Tips for Winterizing Backyard Shrubs

 

Fall is almost here and for many of use that means we need to offer some protection for our plants and shrubs. After all our landscaping in the backyard oasis must survive the cold months and thrive for the following summer season.

Plants are relatively easy to protect for the winter. I clear out any damaged leaves and stems, cut back plants and remove any weeds. After the first heavy frost I will lay down a thick layer of mulch and consider the plants safe from the harsh cold my area gets hit with.

Shrubs need a little more protection form the cold and weight of the snow. A heavy snow can break branches and even cause the truck to crack. To prepare my shrubs for winter I cut back any shrub that has grown wild during the summer, provide a soft wrap to keep the shrub in shape if necessary and I will provide a burlap wrap for the shrubs that are hit by the most wind and snowy areas in the yard.

To help the burlap keep its shape I use two techniques: the burlap frame and the burlap wrap.

The burlap frame is used in the areas with the most wind or snow. I either make a square or rectangular frame or forage for one. (I find rectangular frames at grocery stores and companies that get a lot of shipments.) I will secure the frame in place and cover the side with burlap. For a heavy snow I will cover the top of the frame, stretch it in place and tie down.

I use a burlap wrap to help keep a shrub that has delicate branches in place and not to get weighed down by snow that will break the branches. It will also protect a shrub from cold winds that may affect the plants growth or flowers the following year.

I use burlap because it breathes well but protects the plant. It’s also cheap. You can also buy commercial tree wrap. It breathes like burlap but will cost more.

In severe Snow Belt areas many landscapers and homeowners will construct a more protective triangular A frame to protect new or tender shrubs from the winter weather.

It’s never too early to start to plan for protecting your plants and shrubs. The time you take to protect your landscaping will pay off with healthier plants and shrubs and may even save them.

Foraging for Planters and New Plants

 

The fall is the perfect time for backyard projects and redoing backyard garden areas. The temperatures are cooler and any heavy work is not as tiring.

I have had too many large projects this year in the backyard and fitting them in and affording them can be a challenge. So when I went to a few garage sales and found a carload of planters and free seeds and semi free plants I was thrilled.

The planters were cleaned and half were stored for later use. The other planters were filled with perennial seeds and new plants. They are in the mini greenhouse (8 foot long and 3 foot wide) sprouting and growing new roots.

My best plant and seed haul were from a sale that was next door. I was admiring the garden and asked if I wanted seeds. (Never ask a garden addict if they want seeds.) I picked up a huge bag of Forget Me Nots, Foxglove, Columbine, and two other varieties of perennials.

I also am going to help thin out the neighbor’s garden beds for free plants. She needs the help in the gardens and I always need new plants for gardens or to trade for other plants. And she has amazing plants.

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I have found over the years that by stopping and admiring gardens it leads to plant exchanges and free plants. And often gardening tips that add beauty and shortcuts to my gardening.

Seed Tip: Make sure any saved seeds are dry. Store them in paper envelopes or in glass jars stored in a dark dry place until you plan to use them.

Plant Transplant Tip: Get your plants in the ground as soon as possible. If need be make a temporary storage bed to lace them in. I also water the plants with a dilute mix of willow water to help with plants transplants shock.

Planter tip: Use vinegar to get any stubborn stains out of a planter. I also use baking soda for stubborn stains.