Easy Steps
Two of my favorite plants for easy care are hardy geraniums and sweet spire shrubs. Both grow just about anywhere and can handle different light exposure. Understanding how much light the area receives can be the trickiest part for beginner gardeners. Utilizing plants that can thrive in a variety of light exposure can help blunt that issue. At Sugar Creek Gardens, we offer free garden design consultations that are especially great for beginner gardeners.
Summer Solution
The biggest tip for gardeners trying to keep their plants alive during warm weather is to water! Newly established plants don’t have the root system available to access enough water yet, so we need to help them along. Every yard is different, but if it’s hot and we aren’t getting regular good rains, get that hose out. I recommend mulching in new plantings as mulch prevents evaporation and acts as a weed block. Also, when planting new plants, use a root stimulating fertilizer. This will get your root system established quicker so your plants can start accessing more water sooner.
All A Buzz
When it comes to attracting pollinators, there are so many great plants to choose from. Native plants evolved along with our local pollinators to create a symbiotic relationship. But, you don’t have to exclusively plant native plants. The most important thing we can do to support our pollinators is to have lots of flowers blooming all season long and to avoid using pesticides in our yard, including the lawn.
Pest Control
Certain plants will repel mosquitos and pests off them, but it does not expand out much further than their local vicinity. You can plant some repelling plants in pots around your patio, but you need to keep them close for any true benefits. Lemongrass is what is used in citronella-based candles and some repellant sprays. You can use it to make your own repellant.
Secret Weapon
Height is so important in a garden! So many people want small plants to keep a tidy feel, but getting tall plants in the yard is so important to give you a sense of privacy and draw the eye upwards. If you’re low on space, you can use vines like clematis on a small trellis to add height. There are new shrubs available that can get 6’ plus tall but only 2’ wide, which can also add height without taking up too much space.
Creative Containers
It can be difficult to get plants to survive over the winter in containers, so hardy perennials and shrubs do much better in the ground. There are some exceptions, but overall, if you want a plant to come back year after year it should go in the ground. Container gardens are so fun because we can experiment with color and texture and if it doesn’t work out you get to try again next year. Most container plants are annuals that will bloom all summer and give lots of color but you will compost at the end of the year.
Blooming Ideas
As far as upcoming trends, gardening for pollinators is a trend that won’t die anytime soon. It’s a part that we can play in keeping our native ecosystem healthy. Another great trend I’m seeing is lawn replacement gardening. It goes hand-in-hand with gardening for pollinators. There are many small plants that can be used as lawn alternatives like the creeping thyme and sedum. While they won’t tolerate being stepped on like grass, they can give you that visual break that lawns offer while still benefiting pollinators, and they don’t need to be mowed! See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.
