May is the month, here in New England, when we finally reap the benefits of the April showers (or snows, in the case of this April). The weather has turned suddenly summer-like, and spring bulbs, perennials and flowering trees are popping open everywhere. I'm a bit behind in my weeding, but at least the shade garden's done and I can sit back there, ignoring all the work that still needs to be done.
This is a great time to feed spring-blooming bulbs. I like Espoma Bulb Tone; it's organic, granular and can be easily spread on the ground around bulbs without burning. Feeding now will help the bulbs gain vigor for next year's bloom. Feeding again in the fall is a good idea, too. I'm also moving some bulbs around that haven't bloomed in a year or two; just the foliage is visible. I am digging them up and relocating them to areas with more sunlight, in hopes that they will bloom next year. I also moved some iris that were getting overcrowded. I usually move iris in the fall in order to not interrupt the bloom cycle, but in this case, it was necessary to save the iris.
Many perennials that bloom later in the season can also be moved and/or divided now. Be sure to get as many of the roots as you can, and keep plants well watered for 2 weeks after moving. Adding a little compost to the soil when you move plants doesn't hurt, either. I created an extension of my shade garden, filling in with plants from elsewhere in my yard. Gotta love free plants!
Enjoy all the May blooms!
