Are you looking for a beautifully landscaped yard this summer? Consider a mix of flowers, vegetables, and shrubs to make things pop! Now is the time to plant a bright, colorful garden you will enjoy all summer.
Perennials In The Garden
Using perennials in the garden is essential to filling space and adding color. These plants come back year after year!
- Plan to add plants that grow at different times of the year. For example, tulips will begin to grow in the early spring and fizzle out by summer. Sedum grows and is vibrant throughout summer, and chrysanthemums are gorgeous in the fall. Doing this ensures your garden always has a pop of color.
- Many perennials spread out from year to year and can be divided and transplanted. This needs to be done in early spring or late autumn. Remember to give your transplants plenty of water!
- Save money. While your initial investment may be more for a single plant, the payoff is fantastic! Splitting these plants up after a few years will help to fill other empty spaces in your yard or other garden beds, and are fun to trade with family and friends.
- Pay attention to the amount of sun (or shade) each plant requires and plant accordingly. If you sow a shade-loving plant in full sunlight, it will probably die.
Annuals Add Pizazz In The Garden
Annuals come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors! Plan on what you need and want before you head out to the greenhouse or you could spend a fortune. I have walked out of my local greenhouse in the past with more plants than I knew what to do with or had space for, just because they were unique and beautiful. Now, I go with a plan and a budget.
- Annuals work well in containers and in the ground. I reuse hanging pots for several years. Just purchase flowers and potting soil and plant your own to save money and get a customized look.
- Read the tags on the plants. You can easily find out how tall and wide the plant will become to avoid overcrowding. The tag will also tell you how much light the plant requires.
- Choose a variety for a bright, colorful garden full of texture. I spend as much time as possible outdoors in the spring, summer, and fall, so I enjoy watching these plants fill in over time. Some act as a flower bed border, while others work better in containers.
- Remove spent flowers. “Dead-heading” flowers keep plants growing all season because the plant’s energy is redirected to new growth. Regardless if it is marigolds or petunias, this practice will keep those plants growing and lush all season long.
- Water your flowers every day when the weather is extremely warm, preferably in the early morning. If that isn’t possible, wait until later in the evening, but be careful – some plants can get a fungus from nighttime watering.
Vegetables
Adding a vegetable garden is a fantastic way to grow your own food and control what you are eating. If you are unable to have a dedicated vegetable garden, consider container gardening or mixing vegetable plants in with flowers.
- Some plants, such as peppers, will produce more fruit when planted in pairs.
- Large containers for tomatoes are critical. These plants require support as they grow. Tomato stakes or cages allow the plant to grow upward while supporting the heavy fruit it bears.
- Containers should be heavy enough to prevent tipping on windy days.
Herbs
One of my favorite things to plant is an herb garden. I use containers and available space in the ground to maximize the benefits of fresh herbs.
- Know your invasive plants. Things like mint and dill have roots that quickly spread and tunnel. These plants can invade a large area in a short amount of time and are difficult to control.
- Herbs can be dried and used year round.
- Experiment with different varieties to add flair to your food.
Shrubs and Bushes
For large areas around the house, consider adding a shrub or two. There are many varieties that stay compact. Choosing a flowering shrub that is complementary to the home and other landscaping helps to add visual appeal and interest to your yard. Other benefits include:
- Shrubbery blocks heat from your home when planted near the foundation (but not too close).
- Some flowering bushes attract butterflies and hummingbirds, which are a beautiful addition to any garden.
- Shrubs are available in a variety of flower colors to accent your landscape.
Other Garden Additions
Add inanimate items to your garden to reflect your personality:
- Large rocks or boulders
- Flags
- Solar lights
- Wind chimes
- Garden statues
- Metal Art
- Shepherd’s Hooks
Don’t forget to protect your plants and add aesthetics with mulch or stones. This helps keep moisture in and weeds out (See “Surprisingly Simple Ways to Stop Weeds in Their Tracks”)
Hopefully, you are enjoying this beautiful spring season and are well on your way to creating a bright and colorful garden of your own! Please share your tips with me!
Happy Gardening!
April
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