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

[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?

[bucolic_frolic]

1. I've never heard of this de-winterize everything plan

Fertilizer? Ground egg shells, maybe some deer droppings, as I find them.

[Botany]

2. Use this stuff it is the bomb

BTW to be honest Alberta Spruces always get dead spots on them from spider mites. And once they get those
dead spots there is nothing you can do about those dead spots. Remove them and replace them w/native plants.
They are produced by the millions by the nursery industry and they suck.

[Baltimike]

3. I have this stuff too. You told me this about the Alberta Spruce before

but I promise I already had them when you told me. One side seems to be fine, but the other is just not. I need to replace them with a cottagey ever green but I haven't found anything yet