Spring mulching is a critical practice for gardeners, offering a multitude of benefits that contribute to a healthy and aesthetically pleasing garden. By applying a layer of mulch, you can significantly reduce weed growth, as it blocks sunlight from reaching the soil and prevents weed seeds from germinating. This not only saves time and effort in garden maintenance but also promotes healthier growth among desired plants. Mulch acts as an insulator for the soil, protecting it from the temperature extremes of spring and creating a more stable environment for plant roots. Moreover, organic mulches like wood chips or compost break down over time, adding valuable nutrients and encouraging beneficial microbial activity in the soil. This process enhances soil structure and fertility, leading to robust plant growth and reduced susceptibility to diseases. Aesthetically, mulch can greatly improve the visual appeal of a garden, providing a neat, cohesive look that accentuates the beauty of the plants and contributes to the overall design of the outdoor space. Additionally, mulch helps to retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving water resources. It also prevents soil erosion, preserving soil integrity and preventing nutrient loss, especially in areas prone to heavy rains or on slopes. Incorporating mulching into your spring garden care routine can transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem, ready to burst with life as the season progresses. Cheers

Incorporating native plants such as Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, and Milkweed into gardens is vital for supporting pollinator health. These species offer abundant nectar and pollen that cater to the local pollinators’ dietary needs. Establishing these and other native plants can significantly enhance pollinator-friendly habitats, ensuring the survival and proliferation of various bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinating species. Cheers

There’s no flower sweeter than our featured flower of the month Sweet William. Dianthus barbatus or Sweet William is native to several regions throughout Asia and Southern Europe. This full sun perennial is from the plant family Caryophyllaceae. I planted Sweet William 8 years ago and to my delight it still thrives in two of my flower beds. It is not only resilient but reliable. Did I mention that it’s drought tolerant? Sweet William comes in a multitude of colors and varieties. The blooms are capable of not only withstanding the heat of the day but thrive in difficult soil conditions. Plant this gem in well draining soil on the sunny side of your garden and enjoy! Cheers

Sledding with a snow saucer is a great winter pastime here in zone 4. Did you know that your saucer can serve a dual purpose? Instead of putting it away at the end of winter simply modify it for seasonal garden work.  Adding a pulling rope will convert your saucer into a hauler making short work of transporting not only debris but material in and out of your garden. Cheers

The most common Fox seen in North America is the red fox (Vulpes). Their cunning ways have made them popular around the world. Enjoy!

I would like to introduce our featured flower of the month Campanula or commonly known as Tussock Bellflower. I came upon this perennial jewel while on a trip to Juneau Alaska. This magnificent flower is from the plant family Campanulaceae and is native to the subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows favorably in zones 5 through 8 and is deer and rabbit resistant. The bright blue flowers bloom til summer and the plant should return larger the next season.  You can expect the plant to spread 15 -18” and reach heights of 18”. Enjoy! 

Winter can be a time for extreme temperatures. Did you know that the freezing temperatures during winter is Mother Nature’s way of telling some perennial seeds when to sprout? The freezing and thawing process changes the chemistry of the seed allowing it to sprout only during my favorite season, Spring! Cheers 

Another arctic front has just moved through zone 4.  I am taking advantage of the moisture by shoveling snow under trees, shrubs and on to perennial flower beds. In just a few months the time will be right to improve the soil condition by adding compost and/or peat moss to help stimulate healthy root growth and eliminate transplant shock. Trees and shrubs can be difficult to grow and maintain but with proper guidance magnificent results can be obtained. 

Today I want to give thanks to my readers and supporters. Without you this website would not exist. Your delightful and sometimes curious comments bring me joy and encouragement to continue my blogging journey and do my absolute best to respond to your inquiries. 

I have received several requests regarding posting on the Zinnia Boy blog. I welcome all who love to garden and have comments and opinions you wish to share. You may submit up to 250 words on the topic of gardening to msydnor@zinniaboy.com.  Your post must include your name and email address and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.  I look forward to receiving your thoughts and perspectives on the world of gardening.  Cheers

Winter is a great time to start seeds indoors. Start flower and vegetable seeds in a combination of vermiculite, compost, peat moss or sand. Mix one part vermiculite and one part (sifted) compost into flats or pots. Sow seeds and sprinkle the tops with peat moss or sand. Water and place the flats or pots in a controlled environment with adequate heat and light. 

Today I will be getting a head start on our featured flower of the month Hibiscus. Hibiscus is a perennial flower from the plant family mallow. It consists of several hundred species and is native to Tropical and sub Tropical regions around the world. The flowers come in a multitude of colors with blooms starting in early summer and lasting till late fall. The flowers can be as wide as 8 inches and reach heights of 24-30 inches but I am planting hibiscus because it is full sun, drought tolerant and above all “resilient”. Cheers