You don't have to remind gardeners that spring has been cool. That's left many of us wondering the fate of our flowers, shrubs and trees.
It's a hot topic on our Grow with Kare Facebook page.
Lynda's wondering about her hardy hibiscus.
Dawn is hoping her burning bush makes it.
Same with Judy's wigelia.
Even Belinda has this question with her switch grasses.
The reason these plats are a bit later than expected could be related to what we call growing degree days. That's basically a measurement of how much heat we've had so far this season. There's a direct link between plant growth and growing degree days.
We know it's been cool but in fact we currently have the fewest growing degree days this season to date than we've had in the past five years... by quite a lot!
These numbers show we're running a week or two behind schedule.
Waiting it out is a good idea before you give up on your hibiscus or grasses.
But it was a harsh winter and some things may not have made it.
Bel's ten year old Japanese maple is probably an example of that.
Bobby has a simple check... scrape of a little bit of bark. If you see green or signs of life, the shrub or tree will probably pull through. If it's just dry and brittle, you'll likely be replacing it.