What to do In Your Backyard in April
April has our landscapes springing into action! Winter recovery is in full bloom with colorful azaleas this month. Tropicals are rebounding from the ground, and creativity and inspiration around every corner.
It’s time to put winter behind us. Cut back your winter-damaged plants or remove them. I was pleased to see the Giant Birds of Paradise regrowth, but their tall spears of leaves will not grow back. Most of the tropicals are growing back. I’m still concerned about avocados and mangos, some of the larger ones, I’m afraid are not going to recover.
Giant Bird of Paradises damaged by the Freeze of 2026. Just do it. Cut the stalks down.
Check out What to do In Your Backyard in April for tips on this month’s landscape chores. Planting vegetables, what to fertilize, and what pests to look out for. Be on the lookout for warnings from landscapers to dethatch lawns. It’s not always necessary and if you have a new lawn or a young lawn (less than 3 years old) it’s not likely that you will have thatch. Get a second opinion. Thatch is caused by excessive and years of overwatering and overfertilizing. It’s most commonly seen in older lawns. Another caution is that you are not watering enough. Depending on your city, county, or water management district, you are only allowed to water once or twice a week. This is fine for landscapes and turfgrass if they are established and healthy. Landscapes and turf that are not stressed out by high maintenance, only need 1.5” inches of rainfall or water. Watering more often or more than 2” of irrigation causes a short root system and short root systems will need more watering. Watering less often and only when needed actually encourages your landscape and turf root systems to grow deeper. Even with drought, landscapes do not need water more often, just consistent watering.
One highlight of my week was discovering these charming gnomes, perfect for your garden, patio, flower arrangement, terrarium, or even your desk. Their vibrant hues and sweet hats are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Each 4” gnome is priced at $8. Artists Kerri and Shelli offer USPS shipping for an additional fee, and if you’re in Orlando, they’ll coordinate pickup or delivery. Crafted by Kerri and her sister, each gnome is hand-poured, sanded, patched with cement, painted, antiqued, sealed with UV spray, and finished with a Triple Thick Gloss Glaze. Part of the proceeds supports Kerri’s dedication to caring for foster kittens awaiting adoption via The Pixel Fund. These gnomes make fantastic Easter basket additions—imagine a garden filled with gnomes to find throughout the year! Visit Kerri’s Facebook page to send her a message or contact me and I will put you in touch with Kerri. Her inspiring support for the Pixel Fund is to be commended.
Speaking of small creatures in your garden, I would like to everyone to add more wildlife habitat to their landscapes. My Landscape Design Tip this month, a beneficial DIY project adds accommodations that won’t take up much room and will help you cut down on pesticide use. Who knows? You might find a Prince!
Lizzie has found a solution for her overheated Buttercrunch lettuce, that keeps Lizzie laughing at her turkeys. Check out the Bourbon Red!
I need help with my Landscape Malpractice this month. It’s perfect for April. See if you can figure it out.
My Plant of the Month is perfect for Spring. Very colorful and attracts butterflies and hummingbird and can even provide shade. It did well in the freeze too this winter. That’s a plus!
May your springtime bring fresh inspiration and happiness to your gardens and landscapes. Please share updates on how your garden is flourishing and help In Your Backyard thrive by sharing my newsletter with friends and family. I’m eager to hear about your gardening experiences—perhaps we could discuss them during one of my garden tours! I’d be delighted to have you join me.
