We are in the season of hands-and-knees work.  Sometimes I feel as if I am part truffle pig,  rooting in the dirt and laying waste to every weed in site.  Sometimes I feel as if I am part cutter bee, delicately pruning away dead and overgrown plants.  Mostly I feel old because of all the sounds that issue forth when I squat down or push myself upright.

There is no way around it.  Gardens need attention in Spring to minimize weeds, clear out old material, and maintain good air flow to reduce pest and disease.  This is particularly true for our collector’s garden and garden that have been over-planted.  Giving the garden a thorough cleaning-up ensures healthy plants and a hard prune can give mature woody herbs a new lease on life.  This sort of close-up and personal care also reacquaints us with what plants thrive in the garden and what plants need to be carted away with the green waste.  RIP.

I should also mention, this is a great time to do some minor replanting.  Not only have we clipped and culled the garden to achieve the most vivacious assemblage of plants possible, but the nurseries have wonderful Spring and Summer annuals and perennials.  They practically jump into my truck in the hopes of brightening up any dark corner or bare spot your garden may have.