Replace the old soil in your garden containers and pots.

Add compost to your annual and perennial garden beds.

Learn how to lure beneficial insects to your garden and put them work.

Check out and down load my e-book “The Flower Affect” for more detailed information.

Cheers!

After a trip to paradise, I have returned to my own gardens.  It was a great opportunity and privilege to visit another part of the globe and experience other garden settings. After time away, I realize that summer is coming to a close and it’s time to plan and plant for next season.  Now is the time to plant perennial flowers, trees and shrubs.  The soil will remain warm long enough to allow plants to establish themselves before winter.  Garden planning is made simple when you plant what works best in your area and for your soil conditions.  My time exploring other gardens was educational and exhilarating.  I was inspired and greatly appreciate the creativity of my fellow gardeners.

Do you love to garden and have comments or opinions you want to share?  Zinniaboy.com welcomes your letters to be posted on our blog.  Letters up to 250 words on the topic of gardening can be submitted for posting.  Your letter must include your name and email address. All letters may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy. Your content will not be shared with anyone else. Send your letters to msydnor@zinniaboy.com  Cheers

An early spring bloomer is our featured flower of the month, the Siberian Wallflower. This hardy perennial appears in both vibrant yellow and orange clusters suspending from delicate foliage. The Wallflower (Cheiranthus allionii), thrives in moderate temperatures in addition to tolerating some low temperatures which makes this lovely plant a spring favorite.  I start my seeds in rich well draining soil for flowers that will add a splash of bright color throughout my garden during the early weeks of the season.  Cheers

A key to a successful garden starts with your soil.  Using fertilizer can help you maintain the proper balance of nutrients and correct ratios of nitrogen and phosphorus in your garden soil.  Here are some simple guidelines to follow when applying fertilizer;

Apply fertilizer during Spring and Fall.

Keep fertilizer away from storm drains.

Store fertilizer in a shed or garage.

Avoid over fertilizing.

Fungus and viral diseases are common garden challenges unless you take some simple steps to avoid them.  Utilize nutrient rich, well draining soil and do not over water your plants as this is one of the leading causes of fungus and root rot.  Watering in the early morning hours will keep your plants well hydrated during the hottest part of the day and be sure to keep flower beds clear of debris and weeds.  A disease free garden is possible by following a few golden rules. Cheers

One of the most alluring features about flowers is their abundant colors.  Utilizing multiple floral varieties can turn your garden into a canvas allowing you to create your own masterpiece. I set the stage by starting with the Ice Plant. It is a colorful ground cover that comes in a variety of soft pinks, reds and purples.  Another enduring ground cover capable of lighting up the ground in early spring is Sedum.  A  midsized plant to spread throughout your garden is Snap dragon. Snap dragons come in a multitude of colors, are easy to grow and add splashes of color throughout the entire season.  For height, I plant Salvia in brilliant dark blues and light purples adding Rudbeckia in a complimentary bright gold. With so many floral varieties and colors to select from I recommend starting with what works best in your zone.   Cheers

Flowering shrubs are a great addition to any garden setting as they are capable of becoming landscape classics within a few seasons.  A durable perennial shrub that I have enjoyed in my garden for many years is Scotch Broom.  Cytisus scoparius is native to western and central Europe and is a member of the Fabaceae plant family.  Scotch Broom displays numerous golden blooms each spring without fail.  The dense flowering shrub is capable of reaching heights over 10 ft., is full sun and drought tolerant.  Choose a sunny side of your garden to plant this easy to grow favorite.  Cheers

One of the first flowers to bloom in spring is our featured flower of the month, a perennial ground cover called Crystal River Veronica.  This fast spreading ground cover is a member of the Scrophulariaceae plant family.  They are hardy in zones 3 – 9 and versatile enough to perform magnificently in clay, loam and sandy soil.  The pale blue flowers mounted on dark green lobe like foliage appear between pathways in my garden from April to June serving as a reminder that warmer days are ahead. Cheers

It’s spring!  While clearing debris from my flower beds I have already discovered new growth.  Yarrow, Snap Dragons, Daffodils and Tulips are making an introduction along with Columbine and Pin Cushion leaves appearing like magic.  Over the years I have planted a variety of perennials for blooms that will appear in spring and last thru fall.  This is the first year for maintaining my flower beds with no new planting required. We’ll see how it feels to take the season “off” to enjoy the fruits of my labor!          Cheers