Spring is stirring in the Old Mill District, bringing fresh blooms, new growth, and the perfect excuse to get back into the garden.

Here’s what to watch for as the season awakens!

Spring is on its way, and the first signs of the season are popping up all around the Old Mill District! After a long, dry winter, nature is waking up. Just take a peek at the center of many perennials and you’ll spot fresh green shoots making their debut.
From the first daffodil to the earliest flowering shrubs, here’s what to look for as spring starts to bloom in Bend.
Daffodils and crocuses are beginning to break through the frozen soil, while early bloomers like forsythia, quince, creeping phlox, and basket-of-gold are swelling with buds. Meanwhile, Mediterranean heather is already in full bloom, dotting the landscape with soft pink mounds.

If you’re itching to get your hands in the dirt, here are a few gardening tasks to tackle this March:

Prune dormant shrubs – Finish renewal pruning by removing old and overgrown stems. This encourages vigorous growth and better flowering later in the season.

Trim ornamental grasses – If you left grasses like ‘Karl Foerster’ reed grass standing for winter interest, now’s the time to cut them back to six to twelve inches.

Plan your spring plantings – Browse nursery catalogs and garden books to pick out new perennials, trees, or shrubs for your landscape.

Get a soil thermometer – When soil temperatures reach 40°F, you can start planting cold-hardy vegetables like beets, carrots, peas, and spinach. A cold frame can provide extra protection from lingering frost.

Spruce up with color – By mid-to-late March, pansies and violas are a great way to brighten up containers and garden beds. These hardy blooms come in vibrant colors but be mindful. If you have deer nearby, they might find them just as appealing as you do!

Spring is a season of renewal, and a little preparation now will set the stage for a thriving landscape in the months ahead. Keep an eye on the Old Mill District as it bursts into bloom, and happy gardening!