So, I don't want too much green grass to grow before I fetilize, etc [View all]

[Baltimike]

I live in zone 7a with some azaleas (evergreen) a hydrangea, two Alberta spruces, and foxtrot tulips and peonies starting to show themselves.

I want to put some compost and mulch down over everything, but should I fertilize first? Bone meal? Fish fertilizer? My garden soil has a LOT of clay in it, so i amend each year with something called "leafgro"

The other side of the garden is a bit more complicated.That side's bigger and two Alberta spruces have become dead in places where the "Big Daddy" hydrangea touches it. Since they clearly don't like each other, I am going to need a new plan.

First thing's first, though...I want to address what I have. How/ when do you all de-winterize everything?