Click on any of the thumbnails to view a larger image of the photo.

Now that the ground has warmed-up, determine if you need to top-dress your beds with shredded hardwood mulch. The mulch should be 3-4" thick in exposed areas in and around shrubs and trees. Be careful not to pile larger amounts of mulch against tree trunks and shrub stems, which can cause problems for the plant. In perennial areas, mulch should be 1-2" in depth. Do not over apply in perennial areas, as rot will increase. Some perennials, which like it hot and dry such as Autumn Joy sedum, should have almost none. One yard of mulch covers roughly 100ft2 at 1-2" in depth.  If you wish to pickup mulch simply first stop at the sales office and pay, after which we will be happy to load your mulch. Two cubic yards fills the bed of a normal 1/2 ton pickup truck. You may pickup mulch, order it for delivery or we can even install it for you.

Fertilize trees and shrubs as needed. While fertilizing is not always needed, sometimes we want to encourage more growth or increase health. An application of a slow release fertilizer, such as our 19-6-8 is best for slow sustained growth. Please pickup our fertilizing guidelines when you visit Johnson's Nursery, Inc.

Apply granular sulphur around acid soil-requiring plants now. Plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies and vernal witchhazel benefit from having sulphur sprinkled around their root zone. Spring moisture works with the sulphur to acidify the soil. Sulphur needs to be reapplied annually for optimal growth. Stop in to pickup a small bag with directions for rates and placement. For larger trees such as river birch, oaks or red maples, it is better to contact an arborist for treatment if they have shown yellowing of leaves in the past.

If you wish to keep your mugo pine small or dwarf in habit, don't miss the only time to prune it. As the new growth emerges, it is referred to as the "candle stage". This refers to the new terminal growth before the needles fully expand. Simply snap-off a portion of the new "candle" with your fingers before it fully expands. Do not snap-off the entire candle, since that is the only growing point of the pine. Only 2/3's of the candle should be removed. Candle pinching keeps the pine smaller and promotes lateral bud formation, resulting in a denser plant next year.

Inspect plants for early signs of insect damage, weeds and diseases. One to particularly look for at this time is the European pine sawfly. These feed on last year's needles on two-needled pines (red, scots, mugo, and occasionally Austrian). These caterpillar-like larvae are one of the easiest to control. Small numbers can be picked off by hand or dislodged with a forceful stream of water from a hose. Larger numbers can be sprayed with an insecticidal soap or other chemicals. Please consult labels whenever applying any chemicals.

Except for frost tolerant annuals, such as pansies, delay planting annuals until we are frost-free later in May.

Lilac blooms may be cut and brought into the home. Using scissor-type hand pruners cut off a portion of the woody stem below the flowers. Bring inside and use a hammer to slightly smash the end of the stem to help it better take up water in a vase.


If you are electing to pickup your purchased plants, be aware that small shrubs and perennials are easily transported by car. Larger items such as trees, evergreens or large shrubs require a pickup truck (ideally without a cap) or a trailer. We ask that you to bring a lightweight tarp or bed sheet to protect foliage, roping to help secure plant material and wooden blocks to prevent root balls from shifting. Lastly an old blanket, towel or scrap piece of carpeting to be placed over your tailgate to safeguard against scaring of tree trunks. Keep in mind, that Johnson's Nursery offers delivery. Please see one of our experienced horticulturists for more information.