Spring LandscapingSpringtime rejuvenates the world around us with little effort on our part, but these spring landscaping tips may put you a little ahead of the game.

Lawns

Have you ever noticed how well weeds grow? That’s because some of them can produce up to a million seeds! Annual weeds grow, produce seed and then die within a year. If they are properly removed before they seed, this problem can be radically prevented. Pull weeds by hand, securing both the crown and the roots. If your lawn is healthy, it will hold back weed growth. Make sure it is watered, fertilized, aerated and mowed properly.

Trees and Shrubs

Prune branches that were damaged during winter.

Fertilize ornamental trees and shrubs with a granular fertilizer that is slow-acting.

Look closely for signs of insect damage on needled and broad-leafed evergreens.

Add new mulch to prevent weed growth and to retain moisture.

Fertilize roses and add new mulch.

Plant new trees, shrubs and bare-root roses, or transplant existing ones to another area.

Lost To the Frost

It is important to check the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) data for the average dates of the last spring frost for your area of the country. Many an annual has been lost to the last frost. When nighttime temperatures are above freezing, remove mulch from existing beds to allow the sun to warm up the soil.

Existing Perennials

Divide overgrown masses of summer or fall blooming perennials. Do the same for spring bulbs once they have finished flowering.

Examine plants for any aphids or mites. A strong spray from the water hose will knock them off.

Annuals, Perennials and New Flower Beds

Before deciding which flowers and plants will go into the flower bed, first determine the pH of the soil. Is it high in acid (1.0) or is it alkaline? (14.0) Or is it neutral? (7.0) It is important to choose plants that will thrive not die in their new environment. Test kits are available at any garden center, and knowing the chemical balance of your soil will give you an edge when choosing flowering plants.

It is also important to check the USDA recommendations on what plants will be hardy in your area and which ones will not. The USDA produces a map that gives these statistics to help you choose what will grow and what will not in your particular area of the country.

Choose plants that will bloom in succession, not all at once. This will produce a bed that can bloom from spring into late summer and even early fall. Plant smaller flowering plants in front; place medium one in the middle and plant the tallest along the rear. Invest in a soaker hose that can be placed along the contours of the bed. Mulch well to prevent weeds from ever seeing the sunlight.

Probably the best spring landscaping

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tip is to look around at your existing landscape. What do you want to keep and nourish? What could be added to increase the beauty and vitality of your little piece of the world? Remember, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Study your site and study your plant desires and the beauty of it all will unfold before your very eyes.

Tags: Landscape Garden Ideas

Filed under: Landscape Garden Ideas

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