Efficient Perennial Clean Up?

[GardenGirl]

While it was truly a delight to spend the first sixty degree day of spring clearing things out of my garden yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but think that there has to be a better way to do things. I'm about 1/3rd of the way through the process and wondering how to store four bags of "stuff" and a serious stack of stalks until the county compost opens next week.

I'm relatively new to the perennial gardening scene (8 years), so I am still learning. I know that many people will clear their beds in the fall which is a busy time of year for me, so I've always waited until spring. I also enjoy the look of a winter garden and understand that in non-snow years having the old growth there can help insulate which has made it much easier for me to put it off until spring, as well. However, spring clean-up can certainly have its challenges. If I'm not able to get out soon enough, I'm faced with the frustration of delicately trying to remove last year's detritus so as not to disturb this year's new growth.

While my husband is quick to remind me that if half our yard wasn't flower beds it wouldn't take me so long =), I don't see me downsizing anytime soon (addiction, addiction, addiction...) So, I'm wondering if any of you have some tricks to expedite this yearly process?

Thanks!

[Steve Foss]

Hey Tiff, no tricks, sorry. Just patience and the effort to keep telling myself that I REALLY LIKE my perennials. Been doing it quite awhile now, and I'll rarely allow an annual on the place.

I also leave mine alone in fall for the same reasons you do, so spring is a busy time.

[GardenGirl]

Darn! I was hoping you'd have all of the answers

Thanks for chiming in though...misery loves company!

Happy spring to you.

[Steve Foss]

Spring? The snow was almost gone in my yard and then last night it started snowing. We're approaching two feet right now.

Guess those perennials are just gonna have to wait awhile.