“Primrose” or Primula botanically speaking is by far my favorite winter/spring flower each like a flower bouquet amongst the dormant drab background of winter. Primula can be traced to the Latin word “Primus” meaning first (Prime) one of the first to open in spring. In-fact although we commercially plant the fabulous primrose from late Feb-March they have been found blooming late December into May here in the NW.

Primula are generally a perennial flower low growing and clumping. You can leave most varieties for years at a time enjoying a seasonal burst of color from an ever more crowded clump of individuals. We usually dig our primroses each fall (late Aug- late Oct.) breaking up the original plant into several new individual plants then replanting them for next season. Worry not as they will not spread and take over.

Planting your primula is easy and they grow well in most soils from semi wet to nearly dry, though they tend to produce more new plants when planted in an area where beauty bark or compost is present. If you are really adventurous and patient the crown of each plant can be cut into fourths across the top like a pie, dipped in fungicide and planted on to grow 4x the excitement.You don’t have to baby these plants as they’ve been frozen- run over- tilled up- leaves burned with summer heat, or weed-whacked down and still come back strong.

Cold Hardiness, Amazingly these spectacular splashes of color thrive in cool weather even when being pretty frozen for days at a time.

Prolong blossoming by fertilizing with a low nitrogen fertilizer and picking of dying blooms weekly. You can find fertilizers tailored to blooming at most plant stores or even rose fertilizers work great.

Welcome to spring!  You would think so with the warmer than normal weather, blue sky and sunshine.  I find it difficult to keep in mind that we’re still in winter.  This past week we discovered fruit trees beginning to bloom unseasonably early.  Although a beautiful sight, an earlier than normal bloom often results in a loss of fruit as the possibility of damaging frost can still loom on the horizon.

<<<Danger>>> <<<Hazard Ahead>>> sounds like another construction crew hard at work, maybe a slide area, or “pests.”  Yes, lots of them.  With these warm temperatures, we’re paying special attention to any evidence of common culprits:  bugs, fungus, etc.  In years past, an early warming trend has often meant for our company a jump in various fungus, aphids, mites, and the like that attack some of our favorite plants.  We do our best to inform you when a situation may arise that needs professional attention.  With good maintenance practices and catching them early, some can be controlled without pesticides, while others will be referred to companies who specialize in pesticide controls.

This last week we welcomed “Chestnut Glen HOA” as our most recent Homeowners Association to retain our services.  We planted a great display of primroses around the community entrance and playground.  In addition, we began service at two new homes in the neighborhood.  We look forward to serving the Chestnut Glenn HOA and its community for years to come.

The Primrose “primula” is definitely a top contender for your early spring flower displays.  We love this flower because it boasts its very own vibrant display of blossoms for a long period of time.  After retreating into the ground post blossom, it reemerges next year with great vigor to impress once again.

Great tips for February:

• Plant your primroses for a boost of vibrant spring color.
• Schedule your spring window cleaning and gutter cleaning.
• Treat walkways and driveways with zinc to help prevent moss and algae build up.
• Apply Lime on turf areas to help balance soil pH.
• Apply Ferrous Sulfate (iron) on turf areas to control moss.
• Fertilize most plants mid February to March with a balanced fertilizer such as 16-16-16.
• February is a great time to apply new bark or mulch as last year’s leaves are gone.

From everyone at Sure Lawn, thank you for stopping by and we look forward to your patronage!