8 Tips for Garden Maintenance

1. Weed Patrol: As you stroll around your garden take the time to pick a few weeds here and there. At this time lookout for problem areas that you can focus on when you have more time. This will cut down on the time you spend weeding in the future as well.

2. Flower Maintenance: Make sure to remove faded, spent blooms and cut down faded foliage of plants that die off in the heat. Also remove any diseased foliage from the garden and dispose of it.

3. Water Wisely: Since most gardens have many types of plants, you should first start by figuring out what each of the plants need for water. Water slowly and deeply in spring months to expand root systems and are able to reach more water.  When the hot days do occur, make sure to be watering based on plant needs. This may mean daily, especially for annuals or anything newly planted.

4. Pest & Disease Patrol: Keep an eye out for signs of disease and insect damage. Being able to spot these problems early can make a huge difference in being able to control pests and diseases before they have a chance to cause major destruction.

5. Pest & Disease Control: If you find that you do have a pest or disease problem, it is important to correctly identify the cause so you can choose the right course of action.

6. Soil Sample: Remember to have your soil tested every few years. This will give you an idea on nutrient needs and soil pH. Different plants will have different needs.

7. Plan Ahead: Be ready and know what bulbs you want to plant. This is also a good time to add any perennials as well.

8. Enjoy: Use these simple tips to help enjoy your garden more!

Summer Annual Bulbs

Are you looking to add some new colors and textures to your gardens this year? Check out some of our favorite annuals that can help you achieve your goal.

Dahlia: Nothing beats a dahlia for summer color. Growing these various colored, spiky flowers can be like having a box of garden crayons at your fingertips. These flowers bloom in mid to late summer and with several different colors. Pinch off the first budding of side flower to encourage larger flowers in peak season. These flowers will bloom until the fall and only stops at first frost, at this time you can dig them up and store them inside for the following year.

Elephant Ears: These big, dramatic, tropical-looking plants are grown for their bold foliage. Many have large triangular leaves that are leathery and uniquely textured. Elephant Ears enjoy the soft, watery soil around water gardens and also like to be grown indoors as house plants. The clumping foliage adds lush effects in the landscape and is especially effective in large containers. The plants sprout from large bulbous roots and achieve maximum growth in warm, humid, summer temperature.

Canna: These beautiful flowers bring tropical splendor to gardens in all regions.  They feature clustered, flag-like blooms in a brilliant array of colors on tall stems.  The Canna foliage is now even showier than the petals with varied leaf combinations of orange, yellow and greens that glow in the summer sun. These flowers can be taken inside during the fall and stored for the following year as well!

Allium:  These could be one of the most carefree bulbs you can grow! Alliums bloom in a wide range of colors, including shades of yellow, white, pink and purple. They bloom in different seasons and different sizes (from 1in wide flowers to flowers the size of volleyballs). They offer an unusual structure and great textural contrast to any garden. Make sure to plant alliums in well-drained soil in full sun during the summer or fall months.

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to know more about a certain topic by commenting below. Enjoy!