In this issue:

• Spring planting tips
• Testing plants to see if they survived the winter
• Smartscape Trained Staff
• Everything Sonoran Gardens at www.SonoranGardensInc.com

Spring Planting: What & When to Plant

As wildflower blooms begin peaking up across the desert, Spring is announcing its arrival. Now is the best time to start thinking about reinvigorating your garden.

In Tucson, the months of February, March, and early April are the best times for planting. It is a great time for roses, citrus trees, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. These plants will enjoy the warm days, but also a reprieve from the heat with the cool nights. In the event a late frost sneaks up after your new plants have been planted make sure they are properly covered and attended to. For tips on freeze protection you can read our November Newsletter.

With the Spring sun shining on your garden you may find that some of your existing plants didn’t survive the winter frosts, or additional plants would liven up your space. Now is the time to address those concerns. Be certain the plants you are replacing aren’t still in winter dormancy.

• The scratch test. This test isn’t foolproof, but it’s a good way to check for live plant tissue in woody plants and tender trees. Using your thumbnail, gently scratch the surface or break off a small branch tip. If you turn up a green spot, your plant is still alive.
• If your perennials are sprouting new growth from the roots, you know they’re going to be fine.
• Have Sonoran Gardens’ Custom Landscape Care Team inspect your yard, and prune, replant, and add new plants as needed/desired.  We’re a call away at 520-579-9411.

In mid-March you should begin thinking about cutting back some of your existing plants that are heavy Spring growers such as lantana, birds of paradise, and honeysuckle. These plants can be pruned nearly to the ground to remove woody stems and allow for rejuvenation. Sonoran Gardens Custom Landscape Care customers are provided with Spring cut-backs as part of their routine service packages. If this is something that your yard could benefit from – call today and make an appointment!

Sonoran Gardens’ Staff are now trained in Smartscape Professional Landscaping!

February brought exciting accomplishments for the Sonoran Gardens’ team. We are proud to announce that our entire Custom Landscape Care crew, our Service Technician, and our Senior Construction foreman have all completed the Smartscape Professional Landscape Training Course, which is offered by the University of Arizona. In addition, Roberta Braegelmann, our Custom Landscape Care Account Manager, is now certified in Sustainable Landscape Management through the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association. We are so proud to offer our customers some of the most trained and experienced personnel in the industry. Congratulations team!

• Smartscape (http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/smartscape/workshops.html)
• Sustainable Landscape Management: (http://www.azlca.com/azlca/page.asp?p=1263)

For all of your landscape needs please call Sonoran Gardens anytime at 520-579-9411. On the web at www.sonorangardensinc.con. Happy gardening!