Southampton - Spring can really hang you up the most, especially that is, when we are so hanging on and hanging in! To mulch, or not to mulch? Prune now, or after the bloom? Weed or seed? Holly Tone or Plant Tone? Compost? When?

Well folks, the only way out of this dreary weather doldrums is to jump in and start
the spring clean up process.

Black Mulch in woodland garden. (Linda Ardigo)

The first thing to consider is of course the clean-up. Pruning is essential for healthy growth of trees and shrubs. Best to give them a good trim where need and clean off all of the broken and dead limbs and branches. Now is the perfect time to shape the trees and shrubs as well.

I have a most lovely weeping Silver Birch tree, (Betula pendula) in my backyard that was in dire need of a severe prune, trim, and shaping three years ago. I had a clear vision in my mind as to what I wanted the sweet Weeping Birch tree to look like, when fully leafed out during the summer. I began trimming from under the canopy of the tree. (Then having about a seven inch clearance from my head). The pruning began to noticeably lighten up the look of the Birch tree and it also allowed for more healthful air circulation.

I also imagined the lovely tree in its new place, and that at one point, being reflected onto the shimmering pool water surface. It was late summer, and while still in its original location, I had done the deed. Afterward, during the following autumn, the tree was dug and carefully ball burlaped and put into a safe holding area on the property. I had needed to clear an area for a swimming pool and definitely had plans for the sweet tree to become a main focal point in my landscape pool surround design. Once the construction of the pool and patio was completed I transplanted the sleeping, fully pruned and trimmed Weeping Birch to its new star location. Along with fresh complimentary plantings of Anthony Waterer Spirea, Mordens Pink Lithrum, Nepeta, Walkers Low, Colorado blue spruces, Dark Knight butterfly bushes, and Lee's Purple Rhododendron. Blues and purples was my color theme.

A beautiful delicate wind chime hangs hidden under the gentle canopy of our star Weeping Birch and gently tingles under the rustling of the tree's pale green leaves.

Fertilization in early spring is a must. Blending rich compost into your garden soil restores and fortifies your garden soil and gives all emerging plants a great head start. Larger established trees and evergreen trees always appreciate deep root fertilization. Keep in mind that a healthy tree wards off bacterial and insect invaders.

Mulching is always recommended - although, it is most always a rude awakening. Reason being, it seems so expensive - especially if you have to cover a fair amount of ground. Keep in mind that in the long run mulching protects the plant, shrub and tree roots from cold and extreme heat. It also does a fine job of controlling weed growth. Mulching nourishes your garden. Cosmetically mulched garden beds look great, and the scent of fresh mulch is very pleasing.

All in all, mulching is a very wise investment.


The color you eventually choose for your garden is a matter of taste. Long Island Estate Mulch is dark and rich looking. While Red Cedar Mulch offers a natural earth tone quality.

If you are planning an area that you would like to see a wild flower meadow look be sure to eliminate all of the weeds. The process is a bit lackluster, but the results are simply breathtaking.

In order for the future garden of say, wildflowers to take root and not be overtaken by weeds during the peak of bloom, it is recommended that a thorough rototil is in order. The rototil process helps to loosen all of the weeds, and unwanted grasses, etc. Then, a herbicide must be administered. The key to this phase is to leave the herbicide on the area for 10 days. Even a second milder application if necessary can be done to insure the result.

What you want is the purest fertile bed of earth to sow your seed. After the wait time has elapsed sow your seeds mixture according to instructions and make sure you have enough irrigation to saturate the seeds and keep them moist while they germinate.

The result should be a stunning visual of color, textures and motion.

Yes, it's finally time to spring into Spring! College boys are writing sonnets - why not have some fun and get in the spring spirit, and give your garden the attention it so needs after such a long winter? Your attention will gift you back throughout the summer and well into fall.