Gardening Ideas for Spring

Well, we made it through winter!  The days are (finally) getting longer, and the temperatures are inviting us outside.  That also means it’s time to get your garden ready to enjoy!  We’ve put together the best tips to help you create and maintain your outdoor space.

Plant your perennials

First task: check the Plant Hardiness USDA Zone Map to figure out your yard’s sub-climate and shop for perennials and plant accordingly. While many conditions can affect a plant’s survival, this is the easiest way to ensure your plants make it through the season.

Once you know what zone you’re in, ask yourself what kind of look and feel you’re going for.  Do you want a tropical escape?  English garden? Natural wildflower haven?  Meditative Zen?

Then think about your color palette.  Pick one main color, a complimentary color, and then a contrasting color to really make your flowers and plants stand out.

Prune shrubs and vines

Now is the time to prune roses, (some) shrubs and perennial vines. Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants, and shape plants once new growth appears. Research proper pruning techniques and timing for each variety, and hold off on pruning spring bloomers until after they flower.  Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush, hydrangea, and most roses, except for old-fashioned once bloomers.

Design vertically

This is especially helpful if you have a small courtyard or smaller patio yard. Think about walls, transitions, and what’s overhead. Gardeners are often daunted by the thought of vines because they have a reputation for being messy and growing out of control, but with proper care and attention, flowering vines can be a beautiful addition to your garden, adding the feeling of a larger space.

There are so many tasks you can put on your list for sprucing up your garden for spring, but if you focus on these three, you will certainly get a great start and a space you will enjoy all spring and summer!