Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials in early March
- Prune roses after last frost (mid to late March in west, early April in east)
- Divide overcrowded perennials like daylilies and irises
- Add compost and organic fertilizer to cottage beds
- Plant summer annuals in gaps after frost danger passes
- Mulch beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Deadhead roses regularly for continuous blooming
- Water deeply during dry spells, especially new plantings
- Monitor for Japanese beetles and treat if needed
- Cut back spent perennials to encourage reblooming
- Harvest herbs and flowers for arrangements
- Apply fungicide to roses during humid periods if necessary
- Plant pansies and ornamental kale for winter color
- Divide and transplant perennials in September-October
- Plant spring bulbs in informal drifts in November
- Allow seed heads on coneflowers for bird food
- Reduce watering as temperatures moderate
- Clean up diseased foliage, leave healthy stems
- Enjoy evergreen structure and winter-blooming pansies
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs during dormancy
- Protect tender plants if hard freeze predicted
- Plan spring additions while reviewing catalogs
- Order seeds and plants for spring
- Clean and sharpen garden tools