Ciscoe Morris: Prune your rhodies and trim your trees
Jun 8, 2012, 11:47 AM | Updated: 1:35 pm
Although weather has been bleak, there are sun breaks
predicted for this weekend, offering a perfect opportunity
to prune and fertilize plants.
“Once your rhododendron finishes blooming, it’s a great
time to prune those back,” says master gardener Ciscoe
Morris.
The fast-growing bushes are hardy, but do well with
regular pruning.
If your rhododendrons aren’t done blooming, however,
Ciscoe says to take care of one of the easier tasks he’s
recommended: lawn maintenance.
“This is a really great time to put some organic lawn food
on your lawn. This is the perfect time to give it
fertilizer if you’re going to water your lawn all summer
long. If you’re not going to water it, skip the fertilizer
and wait until September,” says Ciscoe.
Fertilizing the lawn takes only a few minutes and will
ensure a moss-free summer. Ciscoe recommends a slow-
release organic fertilizer. These last longer and will
encourage grass to grow while also encouraging deep roots.
At a bare minimum, Ciscoe says, get out and cut back any
plants overhanging the sidewalk.
“Walking down the street early in the morning in the rain,
how many trees and plants are swacking ya in the face when
you walk down the street?”
Gardening with Ciscoe can be heard on 97.3 KIRO FM
Weekends Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and anytime at Mynorthwest.com
