Page 61 - February Sun Rays
P. 61
February tips for a beautiful
Water-wise landscape
By Winola VanArtsdalen
TRIMMING Spreading perennials, such as Mexican Winola is a Williamson County
mint marigold and Mexican bush sage, Master Gardener, a member of
As the weather gets a little warmer, we may be divided in February. the Sun City Garden Club and a
enter a period known as late winter/early member of the Sun City Water Wise
spring. Your tools had better be sharpened Task Force.
and ready to go, as the rush is now on!
Much trimming needs to be done to remove Master Gardeners and other
old growth without damaging new young experienced gardeners are available
shoots coming up in your perennials and to answer questions a half hour
bushes. before Sun City Garden Club
meetings each month. The Garden
Texas Forest Service advises avoiding Club meets the second Wednesday
wounds on trees susceptible to oak wilt of each month beginning with the
now when the beetles are most active. question and answer period at
Always paint wounds on oak trees - any 12:30 p.m.
size, any season - immediately. If you can’t
paint, don’t cut! hold moisture. Cover well with mulch, then dressing, as some of the organics may
pull back when ready to plant. fall into holes. Top dressing cannot be
January/Februray: Trim trees like spread later in hot weather months, as it
vitex and crape myrtles that have summer Spread one inch of compost around bedding will burn turf.
bloom on this year’s growth. plants and shrubs and replenish mulch, Do not fertilize until after second mowing,
taking care to keep it away from plant or you will just be feeding the weeds.
Late winter before new growth: stems. If you spread top dressing do not fertilize,
Remember that correct trimming is as this would be too much nitrogen.
selective removal of branches to a natural Divide spreading perennials such as
shape, not shearing all branches a set seedum, Mexican bush sage, Mexican Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
amount. mint marigold, autumn aster and blue Service.
mistflower.
Trim roses after Valentine’s Day. TURF Horticulture Questions:
Remember that old roses do not require Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
severe pruning like hybrids. Apply pre-emergent before February 15.
Extension Office at
Subshrubs like salvia greggii, zexmenia Following the last frost, plan to aerate and 512-943-3300
and skeleton-leaf goldeneye should be cut spread one-half to one inch top dressing,
back by at least half now. organics/fine compost over turf, following FEBRUARY 2017 SUNRAYS | 59
with water; this will pay big benefits in
To rejuvenate old bushes, remove as much nutrition and moisture retention. After
as 20 percent of old canes from base to open aeration is an ideal time to spread top
up the bush to light.
After spring bloom: Wait to trim
spring-blooming plants like viburnum
and loropetalum until after spring bloom.
Trim groundcovers to encourage new
growth and cut out old growth of ferns so
new fronds can fill in.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Check to be sure all tags/wire have been
removed from shrubs or trees.
Weeds are easier to see and remove now.
Add compost to new beds to build soil that
will have nutrients, good drainage and
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
