Presidents Message

Maplewood Garden Club’s President Monthly Message

March 2026

BRRRRRR…THAT WAS A COLD JANUARY AND FEBRUARY! New Jersey is not used to having such cold temperatures. Neither are we use to having snow stay around for so long. My dog was visibly stressed by the snow and cold temperatures. He was “off-line” and couldn’t check his pee-mail, critter account, or smellbook. He is a mixed Lab/Black and Tan Coon Hound so sniffing is his THING! He was visibly frustrated when he couldn’t get to the berms or patrol “his” backyard. I had to find ways to keep him mentally stimulated so that he wouldn’t make mischief like dumping the garbage can. He could smell the smells in the air but couldn’t get to the covered familiar smells. Just taking him out was a challenge some days. I know other dog owners can relate to this.

SO HAPPY TO WELCOME IN MARCH! I call March Green Month. We start to see green popping up all over. Our Gardens are waking up! I am very eager to be able to bring my plants outside again.

I lost a few house plants this winter. As some of you may know, I decided to keep a kitten that I was fostering. I spent the winter being amazed by his curiosity and explorations. He has gotten into EVERY space within his range and dug up quite a few plants. He also has warmed my heart with his cuteness and affection. I suppose the death of a few houseplants is a tolerable loss.

BACK TO MARCH. I hope that you were able to get your bulbs planted in the fall. Your reward for that hard work should be coming soon. I don’t think that we will have to worry about a dry spring. We should have very lush spring growth. Enjoy the spring blooms. Get your hands in the soil at our “Potting Up Parties.”

Start surveying your gardens but leave the dead leaves and branches a little bit longer for those insect eggs. I will be adding compost to my flower beds and veggie garden as soon as the soil is workable. This way the soil will be ready for planting in April and May and the perennials will get a good feeding.

See the lovely blooms of spring.
Leave them outside please.
Although they make my heart sing,
I have a cat.
He will discover them.
He’ll jump.
He’ll spring and that will be that.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
No plants with this cat!

~ Virginia Nordberg

president@maplewoodgardenclub.org