A garden becomes a point of attraction in the home as well as an area for outdoor enjoyment all year round with proper maintenance. However, seasonal variations imply that the care and attention given will change from time to time. Every spring, many activities will ensure the soil is well-prepared, while in winter, care will be taken to protect vulnerable plants. That knowledge of how to go about gardening techniques should go a long way in affecting the growth of plants and the aesthetics of the garden. Below are some expert seasonal landscaping tips to use in maintaining your full green garden.
Spring: Preparation for Growth
Spring is when one speaks about installing life back into the garden from the illuminating winter. The cleaning entails the removal of all debris, dead leaves, etc., and broken branches left by the winter weather. Aeration of soil and the addition of organic compost go a long way toward improving the soil’s fertility by allowing nutrients to touch new plant growth. Now is the best time to plant seasonal flowers and shrubs, like tulips, daffodils, and azaleas, that give blows of color. Pruning will allow trees and bushes to grow healthy, and the covering of the soil with around 2 inches of mulch will retain moisture and assist in weed prevention. When the weather warms, the correct irrigation and fertilization will support the plants in a big way.
Summer: Weakening From Thirst
A strategic approach is therefore required to keep the garden green and flourishing during summer with the rising temperatures. Deep watered but less frequently will encourage plants to grow deep roots; conversely, this makes them more resistant to drought. Watering in the early morning or late evening prevents evaporation and gives plants time to absorb the moisture. Shade covers or drought-resistant species, such as lavender and various succulents, can help further reduce water consumption. Lawns should be mowed regularly, while pest problems should be kept under control to avoid damage to your plants. Further, organic mulch will help retain moisture and keep roots cool from excessive heat.
Autumn: Preparing for the Cold
With a drop in temperature, this is the period for putting everything in the garden away for the cold months ahead. Raking fallen leaves prevents mold development, and helps keep the lawn healthy. It’s also an outstanding time to plant perennials and trees since the cool weather will be conducive for root establishment before winter. Adding a layer of mulch will insulate the plant’s roots from frost. Pushing back dead plants and trimming back shrub hedges will also help encourage growth in the spring. Supporting plant life by adding compost will better enrich the soil with nutrients and structure. Storing garden furniture and tools will keep them in good condition until next season.
Winter Season: Protecting Plants from Cold
Winter landscaping aims to protect plants from frost while keeping the garden’s appearance. Wrapping tender plants in burlap or using frost covers will safeguard them from extreme temperatures. Because of evergreen plants like holly and juniper, some green life is left in the barren landscape to keep it relatively attractive during the winter months. Don’t walk on grass that is frost-covered; it can be damaged. Lightly prune trees to remove weak branches that would more likely break from the weight of snow. When there is heavy snowfall, help save the branches by gently shaking off accumulated snow. The maintenance of clear and safe pathways ensures that they look neat.
Choosing the Right Plants for Each Season
Right plant selection for each season aids beauty in the garden throughout the year. The fresh hope that blooms bring is in spring, with daffodils competing with the blossoms of cherry trees. In summer, the added glory comes in the form of perennial flowers like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. Autumn rocks with trees, like maples, flaunting color, while winter keeps the fun going with camellias and other evergreens. Native plants for the climate will need less maintenance and support biodiversity. Intermixing various species having different blooming periods guarantees that, come any season, something is flowering in the garden.
Maintenance of Soil Health All Year Round
Good soil is the foundation of great gardening. Testing the soil once every season will help determine the nutrient level and the amendments required. Organic compost and fertilizers replenish the soil with essential minerals, thus improving fertility. Mulching retains moisture while preventing any form of erosion and weeds. Crop rotation and cover crops, like clover, maintain soil structure and nutrient availability. Periodic aerating will help avoid the compaction of the soil to encourage free exchange of oxygen and water to plant roots. Keeping the soil healthy, therefore, makes a sustainable foundation for the growth of gardens.
The Finale
Seasonal gardening from professional landscape companies in Eagle County, Colorado, involves every little preparatory measure from spring through winter when protection guarding against environmental fluctuations is taken into consideration. The right plants, healthy soil, and sustainable practices all make the beauty and sustainability of your garden even fuller.
