“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” – Martin Luther.

“Resurrection means that the worst thing is never the last thing.” – Frederick Buechner. 

“Our old history ends with the Cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” – Watchman Nee. 

“The resurrection is not merely important to the historic Christian faith; without it, there would be no Christianity. It is the singular doctrine that elevates Christianity above all other world religions.” – Adrian Rogers. 

“The benefits [of the resurrection] are innumerable. To list a few: Our illnesses don’t seem nearly so final; Our fears fade and lose their grip; Our grief over those who have gone on is diminished; Our desires to press on in spite of the obstacles is rejuvenated… Our identity as Christians is strengthened as we stand in the lengthening shadows of saints down through the centuries, who have always answered back in antiphonal voice: ‘He is risen, indeed!’” – Charles Swindoll. 

Spring is full of new life, green grass, and sunshine! It’s also time to get back into the garden.

Here are some tips to keep you and your garden on track this spring.

Remove winter protection: In the fall or early winter, you may have added some winter protection, like mulch or leaves, to the base of your plants to keep them warm throughout the cold season. When spring hits, it’s important to remove that winter protection. Mulch acts as an insulator, and when the sunshine and warm temps return, your plants won’t need any more help to keep warm. If you remove your winter protection but you see a cold snap coming your way, just add it back until the warm weather returns.

Remember to water: Once the weather starts warming up, it’s important to start ramping up how much you water your plants. However, it’s still important to always check the soil before watering by sticking your finger in the soil at the base of the plant. If the soil is wet, there is no need to water it that day, but do check back tomorrow. If the soil is dry, it’s ready for some water.

Generally, it’s best to give your plants a deep, thorough soak and end up watering less often than watering them a little bit every day. Remember that natural rainfall counts as watering. So, if you’ve received a bit of rain that week, you might not need to water as much. Younger or newly planted plants will need more water until they get established.

Determine what needs pruning: As each plant variety requires something slightly different, there is no simple answer to spring pruning. Generally, summer flowering shrubs set their flower buds starting in spring, so early spring pruning is ok to do. Panicle hydrangeas are one such plant that benefits from some early spring pruning. However, make sure to review how to prune panicle hydrangeas before diving in with your pruners. Spring-flowering trees and shrubs like lilacs, magnolia, azalea, spirea, flowering crabapples, pearlbush, azaleas and serviceberry all benefit from some pruning right after they finish flowering.

Apply fertilizer: Like pruning, each shrub and tree require something a little different when it comes to fertilizing. However, there are some general tips that can help lead the way. Apply fertilizer in early spring when you start to see new growth. For trees and shrubs, it is recommended to use a well-balanced, slow-release granular, or spike-form fertilizer. If you’re fertilizing container plantings, you can use a water-soluble type. Make sure to follow the directions on the bag for instructions on how to apply.

Get to planting: Spring is an ideal time to get new plants in the ground, but there are a few things you can do to make them extra comfortable in their new home! Select a site – reference the plant tag to determine what conditions your new plant loves, and pick a place in your landscape that reflects that. Prepare the soil – once you have the site picked out take some time to assess the soil. Most shrubs can grow in different soil types, but they generally prefer well-drained soil. A rich loam soil with at least 5 percent of organic matter is ideal. If you aren’t sure what type of soil you have, take a soil sample and have analyzed at a soil testing lab for texture, pH, and nutrients present in your soil.

Plant – for the best garden design results, place your plants in the spaces you’re hoping to plant and take a step back. If you’re happy with how that looks, dig a hole slightly larger than the pot size and place any fertilizer, organic material, or nutrients needed to improve your soil mix in the hole. Then, place the plants. If you see that the roots are tightly packed, loosen them with your fingers before planting to encourage better root growth.

For shrubs, make sure where the base of the stems meets the soil is even with the ground level. For trees, make sure where the trunk flares out to the root system is even with the ground level. Next, refill the hole, packing soil firmly around the crown or root flare to create a dam around the plant. Fill that dam with water, let it drain, and then refill it again.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” 1 Corinthians 15:19. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13. “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.