Spring has sprung, Garden flowers are coming up quickly and Charlottesville Gardening events abound.

Spring fever has hit as the sleet rains down but the Robin's have arrived so no one thinks this burst of bad weather is going to last. Just a few clumps of Daffodils have begun to bud so hoping there won't be grave losses of flowers as the bad weather rolls in over the next week. Lots of changes are happening in Charlottesville on Forsythia Hill.

Spring is my favorite time to garden because its not humid and the plants are just emerging. It is super easy to divide and relocate plants while foliage is short and buds have not appeared. I've even divided Daffodils during this time but you may sacrifice some of their show until next year. Check out my garden as it grows on youtube.

Line to enter native plant sale at Ivy Creek Nature Center

On the hunt for unique plants this Spring? You should not miss several upcoming annual Charlottesville events. Insects are searching for their favorite plants so add some beneficials to your garden. The Native Plant Sale always has a little this and that for me to snag. Truth be told, they have tons of plants and I've purchased so many over the years that my selection choices have nearly been exhausted. A few of my favorite past purchases were Asters and Viburnum shrubs. Check it out on Saturday, April 27 from 1-3.  Another popular sale with tons of great plants is the Master Gardeners Plant Sale. It has relocated to the Shops at Stonefield outdoor lawn on Saturday, May 4, 2019. I also follow an active local gardening Facebook site that often hosts a Spring swap, https://www.facebook.com/groups/cvilleplantswap.

The chickens have begun laying again! Many chickens go on strike during the short days of winter and Spring brings on lots of coop laying action. A friend gave me 3 of her hens so we're experiencing a recent influx of eggs at the moment. We are now getting 3 - 4 eggs a day from our 6 girls.

I love Cville

To tide you over until the garden gets going, check out the Tom Tom Festival in Charlottesville the week of April 8, 2019. The Tom Tom Foundation is a nonprofit that celebrates entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and creators who shape cities and communities across the nation. The summit convene experts, practitioners, and innovators for a week of keynotes, workshops, round tables and mixers. Over 200 speakers will present this year. The theme this year is Building Better Hometowns.

~Rebecca

Through the Garden Gate

Tomorrow the wonderful Piedmont Master Gardeners seasonal series, Through the Garden Gate begins.  Occurring the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9 - noon, hosted at a different garden each month.  Hands down, this is my favorite Charlottesville area annual garden tour event.  Featuring absolutely amazing home landscaped gardens at an affordable fee of $5.00 a garden.

2013 Garden Schedule

Just a teeny sneak peek - there is so much more!

Several weeks ago, I was able to get a sneak peek of the magical gardens that are on the tour this weekend. The property of Fran and Andrew Boninti was carpeted in dainty yellows and majestic pinks.  There were so many different varieties of plants it's impossible for me to list them all but Tulips were at their peak and Daffodils were fading. 

Welcome to fairyland.

Nestled in a forest, full of dusting's of native plants, it illustrates how they can be used in any landscape. Little rockery plants tucked here and there and a special place is set aside for their large Daffodil collection.  Obviously a lover of bulbs, my favorite collectible as well, I was in bulb heaven.  Their garden has a wild fairyland feel to it with surprises around every corner.  A mix of plants trail over a rocky hillside giving the garden privacy from the home activity.

Volunteer potting up for the sale!

At the Boninti's, I was happy to help pot up native plants for the upcoming Native Plant Society Sale (another event NOT TO BE MISSED).  Fran was allowing volunteers to dig up plants to pot up for the sale (there were plenty to share).  Come to the plant sale with a box or two because you will fill it up in about 30 seconds upon arrival.

If you love gardens as I do, you will not want to miss this tour series!  Check it out.

-Rebecca

Dividing Perennials

I'm always amazed at how quickly Spring ends and the heat of the Summer takes over.  I've been dividing bulbs and perennials for 2 weeks now and they are all growing and are in good shape.  It gets so hot here in Central Virginia in the Summer that dividing and planting anything is risky.  I've burned up many a plant and tree by not providing enough water and baking plants to death in the hot sun. 

If you can see it sprouting then go ahead and move it or divide.  Your chances of getting good moisture increase during May showers and decrease as June approaches.

Actually I prefer to transplant bulbs when they are in bloom.  I know that sounds crazy but I can see the bloom and the location of most bulbs and perennials so I won't accidentally dig up something.  Carefully relocating keeps the bloom intact without any problems.  Dividing is another matter.  There is greater risk of harming the bloom if you need to rip apart bulbs and this is better done after bloom or in the fall.

-Rebecca