February 2004 Newsletter

He who plants a garden finds happiness - Chinese proverb Plant Dormancy - a brief respite Plant dormancy defined is a process whereby plants minimize their exposure to seasonally stressful conditions. It is an observable phenomenon of a plant reacting to outside stimuli to protect itself from harm, usually either too much heat or too much cold, in a manner that does not harm the plant. Whether a plant goes dormant to escape the heat in the South or the cold in the North, these periods of rest are crucial to the survival of the plant. One might believe that because an evergreen does not lose its leaves, it does not go dormant; but the truth is, the rest periods provided by dormancy are just as important to our evergreen trees and shrubs as they are to our deciduous plants. While deciduous plants drop their leaves, sending all sugars to the roots to be stored, the evergreen plant must continue to photosynthesize and respirate as they always do, but they do this at a much lower level than in the growing season. So they too are "resting." There's nothing quite as beautiful as a gentle snowfall, but behind all of its beauty are some hidden benefits for our gardens; processes are taking place under that frigid blanket of snow that will ensure a beautiful garden come spring. Whether it is a deciduous tree that is moving sugar to the roots, or an evergreen still plugging along at half speed, water is still of utmost importance and snow is nature's answer to that need. Snow also is an excellent insulator. A thick blanket of snow over spring flowering bulbs and perennials will keep the plants and ground at a temperature of 28-32 degrees, which is much warmer than the wind-chill. And as the snow melts, it becomes a valuable source of water for plants, as well as replenishing nitrogen in the soil. So remember, while you are busily perusing garden magazines and seed catalogs, your plants are also busily planning for spring. And if nature is not providing that needed water this winter to your plants and trees, be sure to be a good steward and give them a drink. Your indoor plants also need a rest in the winter. Reduce your watering, feeding and heating from the amount given during the growing season, and they will repay you come spring.