This information will help you as you and your group work on your triangle. After using the timeline be sure to let us know if it has been helpful and if we need to make any changes.
Late March and April
Due to the fluctuating early Spring temperatures, be very judicious in cleaning out garden beds. Many pollinators reside in garden debris and need consistent warm temperatures to emerge.
Cut stalks left from the previous season to 8-10”. This allows pollinators to nest in the stems.
Remove obvious weeds.
Note where any bulbs are sparse. In the Fall, order more from the Club.
Place the LGC/Pollinator sign out by April 1, for the season. It should be no higher than 18”.
April to May
An email will go out to triangle leaders to determine if mulch is needed. Mulch will be delivered by the Town.
Gather your team to spread the mulch. Mulch spreads easier if it is dry, so watch for your delivery.
Let the Pollinator/Triangle Committee know if the mulch amount was sufficient or if you would need more next season.
This is a good time to look at planting needs to fill in bare spots with native perennials. This can be achieved by dividing, transplanting or ordering new plants.
Remove weeds.
Take a photo to document your spring garden.
May to June
An email will go out to triangle leaders to determine if mulch is needed. Mulch will be delivered by the Town.
Gather your team to spread the mulch. Mulch spreads easier if it is dry, so watch for your delivery.
Let the Pollinator/Triangle Committee know if the mulch amount was sufficient or if you would need more next season.
This is a good time to look at planting needs to fill in bare spots with native perennials. This can be achieved by dividing, transplanting or ordering new plants.
Remove weeds.
Take a photo to document your spring garden.
June to July
Water new plantings frequently if no soaking rain has occurred.
Using a clean, 5-10 gallon gasoline container, has worked well. Bring a watering can to fill from the larger containers. Smaller containers are easy to handle and also work well.
Attract Pollinators and other beneficial insects by employing flowers with a diversity of shapes and bloom times.
Dead head flowers that will not provide seeds for birds.
Pinch asters, mums, and other late blooming flowers to encourage bushy plants.
Fan iris, cutting in a “fan” shape to prevent flopping.
Clean up faded, browning or diseased foliage.
Weed - it’s easier after a rain.
Take a photo.
August to September
Add late blooming perennials - golden rod, asters, rudbeckia, etc.
Continue weeding and dividing. Watering too.
Take a photo.
October
Minimal fall cleanup is necessary and provides shelter for ground nesting beneficial insects.
Leave plants that feed the birds with seeds, or provide winter interest in the bed.
Cut back to 8-10” those plants that do not meet the previous requirements but might have stems that shelter insects.
Order bulbs for next year or plant bulbs already purchased.
Remove LGC/Pollinator sign and store for the winter, by October 31.
Weed.
Take a photo.
November to February
Rest and plan for next season.