Gardening in March

Observations
Houseplants such as scheffleras, crotons and dracaenas get dust rinsed off their leaves in the bathtub. (Photo (c) Hilda M. Morrill)
Houseplants such as scheffleras, crotons and dracaenas get dust rinsed off their leaves in the bathtub. (Photo (c) Hilda M. Morrill)

Daylight Saving Time has arrived and supposedly we’ll have more daylight during which to plan some future gardening chores. The reality is that since we’re expecting a blizzard, we’ll have more daylight to shovel our steps, front walk, sidewalks and driveway.

Hellebores, snowdrops and scillas are already in bloom in the garden. Green stems of daffodils and daylilies are five to six inches tall. Let’s hope that the coming snows are light and fluffy rather than heavy, wet and icy.

One good thing about the snow cover is that it’s supposed to be ideal for the scattering of poppy seeds over it, right where we want them to germinate.

While on the topic of seeds, I’m reminded that a Media Kit from Renee’s Garden awaits my choosing complimentary samples of certified organic seeds to sow. It is a most generous offer from Renee Shepherd and her team who are based in Felton, California. Through the years, we have enjoyed many different garden vegetables, culinary herbs and heirloom flowers thanks to Renee’s seeds (www.reneesgarden.com).

March is also a good time to give some of our houseplants’ leaves a good rinse-off with warm water after the long winter. Spring officially arrives on March 20. Depending on the size of the potted plants, the bathtub or the kitchen sink work well in getting all the accumulated dust removed. The only plant that doesn’t get this treatment is my African violet because of its fuzzy leaves, which would not dry so readily and ultimately be damaged.

Most of our houseplants also need to be repotted, but I’ll save that chore for another time. Our Christmas cactus, which we’ve had for more than twenty years, has never been repotted. It did get a stem trim last week. Some years it flowers beautifully and other years not so.

Gardening in March also means the celebration of the Boston Flower & Garden Show. Setting up begins this coming Saturday at the Seaport World Trade Center. The Show runs from Wednesday, March 22 through Sunday, March 26 with a Preview Party on Tuesday, March 21, a benefit for the Genesis Foundation for Children. For more information, call 800-258-8912 or visit www.BostonFlowerShow.com.