Like any new resident, we had lots of questions about the plants and trees growing in our yard when we first moved here. The locals were really good about answering our questions and sharing their knowledge. One bit of advice that always stuck with me was that roses and crepe myrtle trees should be trimmed on February 14. I think that stuck with me so well because it was tied to a specific (and memorable) date as opposed to something more general, like when the blooms fade. So like a good NW Floridian, I've obeyed the rules and cut the roses and crepe myrtles back as close to February 14 as my schedule would allow.
The theory behind this timing is that the plants are dormant since that date generally coincides with our coldest time of year...well, for any year but this one. As I've pointed out before, the things in my yard think it's spring already and here's further proof:
That's some of the branches of my crepe myrtle trees framed against a pretty blue sky. It's a welcome sight as we've had more than the usual number of overcast days these past few weeks but then, that's partly why it's been warm too. Much of what you see are the seed pods at the end of the branches; they're left over from last year's blooms. Trimming not only gets rid of them but also encourages fuller growth. Some people cut their crepe myrtles back even before we have a freeze but I like to wait until February because the goldfinches love those seeds. They come in waves this time of year and you see them at all angles on the ends of the branches, their yellow feathers looking all the brighter in the mid-day sun. I'd miss seeing them bob around like gymnasts when the weight of their tiny bodies makes the branch sway and bow.
The bigger blobs you see in there are leaves. You know...those things that aren't supposed to be there in early February. I swear these branches were totally bare just a few days ago and now look at them.
Tiny little leaves are popping out all over the place and that leaves me in a quandary. I feel bad chopping them off and tossing them in the garbage. I'm not usually soft-hearted when it comes to things in the yard; in fact, I have no problem whacking big bushes down to the ground and letting them start all over again. But there's something so tender about these little baby leaves that the idea of amputating them is filing me with a little guilt.
Is this the year to follow my neighbor's crepe myrtle philosophy and forego trimming...Plan B, if you will? Or shall I just heartlessly chop all those little green shoots that are so eager to grow? I know from past experience the trees don't care; I've had to cut away a pile of early spring growth that a renegade freeze blackened and the tree just puts out more. Good thing I have a few days before February 14 to decide because I just don't know right now.
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