Though April may be famous for its showers, in East Tennessee it’s also all about the flowers! Shrubs, trees and perennials are bursting along dogwood trails and virtually anywhere you look.
April is also a time for gardeners to bust out of their wintertime hibernation and get busy in the garden. Here are a few ideas of what to get done now, along with a list of upcoming area plant sales to give your plantings some new life!
Mulch: Spring is a great time to freshen up the mulch in your garden beds. Not only does it tidy the appearance, it also helps prevent weeds and retain moisture.
Prune: Once spring-flowering shrubs are finished blooming, it’s the best time to give them a haircut. If you wait too long, you’ll be cutting off the blooms they set for the following year.
Divide and/or Move: Spring and fall are the best times to dig up and divide perennials that need it, or to move plants you’d prefer in a different location.
Plant: Once the threat of frost is over — usually mid- to late-April in East Tennessee — it’s time to plant annual flowers, vegetables and herbs. Houseplants can also move outdoors as the weather warms up.
East Tennessee Plant Sales
Talahi Plant Sale: April 23, 9-2 pm, Lakeshore Park, Marble Hall Pavilion. Hosted by the Knoxville Garden Club and Garden Study Club.
Norris Religious Fellowship Plant Sale: April 23, 9-1pm, 23 Dogwood Road, Norris.
Tuckaleechee Garden Club Plant Sale: April 23, 9 am-4 pm, Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Townsend. Benefits the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum.
Ivan Rachel House & Gardens Plant Sale: April 30, 9 am-3 pm, 1943 Tennessee Ave.
North Hills Garden Club Plant Sale: May 7, 10 am-1 pm, 2511 North Park Blvd.