Get ready to Grow
When her first crocuses bloom (Feb. 20 in 2011) who gardens at 6,000 feet, begins her annual cleanup:
“Starting in the hottest, sunniest part of the garden, I first cut off dead stems and other detritus from the hardiest perennials (like tall bearded iris, catmint, Jupiter’s beard and tall sedums), moving from the southwest-facing hillside at the back of my home to the northeastern edge along the front sidewalk. As I go, I also rake off the top layer of leaves, leaving a few inches of them to protect crowns and roots a little longer.
“Next, I cut all of the clematis (without regard to pruning category) down to approximately 1 foot. … Summer-blooming cut-back shrubs like rabbitbrush, blue mist spirea and butterfly bush get a similarly severe pruning.
“By this time, usually a month or so has passed, and it’s safe to shear ornamental grasses and tender perennials.” Marcia Tatroe, Special to The Denver Post
Get ready: grow begins march 30
