Keep tags or records of plants you have purchased...comes in handy for pruning. Plants such as Hydrangeas and Clematis are pruned differently, depending on the variety. If you are not careful, you may not have flowers this year! Place the information in a notebook, or online. If possible, make a simple chart of your grounds, with line drawings of the plants for reference.With that in mind: Prune your plants at the right time and in the correct manner.
Fill your yard with perennials in a variety of heights and colors...then add touches with annuals. It makes for an easy care garden!
Add plants of various heights..ascending/descending order...shorter in front, taller in back. When early spring bulbs die out, make sure you have a hosta or other perennial growing close to them so the empty space is covered.
Choose color schemes....blue/yellow...reds pinks and oranges
Fill your yard with easy care hostas, hydrangeas, and ground cover. Clematis are perfect for empty brick walls or ugly fences.
Buy beneficial bugs, such as lacewings, ladybugs, and praying mantis, so that toxic insecticides are not necessary.
Begin a compost pile, and use the rich soil produced for your garden.
Know the planting zone, water requirements and light conditions of the plants you are about to purchase. Do you have the proper conditions for them to grow well?
Take time to put down mulch...it will squelch weeds, and save time later!
Here are some helpful websites and products:
The Helpful Gardener
Eclectic Gardening Tips
Help finding the right plant for your garden spot!
Good Housekeeping Gardening Tips
Products for organic gardening
Step by step instructions
Clear illustrations and instruction
What makes gardening an easier task for you? What is your favorite perennial, and why?
