Working in the Garden: April's Chores
In the heart of spring, many households welcome the vibrant and symbolic Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) into their homes. To ensure this beautiful bloom thrives and blooms again year after year, follow these expert tips for its care:
1. **Snip off spent flowers**: After the flowers wilt, carefully snip off the spent blooms at the base, taking care not to cut the entire stem. This prevents energy loss in seed production and directs nutrients to the bulb and foliage, promoting its overall health[1][2][3].
2. **Allow foliage to remain**: Allow the plant's leaves to remain green and healthy until they naturally yellow and die back in autumn. The foliage is vital as it continues photosynthesis, providing energy to the bulb for next year's flowering cycle[1][2].
3. **Water and light**: Maintain consistent watering—soil should be moist but not soggy—and provide good indirect sunlight. If indoors, place near a bright window. If outdoors in warmer months, partial shade can help[3][5].
4. **Prepare for dormancy**: Once the foliage has yellowed and died back in fall or when temperatures drop, cut the stems back to ground level. This signals the lily to go dormant[2].
5. **Overwintering potted lilies**: Lilies in pots can either be kept outdoors in a sheltered, cool spot or temporarily planted in the ground during autumn to overwinter. In spring, dig the pot up and clean it before resuming regular care[1].
By following this regimen, you can increase your chances of saving your potted Easter lily and encouraging it to bloom again year after year[1][2][3].
In addition to Easter lilies, other popular spring-blooming plants require specific care:
- **Daffodils and tulips**: Do not cut off the yellowing foliage after they bloom, as they need the leaves for energy to bloom well the following year. - **Vinca species**: Mowing these groundcovers could set back their flowering.
For a lush, healthy lawn, remember to keep the mower deck fairly high and mow only when the grass is dry. Additionally, letting the grass clippings remain on the lawn can help feed it as they break down[6].
Finally, when it comes to groundcovers, mowing off the tops can give them a quick "pruning." And for a fertile lawn, consider adding compost to flower beds and grow bags around this time[7].
With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to a garden filled with vibrant blooms and a healthy, thriving lawn.
**Summary table:**
| Plant/Task | What to do | Why | |------------------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Easter lily spent flowers | Snap off wilted flowers at base | Prevent energy loss to seeds | | Easter lily foliage | Do not cut leaves until yellow | Allows photosynthesis | | Easter lily water & light | Keep soil moist; bright indirect light | Supports growth and health | | Easter lily cut back stems | After foliage dies, cut to ground | Prepares lily for dormancy | | Easter lily overwinter pot | Plant in ground or store cool | Protects bulb during winter | | Daffodils and tulips foliage | Do not cut leaves until yellow | Allows photosynthesis | | Vinca species mowing | Avoid mowing in spring | Prevents damage to flowers | | Lawn mowing | Keep mower deck high; mow when dry | Promotes healthy grass growth | | Lawn feeding | Leave grass clippings on lawn | Provides nutrients to the lawn | | Groundcovers mowing | Mow off tops to prune | Promotes healthy growth | | Lawn fertilising | Add compost to flower beds | Provides nutrients for lawn |
[1] "Caring for Easter Lilies." The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/caring-for-easter-lilies-3188075. [2] "How to Care for an Easter Lily." The Garden Helper, https://www.gardenhelper.com/how-to-care-for-an-easter-lily/. [3] "Easter Lily Care Instructions." The Old Farmer's Almanac, https://www.almanac.com/plant/easter-lily-care-instructions. [4] "Tips for Growing Easter Lilies." The Oregonian, https://www.oregonlive.com/outdoors/2018/03/tips_for_growing_easter_lilies.html. [5] "How to Grow Easter Lilies." Better Homes & Gardens, https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/bulbs/easter-lilies/. [6] "Mowing Tips for a Healthy Lawn." The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/mowing-tips-for-a-healthy-lawn-3188031. [7] "Composting for the Lawn." The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/composting-for-the-lawn-1822154.
Maintaining a home-and-garden lifestyle involves nurturing various spring-blooming plants to thrive. For instance, after an Easter lily's flowers wither, snip off spent blooms at the base to prevent energy loss in seed production and stimulate the bulb for future growth (lifestyle). Furthermore, to ensure that daffodils and tulips flourish the following year, do not cut off the yellowing foliage after they bloom, as they need the leaves for energy (garden).
