. Cutback ornamental
grasses, all types of Ferns, all varieties of Liriope, Epimedium, Sambucus
canadensis, Salix purpurea 'Nana', Cotinus, Buddleia, and Caryopteris.
. Prune shrubs and hedges
before the buds break. (For hedges, the bottom should be wider than the top.)
Prune any summer-flowering shrubs (including Rosa, Hydrangea, Hibiscus syriacus
(Rose of Sharon), Spiraea, or Clethra.
. Prune vines on trellises
as needed. Cut back Clematis paniculata to 1/3 of its size. Do not cut any other
Clematis species until after they bloom.
. Do not prune any of the
"bleeders"-Betula (Birches), Acer (Maples), Cladrastis lutea
(Yellowwood)
. Fertilize perennial beds
when the ground thaws
. Apply Mulch if necessary.
Do not cover with more than three inches especially around perennials. Do not
build mounds around the root flares of trees.
. Apply elemental Sulphur or Aluminum Sulphate to
acid-loving shrubs that are not a good green color.
April
. Remove winter mulch from
around roses and any other tender perennials
. Partially cut back
Lavendula (Lavenders), Iberis (Candytuft), Bergenia cordifolia, and Helleborus
(Lenten Rose)
. Weed
. Apply pre-emergent weed
control according to directions. Water-in by hand if no rain is in the forcast.
. Be patient with
late-emerging perennials such as Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Plumbago) and
Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower)
