When it comes to landscaping, there’s more to consider than just the kind of plants you want to use. What is the style of your home? You want your landscape design to compliment the architecture, such as with this French Colonial style in greater Gainesville. Newly planted river birches at the front walkway greet visitors and anchor the expanded perennial beds leading to the front door. Lush plantings with plenty of mulch cut down on weeding, and the reduced lawn footprint greatly saves on both water and maintenance.
5 Planting Tips!
Spring is in the air and Florida gardeners are looking forward to the warm temperatures of spring! Here are some helpful tips for successful gardening.
1. Site Selection: Choose a location with at least six hours of sunlight.
2. Amend Your Soil: Now’s a good time to dig into your compost bin. Introduce organic matter such as compost, leaf mold and manure.
3. Know Your Plants: Locally sourced plants grow much better than those shipped in from out of area. Be sure to look at the mature height on each plant label. Plants grow quickly here!
4. Don’t Plant Too Deep (or shallow): Be sure to plant your selections no deeper than their original depth, and break up the root ball.
5. Water: If it doesn’t rain, be sure to water regularly. Once plants are established, water thoroughly one to two times per week.
is the owner of Cottage Gardens, Inc., a Gainesville-based landscape design and installation firm. Jon has been gardening in North Central Florida for more than 30 years. You may contact his staff at www.TheCottageGardener.com or at cottagegardensinc@yahoo.com.
