Spring Awakening: A Guide to Preparing Your Garden
With spring on the way, garden lovers look forward to revitalizing their outdoor areas. Josue Arias, a Field Supervisor at Lanson B. Jones & Co, knows that navigating the unpredictable Houston climate presents unique challenges for gardeners.
Like a person who needs a coat in the morning to ward against the cold, only to be sweating come afternoon, a Houston garden also deals with the same temperature swings. Rushing winterization during a brief freeze can lead to unintended consequences, like plants succumbing to unexpected warmth under protective fabrics. Tending to gardens in this changing environment demands resilience. Below, Josue shares some tips and tricks to help get your garden ready.
Prepping Ground & Choosing Plants for Spring Splendor
One of the best things you can do to give your garden a boost is to employ strategic fertilization. Josue is partial to Organic Microlife, which has formulas for turf and perennials, as well as for rose shrubs and azaleas.
It’s also a good practice to put down a layer of fresh soil. Consider also adding Humates for a healthy garden bed that supports plant growth. Humates are organic compounds that boost soil health by improving structure, fertility and nutrient absorption in plants. They contain humic substances like humic acid, fulvic acid and ulmic acid, promoting water retention and microbial activity in the soil.
Also, think about your plants that survived the winter. If there are empty spots, you can either get more of the same or add new plants to complement the existing material. Also, keep some space for new finds you might spot while out and about. Plants to put on your radar include Dianthus, Marigold, Lantana, Geraniums, Petunias and Hydrangeas.
Weather and Plant Prosperity
Recognizing that Mother Nature can sometimes - well okay - often be temperamental, gardeners need to think ahead about excess water, heatwaves and drought. There are ways to safeguard your plants against these challenges.
Periodic monitoring of the irrigation system is a useful habit. Rain sensors can help with this. By ensuring plants receive the right amount of water and regularly deadheading buds, gardeners can promote optimal plant growth and overall garden well-being.
One strategy is also to employ easy-to-care-for flowers that also look great in spring. Lantana and Zinnias are favorites of Josue as well as Coleus and Caladiums. Amaryllis and tulips are also beautiful but must be planted early in January.
Perennials, which grow back every year, are low maintenance. They just need to be trimmed and pruned. Seasonal color is not always meant to last but can add variety and vibrancy to your garden.
Garden Maintenance and Design Takeaways
In the DON’T category falls throwing fertilizer over the top of a plant, rather than spraying it on the stem as close to the ground as possible. You also don’t want to leave piles.
According to Josue, overwatering is another common mistake in gardening. If a plant appears yellow, it might indicate a lack of nutrients or insufficient water. However, if it looks wilted, check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the dirt. If it feels dry, that's the culprit. Cracked soil is also a sign of insufficient water.
As for things to DO, besides fertilization, include trimming to promote plant growth and pruning to remove unnecessary branches.
As for design, choose a color pattern that blends well with the environment or architectural structure and color of your house. Josue says you can never go wrong with white as the main color with varying degrees of another color in the formula.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Sometimes you need an expert.
“My recommendation would be to go where you feel most valued,” says Josue. “Every client deserves the best possible experience. So, if Lanson B. Jones & Co.’s Modern European Scaled Garden practices are something that interest you, we would be thrilled with that opportunity.”
As you get your garden ready over the coming months, a bit of planning goes a long way. Use these tips, and you'll have a vibrant and lively garden that shines all spring.
Contact the team at Lanson B. Jones & Co. for expert help in Houston and beyond.