As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, Pacific Northwest gardeners are gearing up to outsmart Old Man Winter. Fortunately, we have seasoned horticulture expert Marianne Binetti to guide us through the chilly months ahead.
Protect Tender Plants
Binetti emphasizes the importance of protecting tender plants from the wet Pacific Northwest winters. "It's the rain, not the cold, that does the most damage," she explains. Her advice? Move potted plants like abutilon and geraniums under the eaves of your home or beneath large evergreen trees to shield them from the downpours.
Embrace Seasonal Chores
Now is also the time to tackle essential garden chores, Binetti says. "Fertilize your lawn with a slow-release fall and winter blend, divide crowded perennials, and continue raking those fallen leaves." These tasks may not be the most exciting, but they'll pay off come springtime. As Binetti notes, "Weeding all your beds before May 1st will make a huge difference in the weed population over the summer."
Discover New Plants
But it's not all work and no play. Binetti encourages gardeners to indulge their "plant lust" and seek out new varieties to try. "Maybe you've been eyeing that dwarf ginkgo or the spotted 'Starry Night' petunia," she says. "Life's too short to ignore those desires." Binetti's advice? Make a list and go nursery hopping this spring.
What this really means is that PNW gardeners shouldn't be afraid to experiment and have fun, even as they prepare their plots for the winter months. By following Binetti's sage advice, we can all look forward to a bountiful and beautiful gardening year ahead.