Early Bird

I like to arrive early. Even if it means I wait for everyone else. I don’t mind but sometimes it seems other people do. If I am early do they feel late? Whatever the feelings, I will be early the next time too. Every spring there is talk about a late spring or an early spring. It use to be the timing averaged out even, but lately research shows on average, spring is arriving earlier and earlier. (Just so you know, my early arrivals are very consistent.)

It was a mild winter here in the Portland area and it really does feel like the plum blossoms are early but they are always early. Yet I put out my mason bees just in case. This could be a mistake but I am a bit worried when they hatch the blossoms will be gone.

In my August newsletter last year I wrote about an interview I heard with Theresa Crimmins. She is the director of the USA National Phenology Network and spoke about how climate change affects our insects. My mason bees seems like a perfect example of food not being available when expected.

I worked on some Japanese maple trees last week and usually there would be some sap running right now, but not this year. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures are not extreme enough for sap at the moment. That means there is a longer window for pruning right before the buds break. Its handy for me, but I’m not sure what the long term effect will be on my trees. In central California the sap window is very short yet they seem to carry on if the garden conditions are good.

March is another one those transition months that get me a little antsy and this year is no exception. Last March I wrote about patience but I’m not feeling it this year. I guess spring isn’t either.

Podcast

December 19, 2025 A Way to Garden Podcast with Margaret Roach

Melissa Finley on Tree Care History and How-to.

Melissa Finley is the New York Botanical Garden’s Thain Curator of Woody Plants. She talks about some amazing history and I learned a little about how the woody plants are managed at NYBG. Worth the listen for sure!

Going ons

Zoom Presentation

PNW-ISA Arbor Chat: Aesthetic Pruning Concepts.

I will be covering aesthetic pruning concepts and how they are implemented for ornamental trees and shrubs.

March 17, 2026 -  12:00pm, Free to members and $20.00 for non members.

Register witih the PNW-ISA here.

Workshop: The Pruning Lab - March 14th, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita Oregon

In the morning I will be demonstrating on various plants in a private garden and in the afternoon we will prune the pines and juniper in the Wonder Garden. Bring your sharp, clean hand clippers, gloves and weather appropriate gear.

You can register here with the Hoffman Center for the Arts. The Pruning Lab workshop is eligible for The Hoffman Center for the Arts scholarship program.

Zoom Presentation

APA Tree Talk: Firescaping for Aesthetic Pruners

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm

APA member Alex Senauke will be moderating a discussion between Katherine Randolph and Greg Rubin on Firescapeing for Aesthetic Pruners.

Firescaping is not just for California and you don’t have to be an aesthetic pruner to learn good information from this Tree Talk.  Register with the APA here.

Zoom Presentation

Introduction to the Aesthetic Pruning Approach

April 9, 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Start your pruning year off right! Learn to apply the aesthetic pruning approach to trees and shrubs in your garden. Including how to assess your woody plant, identify the role it plays in your garden and develop a pruning plan to achieve your goals.

This zoom class is offered by the Gresham Japanese Garden as part of their pruning program. Click hear to register. $20.00

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