One of my rituals every spring is walking around the property to see what plants survived the winter. It’s always a win to see buds, leaves and blossoms appearing on bushes and trees–particularly the young ones. Sarah has been doing the same at her home in Illinois. She’s sharing her wins, losses and new additions in her post today.
Spring! It’s finally here. This honestly felt like the longest winter we have ever had. As soon as the weather was warm enough to work outside, Steve and I jumped in on several of the projects that we have been waiting patiently to tackle.
Last year you might remember that we planted some fruit trees. This year we noticed that the cherry tree didn’t make it through the winter.
I knew that I needed to add another tree anyway for them to bear fruit, so Steve and I picked up a couple new sweet cherry trees.
The other trees that we planted last year look like they are doing okay. The peach tree even started to bloom.
Unfortunately none of my blueberry bushes made it through the winter. I wasn’t too surprised however because they really didn’t look very good last fall. I had purchased bare root blueberries last year, and I just don’t think I have very good luck with bare root plants. So this year we bought nice healthy bushes. I feel like these have a much better chance of making it.
I am watering them faithfully. Remember the watering rule that my mom taught me?
Water every day for a week, every week for a month and every month for a year.
Things are becoming very busy around here and I love it. This is the best time of year.
What is the weather like where you are? Do you have any fruit trees? Do you have any luck with bare root plants?
Mmmmm… you have me thinking ahead to summer fruit, Sarah. I added blueberry bushes last year as well. They were not bare root, but they too were not looking super spunky by the end of the season. This spring has taken so long to arrive that I’m still at the fingers crossed stage for our grapes, blueberries and blackberries. I’m really hoping I see buds soon.
Home on 129 Acres 
Isn’t spring wonderful?? You will have so much fruit when all these trees and bushes mature. I’ve never tried bare-root planting. This spring we are one step closer to the veggie garden we’ve been wanting – we had the plot rototilled and are working to get all the old roots and grasses out of the soil, then we can plant. I’m excited for homegrown veggies and berries! We already have raspberry plants growing in another part of the garden that we will move to the veggie garden. I don’t know if we’ll get berries this year if we move them, but probably next year. Your mom’s watering rule is one I haven’t heard before, but it seems logical. Will you put the watering dates on your gardening calendar? Good luck with your new trees and bushes!
Oh that’s wonderful, Jan! I am sure you can almost taste that vine-ripened tomato.
Very good idea to put the watering reminder on my calendar. See, it has many uses!