Turn your compost pile and spread the finished compost in your planting beds or top-dress around perennials and shrubs. If the pile is dry, soak completely until it’s damp, but not soggy.

There are two main types of lavender hybrids available – English (Lavandula angustifolia) and French (Lavandula intermedia). The English hybrids are typically more cold hardy than the French hybrids and bloom in early spring and summer. The French hybrids are summer bloomers and have larger flowers and longer flower stems. Most French hybrids like ‘Provence’ and ‘Grosso’ are grown commercially for oil and flowers.

You only need to stake newly planted evergreens, bare-root deciduous trees and trees planted in very windy sites. Use two stakes and fabric cloth (not wire covered with a hose) and remember to remove the stakes after one year.

Most perennials, like phlox, daylilies, Shasta daisies and chrysanthemums will become overgrown and crowed after three to four years in the same spot. The center of the clump may die out and the plant won’t flower very well. Dig up the clump and use a shovel or knife to remove the vigorous side shoots. Amend the soil and replant the “new” plants and dispose of any dead or diseased plant material.

April’s cool and unpredictable weather is perfect for pansies and violas and other cool season annuals like primroses, snapdragons and English daisies. Brighten up your front entryway or back patio with pots of the sunny flowers to remind you that spring is really on its way. You might want to keep a cover handy – just in case!

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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This page updated:  April 18, 2007