Choose a mix of plants with different bloom times.

As you’re making your flower-selection list, if you want to extend your flowering season, try including plants that bloom at different times of the year. The early-blooming flowers will get a jump start on spring and can help to reawaken any tired eyes that have been missing their sunny colors. In addition to lupines and fuchsias, cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), primrose (Primula species), and hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) are some examples of early-blooming perennials.

In the middle of spring, there are varieties like daylilies (Hemerocallis species) and clematis (Clematis species) available in a variety of colors that provide an excellent complement to the earlier blooming plants. By late spring or early summer, many other perennials will be ready for their turn in the limelight. Peonies (Paeonia species), roses (Rosa species), delphiniums (Delphinium elatum), poppies (Papaver rhoeas), irises (Iris germanica), phloxes (Phlox paniculata), and Oriental lilies like Stargazer lilies are just a few beautiful choices for seeing out the last days of spring with a flourish.

You’ll notice with this method that there’s no time during the growing season when your garden isn’t awash with color from one type or another of perennial flower!

Get to know your plants before you buy them.

Before you buy a single plant, take some time to learn about the plants that interest you. The more information you have before making a purchase, the better choices you’ll be able to make. For example:

• How tall will this plant grow? (Or: how tall is it right now?)
• How wide will this plant grow? (Or: how wide is it right now?)
• How long will this plant live? (Or: how old is it right now?)
• What kind of sunlight does this plant need? (Or: what kind of sunlight does it prefer?)
• What kind of soil does this plant need or enjoy? (Is there anything that needs to be added or avoided in your soil?)
• Is this plant invasive or non-invasive? (Can it take over other plants if left unchecked?)
• Does this flower produce seeds or pollen that can cause allergies for you or others in your household?
• Is this plant drought-resistant/drought-tolerant, and if so, how much can it withstand before becoming stressed/dying off completely?

Put the right plant in the right place.

Before planting your spring bulbs, it’s helpful to know the needs of each plant.

Perennial bulbs need a wet, well-drained clay soil that is acidic (i.e., doesn’t drain too quickly) and with a pH level between 5 and 6. They also like to be in partial shade or full shade and should never be kept under trees since they might not get enough sun to bloom properly. Once you have the basics figured out, you can go out and buy some plants from your local nursery or garden center. You’ll likely find plenty of choices for each type of bulb, but if you have any questions about which ones would be best for your area or how much sun they will get, ask an employee there who specializes in bulb planting. When placing the bulbs in their new homes, make sure to dig a hole deep enough so that the crown of the bulb has at least one inch of soil above it. If you use traditional wooden plant markers instead of digging holes by hand (which we recommend), try to find a marker that matches the color of your soil as closely as possible so that when you plant them they will blend in with their surroundings better than if they were planted randomly around your yard

Think about foliage as well as blooms.

When you are choosing plants for a garden, don’t overlook the importance of foliage in addition to blooms. For example, when you are planning your perennial flower plantings, think about how the leaves of the plants will look during different times of year.

The leaves of some varieties have contrasting shapes and textures from other types. This can be used in a garden to create patterns and displays. Then there are those plants with variegated or colored foliage that can be used to accentuate flowers with complimentary hues. Some perennials even have leaves that change color throughout the growing season (such as ‘Autumn Joy’ stonecrop). And some have an interesting form all year long (such as Hosta) which provides great interest on its own without any blooms at all!

Foliage has other uses, too. It can be used in the garden to create a sense of movement when paired with wind-swept grasses and perennials (such as ornamental grasses or Fountain Grass). And they provide vertical elements like tall trees or fence lines but without taking up much space.

Shop for healthy plants.

Whether you’re buying a plant from a nursery, or getting one through the mail, be sure to buy healthy plants. Here are some signs to look for when purchasing plants:

• Look for well-rooted plants with plenty of healthy roots
• Check that the soil in the pot is moist; if it’s dry, ask the nursery worker or sales person when and how often they water their stock
• Avoid plants that show signs of disease such as spots or powdery mildew on leaves

Prepare your soil before planting day.

Preparing your soil for the spring planting of perennials is the most important step, as it’s what determines which flowers will grow and thrive. Starting with a small, raised bed is a great way to get started. Before beginning to plant, dig in compost and/or well-rotted manure (or both) into your soil to enrich it and ensure that you have strong root growth from your flowering plants. Remove any weeds or other unwanted plants from the area you’ve chosen for planting to ensure that your flowers aren’t competing for nutrients with other plants. Then check the pH level of your soil and adjust accordingly if needed; ideally it should be in the range of 6.5 – 7.0, so use lime or sulphur if needed to achieve this pH level before adding fertilizer.

Once you’ve taken care of preparing and enriching the soil, water it thoroughly—for a 4 x 4 foot raised bed, about 2 gallons should do the trick—and allow it to drain before adding fertilizer. You can choose either a granular or liquid variety depending on your preference; both are effective at giving flowers their much-needed sustenance during growth phases throughout the season! Make sure you apply fertilizer in ​accordance​ with directions on packaging before planting perennials as directed by specific types’ needs (per each flower). If possible also check again on what type of growing medium these require so they don’t get too wet or dry out quickly once planted – especially important over winter months when we don’t want roots rotting due just one rainstorm!

Divide your perennials regularly.

Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.

Water your plants thoroughly, deeply, and infrequently.

Water your plants thoroughly, deeply, and infrequently. Plants that are watered deeply grow more deeply rooted, and in doing so are more drought resistant. Deep watering also stimulates root growth in the soil. The water will sink down to a lower level in the soil where it is cooler, and this promotes root growth at these deeper levels as well. Well-watered plants will not wilt like those who are surface watered frequently. Watering only when needed creates stronger and healthier plants with better resistance to disease.

Don’t worry about how often you water your plants! It’s best to soak them slowly for a long time (about 5 minutes). In fact, it’s better to water less often than more frequently—it’s all about making sure the roots get enough moisture to grow deep into the ground.

It’s best to water in the morning or early afternoon before it gets too hot out—you don’t want your plant sitting around with wet leaves all day long because otherwise it could get some sort of fungal disease which is gross (especially if you’re planning on eating that plant). If you can’t water early in the day then another good time is right after sunset when temperatures have cooled off slightly but there is still enough light for photosynthesis to occur without having any risk of fungal diseases forming on wet leaves (or anywhere else) during overnight hours — keep reading…

Always protect newly planted plants from the hot sun.

When planting for spring, you will need a way to protect the plant from the hot sun after it has been planted out in your garden. Newly planted plants often suffer from heat stress and dehydration when the weather is hot. This can mean death for new transplants just getting established in your soil.

Here are 4 ways to protect newly planted plants from extreme heat:

• Leave the plant in its pot until temperatures cool down (or at least while you’re gone to work). Plants generally suffer less when they are left alone and not being disturbed daily during transplanting. Also, be sure to water them deeply with a slow flowing stream of water every day or 2 during extreme heat so that they don’t dry out completely while in their containers.
• Dig a hole, place your plant into it, then cover it with a larger pot or bucket to give it some shade until the weather cools down. This technique is good if you have lots of empty pots lying around that you don’t need right now (which I usually do!).
• Build a tent using shade cloth or burlap fabric over top of your new plant for extra protection if needed (don’t use plastic as this can hold in too much heat and kill your new plants). You can also use an umbrella or beach umbrella over smaller plants like herbs and perennials without making them feel cramped by enclosing them under plastic sheeting or burlap fabric like I sometimes do with my tomato plants! In this case though, be sure not to leave anything on top of these tender stems because they could get crushed under whatever material you’ve chosen for shading purposes in order for them not suffocate due

Fertilize periodically to encourage strong growth and flowering.

When growing perennial flowers, fertilizing will give plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and flower well. A good time to apply a slow-release fertilizer is in early spring before they start actively growing again.

A general rule of thumb is to apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of growing area. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth and green leaves. Since perennials are long-lived plants, it’s best to use organic fertilizers that won’t wash away with heavy rains or irrigation. The best organic fertilizers release plant nutrients slowly over a period of several months so you don’t have to be as diligent about refertilizing every few weeks.

If your soil is very poor or if you’re planting young plants, it’s often better to use a liquid fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season for fast results. Apply liquid fertilizers about once a month according to label directions. You can easily increase the amounts in half for young plants that need extra nutrition while they become established in the garden.

Overfertilizing perennials may cause them to produce excessive growth at the expense of blooms and will actually weaken them over time as excess nitrogen causes roots to burn and die back.

You can grow beautiful perennial gardens by following these basic tips for planning and care!

Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.Choose a mix of plants with different bloom times.

As you’re making your flower-selection list, if you want to extend your flowering season, try including plants that bloom at different times of the year. The early-blooming flowers will get a jump start on spring and can help to reawaken any tired eyes that have been missing their sunny colors. In addition to lupines and fuchsias, cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), primrose (Primula species), and hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) are some examples of early-blooming perennials.

In the middle of spring, there are varieties like daylilies (Hemerocallis species) and clematis (Clematis species) available in a variety of colors that provide an excellent complement to the earlier blooming plants. By late spring or early summer, many other perennials will be ready for their turn in the limelight. Peonies (Paeonia species), roses (Rosa species), delphiniums (Delphinium elatum), poppies (Papaver rhoeas), irises (Iris germanica), phloxes (Phlox paniculata), and Oriental lilies like Stargazer lilies are just a few beautiful choices for seeing out the last days of spring with a flourish.

You’ll notice with this method that there’s no time during the growing season when your garden isn’t awash with color from one type or another of perennial flower!

Get to know your plants before you buy them.

Before you buy a single plant, take some time to learn about the plants that interest you. The more information you have before making a purchase, the better choices you’ll be able to make. For example:

How tall will this plant grow? (Or: how tall is it right now?)

How wide will this plant grow? (Or: how wide is it right now?)

How long will this plant live? (Or: how old is it right now?)

What kind of sunlight does this plant need? (Or: what kind of sunlight does it prefer?)

What kind of soil does this plant need or enjoy? (Is there anything that needs to be added or avoided in your soil?)

Is this plant invasive or non-invasive? (Can it take over other plants if left unchecked?)

Does this flower produce seeds or pollen that can cause allergies for you or others in your household?

Is this plant drought-resistant/drought-tolerant, and if so, how much can it withstand before becoming stressed/dying off completely?

Put the right plant in the right place.

Before planting your spring bulbs, it’s helpful to know the needs of each plant.

Perennial bulbs need a wet, well-drained clay soil that is acidic (i.e., doesn’t drain too quickly) and with a pH level between 5 and 6. They also like to be in partial shade or full shade and should never be kept under trees since they might not get enough sun to bloom properly. Once you have the basics figured out, you can go out and buy some plants from your local nursery or garden center. You’ll likely find plenty of choices for each type of bulb, but if you have any questions about which ones would be best for your area or how much sun they will get, ask an employee there who specializes in bulb planting. When placing the bulbs in their new homes, make sure to dig a hole deep enough so that the crown of the bulb has at least one inch of soil above it. If you use traditional wooden plant markers instead of digging holes by hand (which we recommend), try to find a marker that matches the color of your soil as closely as possible so that when you plant them they will blend in with their surroundings better than if they were planted randomly around your yard

Think about foliage as well as blooms.

When you are choosing plants for a garden, don’t overlook the importance of foliage in addition to blooms. For example, when you are planning your perennial flower plantings, think about how the leaves of the plants will look during different times of year.

The leaves of some varieties have contrasting shapes and textures from other types. This can be used in a garden to create patterns and displays. Then there are those plants with variegated or colored foliage that can be used to accentuate flowers with complimentary hues. Some perennials even have leaves that change color throughout the growing season (such as ‘Autumn Joy’ stonecrop). And some have an interesting form all year long (such as Hosta) which provides great interest on its own without any blooms at all!

Foliage has other uses, too. It can be used in the garden to create a sense of movement when paired with wind-swept grasses and perennials (such as ornamental grasses or Fountain Grass). And they provide vertical elements like tall trees or fence lines but without taking up much space.

Shop for healthy plants.

Whether you’re buying a plant from a nursery, or getting one through the mail, be sure to buy healthy plants. Here are some signs to look for when purchasing plants:

Look for well-rooted plants with plenty of healthy roots

Check that the soil in the pot is moist; if it’s dry, ask the nursery worker or sales person when and how often they water their stock

Avoid plants that show signs of disease such as spots or powdery mildew on leaves

Prepare your soil before planting day.

Preparing your soil for the spring planting of perennials is the most important step, as it’s what determines which flowers will grow and thrive. Starting with a small, raised bed is a great way to get started. Before beginning to plant, dig in compost and/or well-rotted manure (or both) into your soil to enrich it and ensure that you have strong root growth from your flowering plants. Remove any weeds or other unwanted plants from the area you’ve chosen for planting to ensure that your flowers aren’t competing for nutrients with other plants. Then check the pH level of your soil and adjust accordingly if needed; ideally it should be in the range of 6.5 – 7.0, so use lime or sulphur if needed to achieve this pH level before adding fertilizer.

Once you’ve taken care of preparing and enriching the soil, water it thoroughly—for a 4 x 4 foot raised bed, about 2 gallons should do the trick—and allow it to drain before adding fertilizer. You can choose either a granular or liquid variety depending on your preference; both are effective at giving flowers their much-needed sustenance during growth phases throughout the season! Make sure you apply fertilizer in ​accordance​ with directions on packaging before planting perennials as directed by specific types’ needs (per each flower). If possible also check again on what type of growing medium these require so they don’t get too wet or dry out quickly once planted – especially important over winter months when we don’t want roots rotting due just one rainstorm!

Divide your perennials regularly.

Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.

Water your plants thoroughly, deeply, and infrequently.

Water your plants thoroughly, deeply, and infrequently. Plants that are watered deeply grow more deeply rooted, and in doing so are more drought resistant. Deep watering also stimulates root growth in the soil. The water will sink down to a lower level in the soil where it is cooler, and this promotes root growth at these deeper levels as well. Well-watered plants will not wilt like those who are surface watered frequently. Watering only when needed creates stronger and healthier plants with better resistance to disease.

Don’t worry about how often you water your plants! It’s best to soak them slowly for a long time (about 5 minutes). In fact, it’s better to water less often than more frequently—it’s all about making sure the roots get enough moisture to grow deep into the ground.

It’s best to water in the morning or early afternoon before it gets too hot out—you don’t want your plant sitting around with wet leaves all day long because otherwise it could get some sort of fungal disease which is gross (especially if you’re planning on eating that plant). If you can’t water early in the day then another good time is right after sunset when temperatures have cooled off slightly but there is still enough light for photosynthesis to occur without having any risk of fungal diseases forming on wet leaves (or anywhere else) during overnight hours — keep reading…

Always protect newly planted plants from the hot sun.

When planting for spring, you will need a way to protect the plant from the hot sun after it has been planted out in your garden. Newly planted plants often suffer from heat stress and dehydration when the weather is hot. This can mean death for new transplants just getting established in your soil.

Here are 4 ways to protect newly planted plants from extreme heat:

Leave the plant in its pot until temperatures cool down (or at least while you’re gone to work). Plants generally suffer less when they are left alone and not being disturbed daily during transplanting. Also, be sure to water them deeply with a slow flowing stream of water every day or 2 during extreme heat so that they don’t dry out completely while in their containers.

Dig a hole, place your plant into it, then cover it with a larger pot or bucket to give it some shade until the weather cools down. This technique is good if you have lots of empty pots lying around that you don’t need right now (which I usually do!).

Build a tent using shade cloth or burlap fabric over top of your new plant for extra protection if needed (don’t use plastic as this can hold in too much heat and kill your new plants). You can also use an umbrella or beach umbrella over smaller plants like herbs and perennials without making them feel cramped by enclosing them under plastic sheeting or burlap fabric like I sometimes do with my tomato plants! In this case though, be sure not to leave anything on top of these tender stems because they could get crushed under whatever material you’ve chosen for shading purposes in order for them not suffocate due

Fertilize periodically to encourage strong growth and flowering.

When growing perennial flowers, fertilizing will give plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and flower well. A good time to apply a slow-release fertilizer is in early spring before they start actively growing again.

A general rule of thumb is to apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of growing area. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth and green leaves. Since perennials are long-lived plants, it’s best to use organic fertilizers that won’t wash away with heavy rains or irrigation. The best organic fertilizers release plant nutrients slowly over a period of several months so you don’t have to be as diligent about refertilizing every few weeks.

If your soil is very poor or if you’re planting young plants, it’s often better to use a liquid fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season for fast results. Apply liquid fertilizers about once a month according to label directions. You can easily increase the amounts in half for young plants that need extra nutrition while they become established in the garden.

Overfertilizing perennials may cause them to produce excessive growth at the expense of blooms and will actually weaken them over time as excess nitrogen causes roots to burn and die back.

You can grow beautiful perennial gardens by following these basic tips for planning and care!

Oops! Click Regenerate Content below to try generating this section again.