Making the final plant choices for your landscape will be difficult. You will be drawn to many shapes, colors and sizes. Make sure each is right for your gardens environment.
                                               Plants            


Nature is awesome- Look how beautiful this Trumpet Vine is.

Just The Facts---Plants

1. Learn about the plants you like. Do they prefer sun or shade, 
    how big will they get and do they like wet or dry soil?
    Choose wisely or you will be disappointed.

2. Buy smaller plants and space properly. This allows them to
    grow together over a longer period of time. Do not plant for
    instant effect.
 
3. Buy healthy looking plants only. Look for signs of distress;
    spots on leaves, damage to or sunken areas on the trunk. 
    Do not be afraid to ask questions.

4. Water, water, water. Know your soil for watering purposes. Clay
    soils hold water longer, requiring you to water less often.
    Sandy soils drain faster requiring you to water more often.

    Newly installed plants will require water at least 2 times a week
    for the first month, depending on the season they are planted
    in. You will then need to monitor weekly after that. Do not 
    count on Mother Nature for moisture, stay on your schedule!

  Perennial Care and yearly cut back

Most perennials and ornamental grasses die back to their rootstock in the fall. Many times, they can still add value to your winter garden even with their brown leaves. Cut back only the dead leaves that have lost their value and leave the rest till spring.

When you cut ornamental grasses back in spring, do not cut down farther than 4"-6" above ground level, . If you cut back farther, you may cut into an area known as the crown of the plant which is the main growing area. Damage this and you limit the plants opportunity for future success.

Cutting back liriope and ornamental grasses


Liriope cut back


Ornamental grasses cut down to 6"

Planting Basics


Planted too deep. Root ball should never go below ground level


 Mulching Basics

    
                                Which is easier to maintain?

























Copyright . Todd Wessel. All rights reserved.