After The Last Frost

11/11/2021

"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. -Margaret Atwood

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Talking with my mom yesterday I told her I needed to determine what type of flower or bush I would plant next season. The previous owners removed the beautiful shrubs that I saw in older images of the house. If I'm reading your mind just right, you are probably thinking, since when is shrubbery beautiful?! Look at it like this, it serves as the picture frame to the house, it just sets the tone and looks rather naked without it, in my most humble and honest opinion. If shrubbery is not your jam, then some type of curb appeal is needed. This type of conversation causes a natural occurrence of a turning wheel motion in my ever so thinking brain.

For the last 25 years, I have played in the dirt in Georgia. The soil is easy to work with and the temperature was always on my side when it came to a longer season of warm weather. My planting would typically start somewhere around the end of March, to the beginning of April. I applied this rule for flowering plants as well as vegetables. This allows the plants enough time to get adjusted to the new soil, environment, and temperature. By mid-summer, my garden was always flourishing, and quite thirsty. The more my garden grew, the more water my precious plants required. As the temperatures soared closer to 90 degrees in late July this was a daily chore to ensure the plants didn't dry out.

Relocating to an entirely different climate gives me a brand new challenge and adventure. Like a kid in a candy store, I can't wait to dive in! I have a few ideas in store...

Speaking of curb appeal. Defined as, 'attractiveness of the exterior of a residential or commercial property, as viewed from the street.' That about sums it up. It also depends on the beauty in the eye of whoever holds it. Not everyone is interested in the maintenance that it takes to keep that curb appeal flourishing. After all, it takes a great amount of hard work.

Depending on what type of ground cover you decide on, the price can start to climb, and before you know it your trip to the local nursery has turned into a very expensive outing. As always, it is important to do a bit of research before making those trips to know what you are looking for and what type of plant you are getting yourself into. Annuals or perennials? If you are indecisive and want to switch it up every year then go with an annual. Once the growing season is over the plant will eventually wilt and you will need to pull out the roots. If you want to see the same plant every year then perennial is for you. The plants will thrive with tender love and care which allows the root base to grow stronger and more beautiful every year. It's also important to consider your planting space. Does it get full, partial sun, or absolutely no sun at all? Paying attention to these types of things can save you from making a mistake when planning your garden.

Tip: Some annuals come back year after year despite what the label says. This depends on the climate and the area in which you choose to plant the flower. So you've decided to leave the annual in your planter or in the ground, just make sure you pay close attention to the stalks and stems of the plant, if they are soft, brittle, and black, the plant has most likely died down to the root. If the root base appears to be firm, start watering with plant food consistently and check for signs of life within the next few weeks. If you see tiny leaves along the stems, you have just been tapped by Mother Nature's wand and you can proudly claim a green thumb.

Oh, I'm just getting started! Up next, I will talk more about ground covers, shrubs, and preparing your area after the last frost.

GROUND COVERS

Ground covers never truly get the attention they deserve, however, they serve as a border for your lawns and they do just what their name says. They cover the ground!

Lavender - This plant is not only fragrant, it spreads after a season to create a thick and beautiful cover. ☀️
Hosta - There are many beautiful varieties of this cover that thrive well in shaded areas. Very low maintenance. Once your hostas have matured, they will spread. If the space becomes a bit overcrowded, you can always separate the plant to grow in different areas of your yard. 🌤
Honeysuckle - The best plant is one that is resistant to heat. Adorned with tubular flowers, this plant is a favorite for hummingbirds. ☀️

SHRUBS

Shrubs come in many varieties, each with something different to offer. If color is what you are looking for, then search no more. Serving as the base of your flowering garden or on their own, they are beautiful and add so much to the visual appeal of your home.

Red Azalea - As with most plants, there are several varieties and this is no exception. I call this one the shrub with a hidden secret. The majority of the time the foliage is green until spring arrives, showing off the flowers of this beautiful shrub, and in fall the leaves turn a vibrant red color, hence the name. 🌤
Boxwood Shrub - Simple, very little maintenance, and low growing. Many shy away from the idea of shrubs because they are afraid the plant will become too large and difficult to manage. This variety is easy to maintain and a nice addition to your foundation. ☀️🌤
Double Knockout Rose Bush - I've always given props to this hearty and heat-resistant stunner. Once planted and taken care of, the root base of this shrub will grow strong and thick. With rose bushes it is important to prune often, ensuring the wilted and dead leaves are removed to continue promoting growth. This is a shrub that will always have a place in my garden. ☀️

Tip: Pay close attention to the instructions for planting. Ensure you leave enough space between your house and your plants to prevent excess moisture against your foundation. It is equally important to leave ample space between plants to prevent over-crowding. Last but not least, find out what zone you are in for planting and always consult with your local gardening center if you have questions or doubts.

PREPPING YOUR AREA

Now that I am a full-time resident of the greater midwest I know that my preparation for spring will be quite different. With winter comes snow, followed by ice and that means hardened soil that will need lots of tender loving care to spring back to life.

Clean - Remove any weeds, leaves, sticks, or other debris that may have accumulated in your garden space throughout the winter.
Soil - After the last frost has passed, it's time to start working the soil. With a couple of handy tools like a garden hoe and a rake, start loosening the soil until you can run the soil through your fingers.
Fertilize - The earth is a playground of so many beautiful flowers, however, it never hurts to add to that in order to help it along just a bit. Use whatever type of topsoil you like and add it to your ground a few weeks prior to planting. Using your fingers, mix the topsoil into the earth. I like anything that contains plant food. This will help to nourish the area as well as continuously feed your plants once they are in the ground.

I love gardening as much as I love writing. Very therapeutic and extremely rewarding, you can't lose with either hobby. I have thought about hiring a landscaper many times to do the dirty work for me, but it's just not as fun. Seeing the hard work pay off is well worth the time and effort. So I get my music ready, my tools nearby and prep for my favorite time of the year. Planting time!

~AJ

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