Every year, I am always anxious for Spring to arrive. Our winter was comfortable with some snow and cold temperatures. We’ve had many warm fires to cheer us while watching the winter sunrise walk back across the eastern sky toward the north. The equinox has come and the daylight hours are getting longer every day. Last week, I cut forsythia to force in the dining room bay window, and now their cheery golden blooms make me smile. A warm day this past week sent me out to the big garden out back, and I spent a couple hours raking up the needles that fell from the great white pines during the Fall and Winter. I wasn’t able to finish, but I filled two garden carts to bring to the woods, and when I put the cart away, I felt deep satisfaction at spending some time outside after our long winter.

Daily Garden Tours

Now is the time of year I begin my walks around the garden. There are many things to notice this early in the season. There is some damage on the canes, but that is to be expected after some below-zero temperatures. That will all get pruned off soon, but what I’ve been happy to notice is that spring bud break is happening all over the place! These will be the new canes that deliver beautiful roses during the first flush to come.

To Prune Or Not To Prune

I know everyone who grows roses is really ready to get those pruners and loppers out and begin spring pruning. Hold out for just a little bit! It’s a bit too early for Connecticut rosarians to get started. We had a day close to 60 last week, but a large portion of our state had a significant surprise snowfall last night! Once we begin pruning, we give our roses a clear message that it is time to begin actively growing, and we still have some more chilly days and nights ahead. Instead, clean your tools and sharpen your pruners and loppers. Get ready for your new bare-root rose arrivals by cleaning out your five-gallon hydration buckets so they will not harbor germs or spores while soaking the new roses.

When The Forsythia Blooms

Remember when I wrote that I brought forsythia sticks into the house to force them into bloom? A good rule of thumb to follow is to wait till those cheery yellow blooms arrive outside to begin pruning our roses. Generally, when the forsythia blooms, most of the coldest times are over and it is safe to really wake up our roses. Don’t worry…that time is coming very soon! I know it is hard to be patient, but do walk the garden every day. Notice the signs of the roses’ awakening. I love experiencing this time of year because it awakens my soul and warms my heart with anticipation of the growing season to come.