Naturescape Gazebo

Annual Calendar

Plant lists should be updated throughout the year, but are due to Claire late summer each year.  Updated plant lists should be laminated and re-posted as needed.  Naturescape does our own signs due to the number of our rooms

February through first half of March

• Cut the barberry to the ground every 2-3 years to keep it under 24".  Alternate plants to cut to keep a natural look.
• Weeds, particularly shot weed, starts showing up early.
• Prune out winter damage and put cuttings in corner composting.  Hold off on pruning back the perennials.  The oregano, sword ferns, and ornamental grasses that we left up over the winter looked great and still add winter interest.  No need to be in a hurry as we have another month before things start growing.
• Pull up Salal that is encroaching into the garden from the back hedge.
• Cut back the top of the grasses, but leave the side and bottom as insects (bumble bees) nest there
• Check the plant stakes and tags. They take a beating in the winter and frequently get knocked down.
• Cut off old leaves from hellebores when they show new growth.

Second half of March through early April

• Cut selected twiggy dogwoods to the ground so they rejuvenate each year.
• Begin spring cleanup/pruning after daytime temps reach 50deg for the insects/bees.
• Cut sword ferns to the ground or remove old brown fronds.  For all other ferns only cut dead leaves.
• Don't cut back the fuchsias/salvia until they show green.
• Orchard Mason Bees will emerge as the weather warms (highs around 55deg).  Prepare houses for them and purchase dormant bees to set out as flowers begin to bloom.
• In March, de-winterize the pond.  Vacuum the bottom, remove the net.   Replace the UV light and turn on the waterfall.  Wait until people are in the garden routinely before removing net as it keeps the fish safe from herons.  Start feeding the fish wheat germ food at 50 deg and regular food at 60deg.
• Apply Sluggo weekly.

April – June

• Weeding and pruning.
• Fertilize rhododendrons after bloom and remove spent flowers to keep plants tidy.  If you need to prune, now is the best time as the flowers set in the summer for the following year.
• Prune spring flowering shrubs after bloom. Remove spent flowers from spring flowering bulbs; leave foliage as long as it is green, because the bulb is storing energy for next spring’s bloom.
• Support the Lucifer crocosmia.
• When Japanese anemonies reach about 18", cut them down to 6-8" so they bush out a bit and don't fall over in the summer.
• Eastern redbud in the entrance area leafs out late; maybe mid-April.
• Depending on the weather, it may be time to start watering as early as May.
• Check to see if Autumn Joy stonecrop, especially in the Alpine bed needs cutting back to induce more blooming.

July Aug

• Watering, weeding, and pruning.  Water trees, shrubs, and perennial plants deeply once a week (more often if necessary, especially with first-year plants)
• Deadhead flowers to encourage continued bloom.
• Harvest mason bees for storage when they become inactive (August).
• Add leaf cutter cocoons to house

Sep Oct Nov Dec

• Budget inputs for following year due.  Spend remaining funds or let the Treasurer know if you won't be using funds.
• Remove dead leaves off hostas and day-lilies before they become slimy. Spread in back corner or back side of hedgerow for mulch.
• Thin bulbs and other perennials and give to Plant House.
• Pull back salal creeping into the Corner and Hedgerow.  Prune the backside of the Hedgerow.
• Try to leave the Joe Pye weed as is has great stem structure for insects to overwinter.  Broken stems can go to the corner mulch pile and the insecst can use the stems there.
• Leave the leaves lay!  Leave the grasses and the sword ferns until spring for the wildlife.
• The willow starts shedding in October.
• Leaf blowing needed to keep organic matter off of paths.
• Bittercress weeds starts emerging (again).
• In October, clean the mason bee cocoons.
• By the first week of October the pond temperature is around 60.  Switch the fish to wheat germ food.   Once the temperature drops to 50 stop feeding.
• Pond - Mid-October. Vacuum pond and install net over pond.
• Pond - In December (dependent on forecast) turn off the waterfall, clean filter, and empty water.  Leave the UV light running to help with fish health.  Leave the water fountain on to provide aeration and  creating a blow hole for the fish with the pump for winter ice.