The decorative mulch has been removed from the Chilean rhubarb because, in unseasonably warm weather, rot becomes the concern. (Andrew May/For Peninsula Daily News)

The decorative mulch has been removed from the Chilean rhubarb because, in unseasonably warm weather, rot becomes the concern. (Andrew May/For Peninsula Daily News)

A GROWING CONCERN: Sometimes good can be ‘too good’

AS A VERY good ol’ Wisconsin boy, I want to first remind everyone, even though it’s been a rainy few weeks — it is not snowing — it is why I love it here!

The weather here is perfect, but alas, right now it may be too perfect.

If you recall, I wrote a while ago about our “dinosaur plant gunnera” (PDN, Sept.20) at Colette’s B&B and why, because it is “marginally hardy” here, I must mulch it in order for it to successfully overwinter.

Well yesterday, seeing that no frost is predicted for the next 10 days, I had to uncover the Brontosaurus.

I was worried that with all the rain, the mulch covering would begin to cause rot. Upon inspection, I was right.

Now the problem here on the Peninsula is that February tends to be our coldest month of the year. The mulch was moved off and placed just inches away in full expectation of the necessity to recover the gunnera within the next few weeks.

But my worry is compounded as calla lilies (native to central America), are now already 10- to 12-inches-tall and vigorously sprouting. This means I need to gather even more evergreen branches in preparation to save them if low 20s or high teen temperatures descend on us.

Then as I was walking through the garden, my body shuddered as I heard a crunching sound.

You’ve got to be kidding me — 6-inch-high daffodils were there beneath my feet!

And as I was raking up some wet weeds, I cringed as I saw the rake snap off some peony sprouts.

Come on, it was just Jan. 8!

So let us review what I want to say.

Go out in your yard (carefully) and survey the situation.

The rain has been relentless and thus can cause real rot and mold issues.

If that is the case, very carefully clean the area, but be careful not to clean up so well as to destroy newly emerging growth.

Be very careful not to clean up so well that you leave nothing to block the sun from beating down directly on the plant or ground. We’ve had some 50 degree weather this week, only making the matter worse! Bare ground and extremely cut-back perennials can have surface temperatures in the 60s or 70s due to radiant heat.

So again, look at all your plants very carefully — but be cognizant that too thorough of a job maybe bad as well.

My next big weather concern is pruning, so let’s do it now.

Start on the orchard now, today, yesterday and tomorrow. I think the sap will be rising soon, so attack them now.

Begin with plums and cherries because they break dormancy first.

Next your roses.

Roses are cool tolerant plants. Roses never really go dormant, and for many of us, the buds slowly color up and, without opening, slowly rot and mildew away.

This is not “premature” but here on the Peninsula, it’s quite normal for roses.

I would go out now and strip away all leaves larger than a nickel in size.

If you don’t do this, they will infect your roses with black spot and rust this spring and summer.

I would not prune these now because I don’t want to stimulate premature growth, which would happen now.

I would, however, deadhead only the flower buds as they slime away or pull off the pedals and let the rose hips develop.

The wildlife will thank you later for this.

I would also clean away all the debris, dead leaves, petals and old stems or branch pieces completely from the ground around the roses.

Apply new mulch, first adding a dosage of bone meal. This again will help prevent black spot and rust, as well as stimulate and feed new root production.

The techniques of pruning your roses will come later and is an involved process demanding a knowledge of your roses’ type.

Pruning your rose will be done, and I will write about it later, perhaps mid-February.

So for now, enjoy our great weather, take good care of your garden, but above all, take good care of yourself … and stay well all!

________

Andrew May is a freelance writer and ornamental horticulturist who dreams of having Clallam and Jefferson counties nationally recognized as “Flower Peninsula USA.” Send him questions c/o Peninsula Daily News, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or email news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: Andrew May).

More in Life

NAY-Hospicedonation-PHOTO-PDN-240326
Jim’s Cares Monthly Charity named in Port Angeles

The Port Angeles Food Bank was the recipient of Jim’s Cares Monthly… Continue reading

“Sol Duc Solitude” by Kathie Cook of Sequim took first place in the PC Student Art & Digital Art division of the 2024 Tidepools Magazine contest. (Tidepools Magazine)
Tidepools Magazine announces contest winners

The 2024 Tidepools Magazine contest winners in the categories… Continue reading

The Parking Lot Pipers, seen performing at the Sequim Lavender Weekend in 2023, are a modern trio keeping up a historically rich musical art form. (Emily Matthiessen/for Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Bagpipe tradition forms family on Peninsula

Parking Lot Pipers keep Great Highland music marching on

A GROWING CONCERN: Learn your way around the cabbage patch

SINCE I STRAINED the limits last week trying to connect the madness… Continue reading

Deb Pavlich-Boaz and her husband Tony Boaz say strangers stop to feed her horses and it’s endangering their health. They care for aging equines and others with special dietary needs at their home off Old Olympic Highway in Agnew. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)
HORSEPLAY: Hey, don’t touch the hay. Don’t feed strangers’ horses

“ONE BAD APPLE don’t spoil the whole bunch girl!” Today’s column is… Continue reading

Unity in Olympics program scheduled

Stephen Plummer will present “to health and healing” and… Continue reading

Sunday program set for OUUF

Joseph Bednarik will present “Figure Out Something” at 11… Continue reading

Easter services set for Trinity United Methodist

Trinity United Methodist Church has announced its schedule of services… Continue reading

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith.
Unity in Port Townsend planning for Sunday services

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith will present “Living Peace” at… Continue reading

ISSUES OF FAITH: Sow the seeds of faith in spring

IS IT TIME to plant sweet peas? I’m hoping so, because I… Continue reading

Vivian Matt's "The Emperor's Choice, the Peony" is among the paintings in Northwind Art's new installation at Jefferson Healthcare Hospital. (Vivian Matt)
New installation brings 40 paintings into Jefferson Healthcare hospital

“Street Music,” “Beach Walk” and “Sweet Cosmos Harmony” are… Continue reading

Easter programs slated at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church has announced its schedule of services… Continue reading