You Know That Spring is Really Here . . .

You know spring has finally arrived when the yellow Forsythia bushes begin to bloom. 

This large bush should be allowed to grow naturally because the branches arch out and look like a firework exploded in springtime.  If they are pruned too late in the fall, after August,  you will have removed the following spring season’s flower buds.

There are new shorter Forsythia cultivar’s available if you want the spring color but don’t want it to get too tall that it requires pruning. ‘Golden Peep,’ and ‘Gold Tide’ will reach a mature height of 30 inches. I keep hearing that everyone wants low maintenance. Shrubs that have to be pruned to keep them at a smaller size is anything but low maintenance. Don’t make more work for yourself. Purchase the right plant for the area to be planted.

With the spring weather I also see pear, plum, redbud and magnolia trees blooming. The beautiful Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia x soulangiana, probably the cultivar ‘Jane’ since it is the most commonly sold, is in the front yard of Kay Thieme on the corner of Dauphine and Marche Street. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to drive by soon and see what a beautiful specimen tree it is.

Have you noticed a shrub with large white flowers here and there? It is another magnolia called Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata.

Daffodil, Narcissus and Hyacinth bulbs are putting on a show up at the Community Association Clubhouse and in yards everywhere.

I’m really excited to see that a new garden center is coming on the old Summerwinds lot on Technology Drive. They should be opening soon so stop by and see what’s new.

 If you have a beautiful landscaped yard or have unique garden ornaments that you are proud of and would like to see featured on Patch.com, contact me at Bahrmasel@msn.com.