By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Gardeners have reason for concern. Weather predictions through Easter weekend are calling for snow.
Magnolias have begun to bloom. Daffodils and hyacinths are brightening up browned gardens. Many wonder if they will survive the coming cold spell.
With temperatures expected to dip into the low 20s over the next several nights, frost damage to tender buds is a real possibility according to weather experts.
"Outdoor plants, especially bulbs, are pretty tough. Even the daffodils are pretty resilient. They may droop, but don't cut them. A little warm weather and they should perk up again," said Steve Bornell, manager of plant collections for Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve.
Bornell adds every year magnolias get a little freeze. If the buds are not open they should be okay, however, open blossoms will turn brown within a couple of days.
He suggests that gardeners would do well to cover smaller plants and flowering shrubs with a sheet or burlap for protection. Plastic is not porous and so is not recommended.
"Lilac buds are still tight. Even in cases where the flower cannot be preserved, you shouldn't lose the plant," said Bornell.
Houseplants that have been put out on porches and decks during the past warm days need to be brought back into the house.
According to Bornell, it is still best to consider Memorial Day as the start of the outdoor planting season.
"I grab and buy plants early and keep them inside until the end of May. Some more hardy varieties like larkspur, pansies and primrose will take a light freeze but you want to wait for most planting. With seeds you want to follow the directions on the seed packages," Bornell said.
Dennis Becker of God's Green Earth, 2939 S. 11th St. in Niles, suggests turning on the sprinkler as a protection for delicate buds.
"A coating of ice on the buds of flowering trees and shrubs will protect the buds from the cold. Snow is actually a good insulator. If the weather gets severely cold and there is no snow – then you have more of a problem," he said.
There is another product called an anti-transpirant Becker suggests. These products like "Wilt Proof" act as an antiperspirant for plants preventing moisture loss. This too can protect the buds.
He agrees with Bornell on waiting until after May 20 to plant most perennials. Noting that there have been hard frosts after that date, it is a pretty reliable guide.
"One thing owners of plants like hydrangeas can do at this time to ensure the best bloom, is to treat the soil with a sulfur or aluminum sulfate. This works well if the plants have not bloomed as you hoped in the past, " Becker said.
Neither expert felt that after taking a few simple precautions gardeners should worry.
Most of the plants are hardy enough to withstand the cold ahead living on to produce the blooms of spring and summer.