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Spring Gardening

Brighten Your Shady Garden: A Guide to Shade-Loving Plants for Spring

by Donna December 25, 2020

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Shade-Loving Plants for a Bright and Beautiful Spring Garden

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by adding some beautiful plants to your garden. But what if you have a shady corner that you’re not sure what to do with? Don’t worry, there are plenty of plants that thrive in the shade, and they can add just as much beauty and interest to your garden as sun-loving plants.

Types of Shade-Loving Plants

There are two main types of shade-loving plants:

Deciduous plants lose their leaves in the fall, but they come back to life in the spring with new growth. Deciduous plants that do well in the shade include hostas, ferns, and hellebores.
Evergreen plants keep their leaves all year round. Evergreen plants that do well in the shade include boxwood, rhododendrons, and azaleas.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Shady Garden

When choosing plants for your shady garden, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The amount of sunlight: Some plants can tolerate more shade than others. Be sure to choose plants that are suited to the amount of sunlight your garden receives.
The type of soil: Different plants prefer different types of soil. Be sure to choose plants that are suited to the type of soil you have.
The size of your garden: If you have a small garden, you’ll want to choose plants that are relatively compact. If you have a larger garden, you can choose larger plants or plant them in groups to create a more dramatic effect.

Some of Our Favorite Shade-Loving Plants

Here are a few of our favorite shade-loving plants:

Hostas: Hostas are a classic shade-loving plant, and they come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Hostas are also very easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners.
Ferns: Ferns are another great choice for shady gardens. They add a touch of elegance and drama to any space. Ferns are also very low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
Hellebores: Hellebores are a beautiful shade-loving plant that blooms in the early spring. Hellebores are also known as Lenten roses, because they often bloom around the time of Lent.
Boxwood: Boxwood is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Boxwood can be used to create hedges, borders, or topiaries.
Rhododendrons: Rhododendrons are a beautiful flowering shrub that thrives in the shade. Rhododendrons come in a wide variety of colors, including pink, white, purple, and red.
Azaleas: Azaleas are a smaller relative of rhododendrons, and they also thrive in the shade. Azaleas come in a wide variety of colors, including pink, white, purple, and red.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Shade-Loving Plants

Here are a few tips for planting and caring for shade-loving plants:

Plant in well-drained soil. Shade-loving plants don’t like to sit in wet soil, so be sure to plant them in well-drained soil.
Water regularly. Shade-loving plants need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.
Mulch around your plants. Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and cool, and it also helps to suppress weeds.
Fertilize your plants regularly. Shade-loving plants need regular fertilization to stay healthy and vigorous.

With a little care and attention, your shade-loving plants will thrive and add beauty to your garden for years to come.

Gardening

Growing and Caring for Forsythia: A Comprehensive Guide

by Gregory November 29, 2020

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

How to Grow and Care for Forsythia

Forsythia is a beautiful shrub that’s easy to grow and care for. It’s known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.

How to Grow Forsythia

Plant forsythia in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Plant the root ball at the same level as the soil surface.
Water well after planting.

How to Care for Forsythia

Mulch around forsythia plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize forsythia plants annually with a slow-release fertilizer.
Prune forsythia plants after they finish flowering to encourage new growth.

How to Prune Forsythia

Prune forsythia plants by cutting back stems by about half.
Remove any dead or diseased branches.
Thin out congested growth to improve air circulation.

How to Propagate Forsythia

Take cuttings of forsythia in mid to late summer.
Root the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix.
Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm place until they develop roots.

Pests and Diseases of Forsythia

Forsythia is generally a trouble-free shrub, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as:

Aphids
Scale
Powdery mildew

Where to Buy Forsythia

Forsythia is widely available at nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers. You can find forsythia plants in a variety of sizes, from small starter plants to large mature plants.

Gardening

Fall Garden Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide for Winter and Next Spring

by Gregory September 17, 2020

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Preparing Your Fall Garden for Winter and Next Spring

Fall is not a time to relax after a busy growing season. There’s still plenty to do to prepare your garden for ongoing growth and next spring. From regular maintenance to planting cool-weather vegetables, make the most of these cooler months.

Planning Your Fall Garden

Planning is key to a successful fall garden. Consider your climate and location to determine the best time to complete tasks. Here are some essential tasks to include in your fall garden plan:

Trim back leggy annuals and deadhead them to encourage more blooms.
Plant cool-weather annuals like pansies and hardy mums as the weather turns cooler.
Get spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in the ground now.
Fill in gaps in your garden beds with mulch and add extra mulch around tender perennials.
Fall is a good time to sow new grass or fertilize and aerate your existing lawn.
Avoid the summer heat and drought by planting new shrubs or trees in the fall. Water them regularly until winter to help their roots establish.

Planting Cool-Weather Vegetables

Extend your vegetable season by planting another round of cool-weather veggies. Determine your first hard frost date by checking with your local extension office. Then, choose vegetables that have a short enough time to maturity to be ready for harvest before the frost.

Some popular cool-weather vegetables for fall planting include:

Beets
Broccoli
Bush beans
Cabbage
Carrots
Chard
Kale
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Spinach
Winter squash and pumpkins

You can also plant vegetables in the fall for a spring harvest. Onions, shallots, and leeks can be started in the fall and harvested in early spring.

Fall Garden Maintenance

In addition to planting, there are a few maintenance tasks that will help your garden thrive in the fall:

Regularly water your plants, especially during dry spells.
Fertilize your plants according to their specific needs.
Mulch around your plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Clean up fallen leaves and debris to prevent disease and pests.
Protect your plants from frost by covering them with blankets or row covers.

By following these tips, you can prepare your fall garden for winter and set yourself up for a successful spring season.

Tips for an Optimal Fall Gardening Experience

Plan ahead: Determine your first hard frost date and choose plants that will mature before then.
Choose the right plants: Select cool-weather vegetables that are suited to your climate.
Prepare your soil: Amend your soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Water regularly: Water your plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilize: Fertilize your plants according to their specific needs to promote healthy growth.
Mulch: Mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from cold temperatures.
Protect from frost: Cover your plants with blankets or row covers to protect them from frost damage.
Clean up: Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent disease and pests.

With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest from your fall garden and set your garden up for success in the spring.

Gardening

Mulch: When to Replace It and How to Change It for a Healthy Garden

by Gregory August 17, 2020

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Mulch: When to Replace and How to Change It

Introduction

Spring is here, and it’s time to think about your garden. One important task is deciding whether or not to replace the mulch. Mulch is a layer of material spread over the soil around plants. It helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Should You Replace Mulch?

Whether or not you need to replace your mulch depends on a few factors:

Type of mulch: Some types of mulch, like shredded leaves and compost, break down quickly and need to be replaced more often. Others, like bark mulch, last longer.
Weather conditions: Heavy rain and wind can break down mulch more quickly.
Age of mulch: Mulch naturally decomposes over time and becomes part of the soil.

How to Tell if You Need New Mulch

If you’re not sure whether or not you need to replace your mulch, grab a handful and examine it. If the particles are small and soil-like, it’s time to replenish.

When to Add New Mulch

If the mulch is still intact, you can choose to keep it. However, if you want to add compost or new plants, rake the mulch aside. Once you’re finished, replace the mulch around the plants.

Wood mulch, especially shredded wood mulch, can mat down over time. This can prevent water and sunlight from reaching the soil. Fluff up the mulch with a rake or cultivator to aerate it. If the matted mulch has fungus or mold, treat it with a fungicide or remove it.

Mulch can also get moved around by foot traffic or heavy rain. Aim to have 2 to 3 inches of mulch in place. Lightweight, broken-down mulch may need to be replaced twice a year, while heavier bark mulch can last for years.

How to Change Mulch

If you’ve decided to replace your mulch, you have a few options for what to do with the old mulch:

Add it to the compost pile: This is a great way to recycle the old mulch and add nutrients to your compost.
Leave it in place: The broken-down mulch can add to the tilth of the soil. You can either leave it as is or dig it in further.
Remove it completely: This is the best option if the old mulch is matted, moldy, or infested with pests.

Tips for Refreshing Garden Mulch

Refresh your garden mulch if there is less than 2 inches in your flowerbeds or less than 3 inches around shrubs and trees.
If you’re short an inch or so, you can usually just top off the old layer with new mulch.
When adding new mulch, spread it evenly around the plants, leaving a few inches of space around the stems.
Water the mulch well after you apply it. This will help to settle it and prevent it from blowing away.

By following these tips, you can keep your garden mulch looking fresh and healthy all season long.

Spring Gardening

Spring Containers: A Rainbow of Colors to Brighten Your Garden

by Gregory June 21, 2020

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Spring Containers: A Rainbow of Colors for Your Garden

Introduction

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to celebrate with colorful containers filled with beautiful plants. From bright daffodils to delicate ferns, there’s a spring container for everyone.

Plant Recommendations from the Experts

The Gardeners’ World team and other gardening experts have chosen their favorite plants for spring containers:

Narcissus bulbocodium ‘Arctic Bells’: A dainty early-flowering narcissus with pale yellow flowers on thin green stems.
Omphalodes cappadocica ‘Starry Eyes’: This plant shines with its pale lilac flowers with star-shaped blue centers.
Narcissus ‘Tete-a-tete’: Small, wind-resistant daffodils that reliably brighten any container display.
Polystichum tsussimense: A compact, hardy fern with finely textured fronds that provides a lush backdrop for spring bulbs.
Crocus `Orange Monarch’: A vibrant orange crocus that resembles a small flame, bringing warmth to early spring containers.
Muscari ‘Valerie Finnis’: An unusually pale blue grape hyacinth with a delicious fragrance.
Drumstick primula: A cheerful perennial primula with round balls of purple flowers that bloom alongside late-flowering daffodils and tulips.

Creating Your Own Spring Container

Choose a container that is the right size for your plants and has drainage holes.
Fill the container with a potting mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Plant your bulbs or seedlings according to the spacing and depth recommended on the plant tags.
Water the container thoroughly after planting.
Place your container in a sunny or partially shaded spot, depending on the needs of the plants you have chosen.

Tips for Success

Use a variety of plants with different heights, textures, and colors to create a visually appealing display.
Plant bulbs at different depths to create a staggered blooming effect.
Fertilize your containers regularly during the growing season to keep your plants healthy and blooming.
Water your containers regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

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