May 2006
Funny how garden time moves on the Colorado Front
Range. First comes an early spring in February, then a brief blip of summer
in April, then =wham!= back into winter for a bit in May. Most gardeners I know
expect to have winter return, especially since spring moved in much too early.
When to plant? How soon can the annuals go in? My bleeding heart is smashed
down in the cold and I throw seed cloth over it at night as a blanket. Gardeners
and plants are often caught off guard and unprepared for the erratic weather
of spring.
In my mind, I figure we experienced June's weather in April. Therefore I am
expecting August's weather in June. Forecasters are predicting a drought this
summer again. A bone dry March added to gardeners' fears. April was too dry
and May is as well. I am not "afraid" but I am watching and readying
for drought. I have kept up with mulch, keeping the soil protected and holding
water.
Today it was again springtime again with birds singing and the flowers seemingly
unaffected by the below-freezing temperatures of the previous week. The hottest
day so far this year and the gardeners worked, sweated and drank gallons of
water. Birds serenaded from the trees. Unexpectedly, as I was working, I startled
a garden snake that in turn startled me. I let out my usual yelp and the snake
slid behind a rock wall. It didn't slow me down. There is so much work to catch
up on! Many gardens to plant, pots and containers to set up, weeding has begun
and that's just the beginning. With the weather so uncertain, we have been waiting
for the 15th of May to plant, as that is the day of the last frost (on average,
we still could freeze again!) We are all antsy to get started and a bit crabby
over having to wait.
Such is the challenge of being a Colorado gardener. By next Monday, gardeners
will be back in the swing of grooming beds and planting flowers. I suggest talking
to your plants. They may need the encouragement.
Dear friends and clients, We are beginning planting cycles on the 15th of May and will be coming to YOUR garden soon. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call. We are sorry for any inconvenience this horrid cold weather has caused, but we find the matter completely out of our control.
Our best to you all.