Gardening for Beginners
Spring is the perfect time of year to think about adding a splash of colour to your garden, patio, windowbox or balcony. Whether you choose to do this with annuals, perennials or a combination of the two, here are a few basic tips to keep in mind when planning the overall appearance of your garden, however big or small.
Annuals versus perennials: what’s the difference?
Annuals live for only one growing season, so plant them in the spring or early summer, and pull them out in the fall. Annuals will keep your garden bursting with colour all summer long.
Perennials, on the other hand, die back in the winter months. In fact, many like to be trimmed back in the fall, because this encourages ongoing growth, allowing them to come back bigger and better each spring. Perennials tend to be more expensive than annuals, but remember, they are a long-term investment.
When planning your ‘splash of colour’, it is important to keep in mind the type of light your garden receives. Both annuals and perennials come in many varieties – some which prefer the sun and some which prefer the shade, so be sure to check out the light situation in all of the various areas of your garden before you start spending out and planting up.
It can be very tempting to choose plants and colours that you like personally, but if they’re wrong for your garden location, you could be wasting your money. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff in your local garden centre for advice before you buy. Alternatively, consult one of the many gardening books available or search out information online.
Here is a list of popular varieties – and some of our favourites – to help get you started.
Sun-loving plants
Annuals
• Petunia
• Cosmos
• Salvia
• Zinnia
• Geranium
• Portulaca
• Nocotiana
• Marigold
Perennials
• Black-eyed susan
• Coneflower
• Phlox
• Peony
• Sedum
• Shasta daisy
• Day lily
• Iris
• Delphinium
Shade-loving plants
Annuals
• Impatiens
• Coleus
• Pansy
• Primrose
• Vinca
• Begonia
Perennials
• Astilbe
• Bleeding heart
• Ferns
• Hosta
• Violet
• Goatsbeard
• Solomon’s seal
Don’t forget to deadhead!
Deadheading refers to the practice of pinching or cutting off dead flowers, encouraging the plant to continue producing new blooms all season long. Remember, cutting bouquets while the flowers are in their prime will have the same effect as deadheading later.
And remember to eat your veggies
If you have always wanted to grow your own food, perhaps you should consider a ‘kitchen garden’. This can be modest in size – especially if you are short on space – and it should be used to produce only those vegetables and herbs that you enjoy. After all, there’s no point growing bucketloads of zucchini if everyone in your house hates them! It is also more enjoyable and rewarding to grow the types of food that you and your family prefer.
Ideally, your vegetable garden should be located close to the house. The more convenient it is to pop outside and snip some herbs or pick a few tomatoes, the better.
If you don’t have the space to devote to a vegetable garden, many varieties of vegetables and herbs can be grown in containers. Remember to consult your garden centre to be sure you are choosing the correct soil for this application. The great thing about ‘kitchen gardens’ in containers is that you can move the containers around throughout the day, always ensuring the plants have the ideal light.
In these challenging economic times, it really makes sense to grow your own food: not only will you and your family eat more healthily; you’ll save on the grocery bills at the same time, and hopefully even encourage an interest in gardening in your children from an early age.
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