Regional Gardening Calendar for April
"It always seems spring drags its heels and then runs full force into summer," observes Marie Iannotti. How true! The transitional seasons (spring and fall) pass altogether too quickly: There isn't sufficient time to fully enjoy all the subtle changes they bring. I've long since found all the signs of spring for which I was searching, earlier in the year. But I also enjoy the period in spring when the buds on trees are just starting to morph into leaves. These new leaves are small and tender, giving the forest a verdant yet open feel.
Marie's article, however, reminds me that there's work to be done in spring, too. Consult this regional gardening calendar for April from About's Gardening Guide for some tips to get you prepared and organized.
Comments
I have a magnolia tree about 12 ft planted last spring. It just started dropping lost of leaves and yet has lots of new growth, leaves and possible blooms. Can you advise if it needs more water or is this normal for them to do this. We are in Texas today 90, not a lot of rainfall, but we do water 2-3 times a week. My dad suggested maybel digging around the tree and scooping out like a poo;, so that the water could hold then drain.
Any advis thankful,
Gayle Erwin
Your dad has it right: follow his advice. As long as it has “lots of new growth, leaves and possible blooms,” you’re probably still okay. Also, it never hurts to ask a few more probing questions at the nursery where you bought the tree, since local experts usually have the best advice to offer (they’ve grown plants in the Texas heat, so they have first-hand experience and probably a few tricks up their sleeves!).