The Calm After the Storm
(Spring 2010)
After the severe weather of the last three months it is indeed reassuring to see green things poking their heads up in the garden. The Hudson River valley region is really still recovering from unprecedented snow, wind and rain that took a huge toll on our trees and shrubs. It is hard to feel positive when looking at a perfectly healthy tree uprooted by wind and erosion, but spring is a season of beginnings. Rather than mourning the loss, let yourself re-think your yard and try to imagine new possibilities.
A word of caution to garden enthusiasts and weekend warriors who hear the springtime call to battle: watch your step! The unusually wet weather has saturated this area’s heavy, clay soils and they are extremely water-logged. Working in garden beds this time of year can be very damaging to the soil structure. Be careful when clearing beds (or having your landscape service do so for you). A long rake (which I personally prefer to a noisy leaf blower) will serve you well. You can also wait a few weeks for the soils to dry out somewhat. Remember, there will certainly be cold days and nights ahead – be patient! All too soon we’ll be complaining about the hot weather and how much yard work there is to be done!
P.S. Don’t forget to fill your bird feeders – it’s nesting time and they need all the help they can get!