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Now that spring is again upon us, it’s time to think about dressing up the landscape around the old homestead.  Planting annuals and perennials around the yard can do a lot to make your yard a showplace and the envy of the neighbors.  Before buying and planting any trees, shrubs or bedding plants take some time to plan your landscape and learn about the conditions in each area where you wish to add plants.  Then you can select the plants that are best suited to the areas that you’d like to improve.

Soil conditioning is also important.  A soil that hasn’t been tilled in many years or that is around a newly constructed home is likely to be very dense and in need of some TLC.  Heavy clay soils will benefit enormously from the addition of organic material such as compost or peat moss.  Spade the soil and work any amendments such a peat or compost into the soil.  I recommend caution when using chemicals or fertilizers.  Read the instructions carefully; just because a little is good doesn’t mean a lot is better.  Soil tests are available at most county agricultural offices, and these tests are the best way to determine the fertility and acidity of your soil.  Based upon these tests, fertilizer types and rates can be recommended to give you the best possible results.

Plants have preferences as to where they are placed.  Some do well in full sun, others in the shade, and still others do well in both or either.  Plants that do best in full sun, such as petunia or vinca, need direct sunlight for the most of the day.  A southern exposure is good when planting sun-loving plants next to a building.  Plants that require shade during the heat of the day, such as impatiens, will grow well on a northern or eastern exposure.  Remember that trees will cast deeper shade as the season progresses and that shade must be taken into account when selecting landscape plants.

After you’ve prepared the beds and have selected the appropriate plants, you’re ready to transform your ho hum yard into a thing of beauty and elegance.  Transplanting isn’t difficult; there are some tips that will make the job more successful.  The first tip is: do not set the plant into the soil deeper than it was originally growing.  Although some plants will tolerate a deeper planting, many problems with diseases can be avoided by not burying the above ground portions of your plants.  Watering is also important, and there are some guidelines for that as well.  Water the plants before handling them so they’re not stressed when you remove them from their packaging.  Try to plant early or late in the day when the sun is not at its full fury; then water the transplants in thoroughly.  Stick your finger into the soil and see if the water is penetrating.  If not, keep sprinkling.  For the next week, watch the transplants closely.  Since their roots need to spread out, they may need a little extra water to get them growing.  After the first week, the plants should be off growing on their own, and normal irrigation should be all that’s necessary.  One more water tip: try to water early in the day before the sun is high in the sky.  If you cannot water in the morning, late in the evening is the second best choice. 

One last hint: wait until the frost-free date before planting tender annuals or perennials that have come from a hothouse.  Covering and uncovering your flowers and plants isn’t worth the bother.  Wait until the time and weather are right.  You will be rewarded for your patience.

If you’d like some locally grown annuals and perennials, you can come see our selection at Garden Gems on Brentlinger Lane.  Brentlinger Lane is just south of the Gene Snyder Freeway off Bardstown Road.  Take the Bardstown Road exit off the Gene Snyder Freeway, and go onto Bardstown Road, heading outside the Gene Snyder loop, away from town.  Then turn left at the light onto Brentlinger Lane.  The greenhouse is about ¾ of a mile down Brentlinger Lane on the right hand side.  Hours of operation are from 9:00AM until 7:30PM seven days a week through June 30^th.   You can also telephone us at (502) 239-8495, though you will very likely get the answering machine.  We do return calls and will try to assist you as promptly as possible.