Gardening Flowers Plants Trees

Flowers, plants, trees, groundcovers or shrubs that you select should have similar soil, sun and water needs to keep your garden low maintenance.

Flowers

Flowers come in many types, colors, sizes and scents. They are available as annuals, which mature and flower during one year then die off; perennials, which generally don't flower in the first but flower and multiply every year; and bulbs, which may need to be dug up at the end of the blooming season and replanted each year.

When gardening, flowers, plants, trees and other plantings each have different growth habits and flowering times. Plan your garden to benefit from a variety of flowering times.

If you start with seeds, read packets carefully for when to start and later transplant, and be patient.

Plants

Plants that don't flower can also be beautiful additions to your garden. There are many varieties of both annuals and perennials that add beautiful color, shape and texture to your garden.

Consider adding some between flowering plants to bring depth to your garden. Shrubs can be used to provide barriers and reduce noise.

They can be wonderful focal points in the garden, divide sections of the garden, and provide a permanent backdrop to smaller plants. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, from tall and full to columnar and open.

Trees

Combine various elements when gardening to create a beautiful arrangement across the seasons. Trees can be a focal point.

There are scented and flowering spring ornamentals, varieties that provide shade from summer's heat, fruit and nut bearers, deciduous trees that put on a fantastic fall color display and evergreens that stay green and fresh throughout the harshest winters.

Trees also offer shelter to birds and can provide food such as nuts and berries to both nesting and migratory birds. Anticipate the full grown size when planning placement in the garden.

Roots can spread quite a bit wider than the umbrella of the tree, and they will take a lot of nutrients from the ground.

Many varieties are available at various growing stages and have different needs. Talk to your garden nursery staff and find what works for your garden.

Decide on your style of gardening. Flowers, plants, trees and other plantings are available to suite your needs and taste. It just requires a little planning and shopping around to find what works best.

More Gardening Info

Starting Seeds
With a little planning and care, starting seeds is a fun beginning to the planting season. You can grow plants from seeds easily and enjoy a bounty of flowers, herbs or vegetables in your garden.