Spring is finally here on Cape Cod!! As many of us Cape Codder’s will agree, we seem to go from fall to winter, winter to late winter, then late winter to summer. Springtime here on Cape can be tough weather-wise, but if you look around, Mother Nature has started spreading some colorful life here for us to enjoy. The early spring bloomers are out; crocus, daffodils, allium, and others are starting to emerge. As our other favorites start to pop up and we may be sharpening our mower blades to get ready for the first cut, I wanted to touch on the best care for our spring bloomers.
Many of our smaller, early bloomers will multiply by seed as well as offsets, so it is best to leave the flowers attached so the seeds can ripen. Daffodils, for example, the flowers may be removed for aesthetic reasons but there is no real downside to leaving them be. Tulips, however, if you are trying to get them to flourish each year, snip off the flowers right after they fade. DON’T take away the foliage from your spring-flowering bulbs as they use the foliage to produce their energy to form new flowers. Although it may be tempting to remove the yellowing foliage, be patient, your perennials such as hosta, daylilies, or nepeta will be up in no time. Once the foliage is able to be taken away with a gentle tug, you’re golden. Gardens in general when properly arranged, are to be enjoyed through all seasons in the eyes of the beholder.
