nutrients back into the soil. Read more... Repairing the Lawn, Renovations, Seeding and Sodding
Core aeration allows water and air to penetrate into the roots and lessens soil compaction.
Seed, re-seed or lay sod while the weather is still cool and rainy. If you do it now, well before summer, you'll have more success. Grass roots will easily grow into the moist, cool soil, which are ideal conditions for our cool season grasses. Spring rains keep the soil moist for germinating seeds and improves penetration of grass roots into the soil.
Now is the time to sow grass seed on any bare, sparse spots and to thicken up a thin lawn. Use a spread to ensure an even distribution of seed. Select a quality seed for either shade or sun depending on the conditions. Before sowing the seed, add some compost and high phosphorous fertilizer (middle number the highest) and mix it into the soil. Add the grass seed and keep moist until the seeds germinate or else they will keel over and die. Mossy Lawns
Moss loves shady locations, bad drainage and acid soils. Grass does not!
Moss infiltrates lawns because the growing conditions are more suitable for the moss than the grass. That is the cold, hard truth. It is not the moss's fault, nor the lawn's. Read more....
Fertilizing Lawns
It is perfectly acceptable to use Starter Fertilizer for established lawns in spring to get roots growing.
High nitrogen fertilizers are often used on lawns in early spring for a fast green-up. Grass leaves grow with gay abandon turning the lawn in a lush green blanket. However, that beauty is only leaf deep, as it comes at the expense of the roots. The developing, spring roots strain to keep up with the demands of the excessive leafy growth. This makes the lawn vulnerable to drought, heat and other environmental stresses, which promotes chafer beetles and other lawn pests and diseases. Read more...
Liming the Lawn
Dolopril lime is easier on the soil and grass because it releases slowly over a long period of time.
It's best to test the pH of a lawn before liming the lawn. This is especially important if you always lime and the grass is still not doing well. If the grass is sparse and even weeds don't grow, then definitely get the soil tested. Read more ...
Mowing the Lawn
Lawn Mower Maintenance: It’s a good idea to service the lawn mower before you start mowing. Clean the machine removing cobwebs, any leftover grass from last year and any other debris if you didn’t do so last fall. For gas mowers, ensure cables, screws and other fasteners are secure. Disconnect the wire leading to spark plugs then remove them. Clean any filters or replace with a new one if necessary. Remove the oil drain plug and drain the oil. Replace the plug and refill with the oil recommended in the owner’s manual. Remove the blades and sharpen or take to a professional sharpener. Clean the underside of the mower while the blade is off. Replace the sparkplugs and attach wire. Brush off debris off the wheels for easier maneuvering and better traction. For electric mowers, clean off debris, sharpen blades and clean the wheels. For all mowers refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific maintenance and care.
Mowing Tips: Try to remove only 1/3rd of growth at a time. This means you will have to mow at least weekly when the grass is happy and actively growing in spring and fall. Sorry about that! It really does make a difference to the lawn appearance and health. Read more...
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March Garden Chores
Prune roses and plant cool season crops when forsythias flower.
Quickie Checklist:
Plant potatoes when dandelions flower.
New beds, bigger beds
Sheet mulching (lasagna gardening) makes it easy to make new beds and enlarge existing ones.
Enlarging existing garden beds or making new ones is best done a few weeks before planting to allow the soil to settle and any amendments to work their magic. There is no need to dig up the lawn, just make the new garden on top of the grass by using the sheet mulching method (lasagna gardening). For veggie beds larger than 4 feet wide and garden beds more than 5 feet wide, install paths for ease in maintenance. To stop grass from growing into the beds, install edging around the bed perimeter.
Improving Soil
Well-rotted sheep manure adds lots of goodies to the soil.
Replenish garden beds (and also when making new beds) with 1 to 3 inches of compost, SeaSoil or well-rotted bagged manure (sheep and llama manure are excellent). Remove any mulch first, then place the compost etc., around all your plants then replace the mulch. If you have the time and the patience, work the compost in to the existing soil. Don’t forget to do the same to the vegetable beds.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Start petunia seeds indoors this month.
Starting seeds inside gives you control unlike the variable conditions outside. Temperature of the air and soil, soil moisture and light is governed by you, not at nature's whim. Keep the soil moist; not too wet nor too dry. Too wet and the seeds and seedlings rot. Too dry and the seeds die upon germination. Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, pot them on to individual pots with drainage holes. The pots should be slightly larger than the root balls, so 2 inch pots usually suffice.
Petunias are easy to grow from seed, but do start them early.
Transplanting Seeds
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Plant of the month
Flowering Currant - Ribes Sanguineum
Flowering currants flowers attract butterflies and birds, including humming birds.
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Flowers are borne in profusion in March and April.
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King Edward VII flowering currant bears deep red flowers.
A light pink flowering currant.
White Icicle flowering currants are aptly named.
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Common Name: Flowering Currant
Botanical Name: Ribes sanguineum Form: upright arching to rounded Family: Saxifragaceae Genus: Ribes Species: sanguineum (blood red) Plant Type: broadleaf multistemmed deciduous shrub Mature Size: 5 - 8 ft tall and 3 - 5 ft wide Growth: moderate Origin: native to British Columbia to northern California Hardiness Zone: 6 Foliage: Alternate, simple with 3 to 5 rounded lobes, dark green, doubly serrated, appear ruffled, slightly hairy and paler underneath. Yellow to red autumn colours. Flowers: clusters of 10 to 30 red, pink or white pendulous long racemes up to 8 cm long of ½ cm tubular flowers, March, April. Fruit: dark blue with a thin waxy coating, up to 9 mm long, edible, but not flavourful, suitable for jam and jellies Stems: Thin orange or red stems that mature to greyish brown. Exposure: sun to partial shade Soil: soil tolerant, well-drained, moderately fertile soils, neutral or slightly acidic pH, clay soils, organic mulch beneficial, drought tolerant once established Uses: foundation plantings, massing, mixed border, native, hedge row, small garden, woodland margin, humming birds, birds, butterflies Propagation: soft wood cuttings in spring, semi-hard wood in summer and hard wood cuttings in winter, heel-cuttings November to February, refrigerate seeds for 3 months then sow. Pruning: Prune after flowering by 1/3rd, if needed. Problems: Don't plant near pine trees as hosts white pine blister rust, susceptible to honey fungus, but has few problems. Cultivars: ‘White Icicle’ with white flowers, ‘Poky's Pig’ pink flowers, and a compacted cultivar is ‘King Edward VII’, which has deep red flowers. Comments: A beautiful and reliable native shrub. Flower clusters, shaped like grapes, dangle in profusion in early spring. Many birds enjoy these lovely flowers as well as hummingbirds and butterflies. 
Currants are produced, however, they are not as tasty as their cousins, red currants (R. rubrum).
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A close up of the impressive King Edward VII flowering currant.
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There are numerous very pretty pink flowering currant cultivars.
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My flowering currant is not a fancy cultivar, but is lovely all the same.
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My flowering currant turns yellow with a smattering of red in the autumn.
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White Icicle flowering currant.
THE GARDEN WEBSITE INDEX
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Container Growing 101Monthly Flower Arrangements
Growing Roses Introduction Mulching & Types Introduction |
for the tropical Gardener
While working in Florida as horticultural consultant, it became apparent that there was a need for a book on tropical shrubs. There are so many wonderful shrubs to choose from, so I wrote a reference book to make the selections easier. Ornamental Tropical Shrubs includes pictures in full colour and information about the plants in point form. So if you live in the tropics and subtropics and need a reference book on tropical shrubs, or you just want to have a look-see click here.
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