Eek! Plants arrived by mail already!!

I leave the clippings on the lawn as well.
I'll rake it up if there is too much, but not often.
Andy P

Raking? You guys must be young and strong with backs like iron!

Pirl, None of the above.

Raking actually bothers my hips more than my back and I do admire anyone who can do it even occasionally.

Wow, I had no idea you could put so many things in compost. This is great! Of course, this means double work for my husband: first, having to build a VERY big compost bin, and second, having to sort even more stuff instead of just throwing it out. But it's so worth it!

I'm also not a lawn person, but it's nice to have some--I don't mind if the violets mix themselves in or anything--and it's good to know that leaving the clippings isn't laziness, it's actually useful!

Meg FYI, I just got some plants in from Bluestone. In theier FAQ section they address the question of planting before the last frost date. They state it is BEST to plant perennials 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
David

Thanks, Dave. I just got my perennials from them as well--they look great! I was going to plant them tomorrow, but just heard it's supposed to rain--nuts!

Oh, and I should post pictures, but in case anyone is interested, my tulips have in fact started to blossom--all is well, and i'm getting better at this whole patience thing (but not much!!).

Meg - mine are starting to bloom, too.

My first Tulips opened this week.
Here is a pic I don't think I've posted.
Andy P

Sorry if I came in late with this, but you can HEEL the roses for now. Can someone explain the process? I know the company you bought them from will tell you too.

Megan

Megan, I'm pretty sure you dig a hole or trench and place yor plants at a 45 degree angle and cover the roots with soil. That's a good thing to do when your eventual home for your plant is not prepared or decided. It won't help with being too cold but we can plant perennials around April 1 here. Probably 2 weeks later up there. (4 -6 weeks before last frost date)
Dave