Potpourri of spring advice

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Cool weather has provided us with fabulous spring flowers so far this season. The ornamental plums near my house bloomed for at least three weeks and finally their flowers are being superseded by new leaves. This metamorphosis has created the impression the trees are shifting colors from purple-pink to deep cherry, quite striking when the sky is gray. It's been quite cheerful to walk under their scattered blossoms, which polka-dot the pathways.

While we usually see bloom time cut short by hot weather, this year, we're seeing flowers, especially daffodils, wither early because they don't have enough moisture. We have been short of rain (again), so watering may have to begin earlier this year. Especially in sunny spots, make sure your planting beds are evenly moist. If not, get out the hoses and mulch.

If you are going to put out new plants, water a day or so before you plant, or make sure you water thoroughly after you set new plants in. You don't want to disturb soil that is saturated, as that will destroy the structure you've probably worked hard to establish.

Someone asked me how to deal with clay soil. My lazy gardener secret is to use soil-building compost as the mulch in my planting beds, then wait a couple years. Over time, my black, sticky clay has become much more friable, as soil organisms have incorporated that organic matter into the earth. The soil is much softer, easier to plant in and it absorbs and holds water better, too.

While the cold weather is good for some flowers and plants, garden centers are stocked with many plants that would be killed or stunted by the cold, including petunias, tomatoes, peppers and corn. Some of these starts bear "frost tender" warnings, but not all do. When in doubt, ask.

Some gardeners just aren't averse to risking loss. Others have a place to hold these hot-season plants until they can be set in the ground, about four weeks from now (around Mother's Day). Unless you can protect tender vegetables and flowers from frost, be patient. Don't plant petunias or tomatoes quite yet. Instead, satisfy yourself with parsley or other herbs, and greens such as spinach, kale and lettuce. Annual flowers like alyssum, pansies and snapdragons won't be damaged by freezing temperatures.

I recently saw an ivy plant near a building covered with aphids. While I'm not a fan of ivy, that was a clear sign that it's time to begin watching for pests. Insecticidal soap will kill aphids on contact — "on contact" being the operative words. The wet spray must hit the bugs or it is ineffective. You can also use a strong spray from the hose to knock the bugs off. Some people even squash the darn things with their bare hands. I'm too squeamish. But, like Cinderella, I have a flock of goldfinch that help keep these critters under control.

My suggestion to gardeners wanting to celebrate Earth Day is "native plants." By getting a local plant into the ground, you'll be providing food for native bees, bugs and birds. Here are a few to get you started: Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii) has glorious scent; serviceberry, (Amelanchier alnifolia) and salal (Gaultheria shallon) have blooms and berries; and a true Southern Oregonian, Rhododendron occidentale, or Western azalea, for flowers and scent. As a climber or ground cover in moist spots, I'd suggest Western wild grape (Vitis californica), which grows wild around Bear Creek. It has flowers, fruit and great fall color. There are many more to choose from, though you might have to shop around. Call before you drive and check mail-order sources.

While you are being earth friendly, don't toss any pesticides in the trash. The annual hazardous waste drop-off is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 1-2 at the Rogue Transfer Station, 8001 Table Rock Road, White City.

We'll keep you posted.

Althea Godfrey is gardening editor for HomeLife magazine. Reach her at writealthea@charter.net.

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