Spring cutback at the Lurie Garden

Today was cold and sunny and clear here in Chicago.A perfect day to spend in a garden.
We have been working at the Lurie for the last few weeks cutting back a huge amount of
grass and brown stems from last years plant growth. It is amazing how much bulk grass can produce.Cart after cart filled and taken away. The birds are loving all seed left behind.

We do most of the cutting by hand although Colleen does use a small power hedge trimmer for some of the tough clumps.I always use a pruning knife or hand clippers.My favorite tool is really a saw that is normally used for drywall, it cuts through dry brittle grass clumps fast and easy.

This year we are not clearing the low growing natives ( like Geum triflorum commonly Prairie Smoke orPurple Avens]
The new growth will come up right through the decaying leaves of last years growth.This will help keep weeds at bay and add organic matter to the soil.One more task the gardener can leave to nature to perform.

Judging by the green tips of growth showing all through the garden, from the bulbs planted last fall, I would say just a week of warm sunshine and the highly anticipated spring show will begin.
Next week I will start taking pictures!