April was a stormy, unpredictable and drier month than expected. The hail and wind damaged gardens, blooming fruit trees, landscapes, homes and automobiles.
Many fruit trees bloomed, froze and bloomed again. The hail knocked off fruit that had formed. At this time our trees are without fruit, the plums are beginning to from and fig trees are forming leaves. I don’t know how much damage has been done to the peach trees in our area.
May is the month for beautiful roses. I have planted several new varieties this year. I have roses that are 20 years old and have transplanted them several times. Remember to prune the climbers after they finish blooming. Never let the roots dry out. Feed them every 2-3 weeks and mulch them. Roses must be planted in full sun. It may be necessary to thin tree branches to have full sun. If there are signs of fungus, yellowing leaves or black spots, prune the branches, clean up the debris under and around the plants for better air circulation. Spray with a fungicide.
For more warm season blooms plant; zinnias, marigold, periwinkle, petunias, angelonia, Blackfoot daisy, cleome, plumbago, and salvias. There are many more to choose from, let your nursery person help you choose for sun or shade. If using transplants, water in with fertilizer. Never let the roots dry out, and mulch.
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