“The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size.” ~ Gertrude Wister

    With the rainy December weather and the warm, dry January, an early spring has erupted in my garden in February. The green grass blankets the hillside alongside the oxalis shamrocks, which usually bloom in March. Narcissi have sprouted, and their fragrance and beauty are the focus of vases that I’ve been gifting friends. Succulents are thriving with jade in full bloom. Bradford pear trees are already sporting their creamy white flowers. Bees buzz around camellia and viburnum. Calla lilies declare that the season of rebirth is nigh, while snapdragons bloom between the green fronds of naked ladies. California poppy seeds scattered in late fall have popped everywhere, including on pathways. Winter greens of arugula, cabbage, Swiss chard, chives, ramps, and lettuces make their way to the dining table. Carrots and beets planted in late fall are ready to harvest. With these early-blooming flowers, beneficial insects, birds, and hummingbirds are flocking to my garden. 

    Since Valentine’s Day is midway through the month, February in the garden promises a romance in nature. Most gardens may seem bare, sleepy, or even lifeless; however, underground roots are growing, bulbs are bursting forth, and the first flowers are braving the unpredictable weather to share their love.

    Gardeners express their devotion to a future flourishing landscape by pruning back roses, berries, and fruit trees now.  Although this is an unusually pleasant February, it’s not too late to plant for a beautiful and bountiful spring. Be prepared for cool nights and occasional frost. It’s necessary to continue protecting tender plants by wrapping them in burlap or cotton sheets. To get a jump start on spring planting, take advantage of the warm spells we are experiencing. Water sparingly, as February rainfall normally provides substantial moisture.

    As we enjoy this early show, we still have much to do in our gardens as we march on.

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Guide for February

    • FLIP through seed catalogs to find new specimens for your spring and summer gardens.
    • CLEAN and sharpen tools to be ready for the March madness.
    • SPRAY your roses, fruit trees, and other deciduous trees with the final dormant spray to keep the bugs at bay.
    • REFRESH houseplants. Repot with fresh potting soil, prune any dead leaves, and give a jolt of fertilizer.
    • CLEAN bird houses. Fill the feeders. Attract our feathered friends with clean, fresh water in the fountains and birdbaths.
    • PLANT tender summer bulbs such as gladiolus, cannas, dahlia, and caladium towards the end of the month as the soil dries.
    • PRUNE fuchsias and any still dormant shrubs or trees. Prune fruit trees such as apples, pears, and peaches before buds break. Do not prune spring flowering specimens such as tulips, forsythia, lilac, or magnolia.
    • PICK a few stems from your camellia to enjoy in a floating bowl indoors.
    • ADD color to your drab landscape by planting eye-popping primrose, cyclamen, or impatiens. 
    • LOVE your heart by eating healthy fresh greens, berries, and fruits combined with exercising, and thinking positively.
    • SOW seeds of carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, lettuces, spinach, peas, and fava beans for a continued harvest.
    • TRANSPLANT starts of broccoli, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, leeks, and onions.
    • PLANT pansies, violas, sweet peas, larkspur, and calendulas.
    • DIVIDE perennials like daylilies and irises.
    • FEED roses and fruit trees with organic fertilizer and compost.
    • BUY bare-root roses, berries, fruit trees, and grapes. Follow directions to plant before the end of the month.
    • MOW lawns only when necessary, as the cooler weather slows growth. Never mow when it is raining or the grass is extremely wet.
    • WATCH for snails and slugs. Hand-pick them, use barriers, or throw organic Sluggo to kill these destructive mollusks.
    • AMEND the soil with compost to improve structure and fertility.
    • WEED, weed, and weed. While the weeds are young, they are easier to remove.
    • MULCH beds to suppress additional weeds.
    • APPLY dormant oil sprays to fruit trees.
    • SHARE the romance on Valentine’s Day with a gift of a potted plant.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Love Month.