Easter lilies

        • Keep plant moist but not soggy. Don't leave in standing water.

        • Flowers will last longer if the yellow anthers are removed.

        • After all blooms have faded and have been cut back, cut back on water until the top dries.

        • Cut stem back to 3-4 inches and plant outside in mid-May to the depth of 4-6 inches.

Landscape/lawn

        • Shrubs that flower after June 1 can be pruned. All spring-flowering trees and shrubs which bloom on wood grown last year should be pruned after they bloom.

        • Carefully prune out branches after blooms fade.

        • Eliminate any dead, diseased or broken branches, and branches that are crossed — branches rubbing can cause wounds where disease can enter.

Houseplants

        • Avoid overwatering since wet soil can encourage small black fungus gnats. Give plants good circulation to minimize diseases.

        • Rosemary thrives in cooler temperatures. Locate away from drying air ducts, and move outdoors when temperatures rise above 40 degrees. Bring back inside when temperatures drop below 40.

Flowers/fruits/vegetables

        • Early April is time to plant out sets (transplants) of cool-weather vegetables, such as chard, broccoli, collards, lettuce, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage and onions.

        • Wait to prune woodier perennials, such as caryopteris, buddleia, Russian sage and artemisias, until leaf buds begin to open. Trim back only to the new growth. After milder winters, buds will appear farther out on branches, resulting in larger overall growth for the season.

Timely tip

        Wait to apply mulch to garden beds until the soil has warmed up. Mulching too early prevents the soil from warming. June is the ideal time. Layers of mulch should be 2-3 inches or less.

       Contact the Civic Garden Center Hotline by e-mail: hotline@civicgardencenter.org, or phone, 221-8733.

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