Planting annuals

I planted about half my pots and annuals, but need to wait a week for the tender ones (impatiens, zinnias, begonias, ipomea). I always find it hard to wait this last week, but when I plant early they don't do anything. They will do better in the garage or storage area.

I did plant the geraniums and lobelia in the beds along the driveway (in the rain). And I planted the snapdragons.

Now I take a break for a few days until after the Master Gardener plant sale this weekend at the Center for Urban Horticulture. More plant-buying opportunities!

Lawn rejuvenation

This week we thatched, aerated, and overseeded the lawn. If you haven't done yours this year, the coming weeked would be a good time for it. You want to aerate a couple days after watering - or after rain showers.

Aerating helps with lawn compaction and provides more air to the roots. Aerate in late April or September (or both). Thatching doesn't have to be done as often, just when the layer of thatch builds up to one inch. 

We rented a thatcher and aerator at our local Ace for 4 hours, which was plenty of time. The process was:

1. Set the lawn mower to 3/4 inch and mow the lawn.
2. Run the thatcher over the lawn once in each direction.
3. Mow again at same setting.
4. Run the aerator in both directions. It was too hard to go in one direction, so we only went in one direction. Aerating is great for your lawn, so you can go over it multiple times.
5. Wait a day for the plugs to dry out somewhat, then mow to break them up. It's not perfect but it makes it look better. Leave them on the lawn - they will work into the soil in a week or two.
6. Overseed. I used the Rainier mix from Oriental Gardens nursery.
7. Water lightly and frequently if it doesn't rain/shower enough. 

I haven't seen the grass germinate yet, but hopefully in the next day or two. But the lawn looks much better! The aerating really gave it a boost.

Marine Hills Garden Club plant sale

A successful day - lots of club members helping with plant sorting and no rain!

Tulip 'Apeldoorn'

There are only a few tulips that rebloom year after year. The species tulips (Tulip tarda and Tulip bakeri) are short/small ones that will consistently return. I bought a couple big bags of Tulip 'Apeldoorn' and am delighted with their repeat blooms - see photos. Another one that repeats is 'El Nino' - I'll have to look for that in the fall. It is a late blooming tulip that is a blend of yellow and salmon-rose.

Marine Hills Garden Club plant sale

April 24, 10 - 3

A great assortment of annuals, perennials, and natives for sale (inexpensive prices)

29301 7th Place South, Federal Way (Marine Hills neighborhood)