Winter - Trim broken branches and stems as needed

Throughout the Growing Season

• Hold bi-monthly workdays to keep weeds at bay
• Water beds as needed, aiming for 1” of water each week during the first growing season and any time thereafter during dry spells

March

• Prune evergreen and most summer or fall blooming shrubs as needed (Beautyberry, Inkberry Holly, Carolina Allspice, Oakleaf Hydrangea, New Jersey Tea, Witch Hazel)
• To keep the Inkberries from becoming leggy, remove up to 1/3 of the branches in late winter or early spring by cutting them back to the main stem, taking care to choose branches that will preserve the rounded shape of the plant
• Cut the Bigleaf Hydrangeas to the ground
• Remove cool season weeds before they go to seed
• Decide if beds need a layer of mulch
• Apply Holly Tone to Inkberry Hollies in recommended application rates
• Late March, cut sedges to 2” above the ground and trim off last year’s growth from ferns to encourage new growth
• Remove dead leaves from Coral Bells and shear them all off if necessary

April

• When temperatures have reached 50 degrees for 3 consecutive days, trim off last year’s growth from perennials and grasses; save seeds if applicable for giveaways
• Deadhead spring-flowering bulbs, such as Daffodils, after blooming but allow the leaves to turn yellow before cutting back

May

• Prune shrubs that bloom in the spring after flowering (Virginia Sweetspire)

June

• After flowering, cut False Blue Indigo stems back by one third or one half - they will respond with a flush of new growth that will keep the plant looking neat and shrub-like
• If needed, cut back late summer and fall blooming perennials and grasses to control height and keep from flopping over (Anise Hyssop, Coreopsis, Obedient Plant, Purple Coneflower, Garden Phlox, Aromatic Aster)

July/August

• Deadhead Bigleaf Hydrangea as needed by cutting the spent blooms just below the flower heads, but leave some later blooms on the plant for winter interest
• Weed and water

September

• Replace plants as needed

October

• Deadhead fall blooming Coral Bells
• Drain watering equipment and put away for the winter