SPRING FORWARD
By the time March gets here, most of us are sick of the snow and ready to start planning for the summer! Landscaping and gardening are such good ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather for the short amount of time that we have it. Get cozy while its cold, grab a notebook, and start planning out your spring landscaping! It’s something to look forward to while we push through the last little bit of Alberta winters.
Landscaping is a great way to make your house feel more like your home – whether it is brand new or just new to you. It adds value to your home while also being something that you can enjoy all summer long! It takes some effort, but early planning now will save you some time in the long run.
Draw out a general plan of what you want your yard to look like – it’s much easier this way to visualize things and make adjustments! Ask yourself questions that will help you decide where to put what – are you looking for a space to entertain or a space to get some solitude? Think about your style and color preferences and what you will be using your space for the most. Figuring out your needs and preferences first will help drive the design plan.
Choosing flowers can be overwhelming as there are so many different options. Many flowers only bloom during the spring, so do some research and pick a few of these to give your garden a spring boost of color. Alternate with summer and fall blooms so that you will always have some color no matter the time of year!
If you didn’t clean up your garden last fall, now is the time to do it. Remove debris, dead annuals, and prune back your perennials to make room for this years new arrivals. It is also helpful to prepare the soil as soon as it is workable by removing old roots and adding a layer of compost.
Plants and flowers need a lot more than just sun and water. Fertilizer is often needed to help with growth; find out what your plants needs are and make a schedule for them! There are many resources online and nursery workers often have a ton of knowledge about these things. While you are there, also ask about pest control methods that will work for you.
When you are planning your landscape, also take note of the planting distance guidelines. Often times these are over looked and things become too crowded. Your garden may look sparse at first, but soon enough it will be full and lovely.
What are your plans for your garden? We would love to hear about them!
