SPRING HAS SPRUNG

The warmer weather is here, the snow has melted away, and the days are getting longer. Spring has officially sprung, and it's the perfect time to start thinking about your garden and getting it ready for planting! As the temperatures start to rise, the soil begins to thaw, making it easier to work with. This is an ideal time to prepare your garden beds by removing dead plants, weeds, and debris accumulated over the winter months. You can use a garden fork or a tiller to loosen the soil and mix in some compost to improve its quality and nutrient content.

When it comes to planting, there are many options to choose from. If you're looking for vegetables, you can start with easy-to-grow crops such as lettuce, spinach, and radishes. These can be planted directly in the ground or in containers if you have limited space. For flowers, you can choose from a wide range of options that will add colour and fragrance to your garden. One of the most important decisions you'll need to make is whether to plant perennials or annuals. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences between them before making your choice.

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. They come back year after year, and many will even continue to bloom and thrive for several years. Some examples of perennials include tulips, daisies, and roses. One of the biggest advantages of perennials is that they require less maintenance than annuals. Once established, they require little watering and fertilizing, and they don't need to be replanted every year. They also tend to be hardier and more resistant to pests and diseases. However, perennials can be more expensive to buy initially, and they may take longer to establish themselves. They also have a more limited range of colours and bloom times than annuals, which can make it more challenging to create a diverse and visually interesting garden. I moved into a new home last year and decided to venture into gardening on my own for the first time. I opted for all perennials, and today, I was filled with excitement as I saw my first Hyacinth bloom - it felt like being a child in a candy store!

Annuals, on the other hand, are plants that only last for one season. They grow quickly and produce abundant blooms, making them a popular choice for adding instant colour and visual interest to a garden. Some examples of annuals include petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. One of the biggest advantages of annuals is their versatility. They come in a wide range of colours, sizes, and bloom times, making it easy to create a garden that is vibrant and visually stunning. They are also generally less expensive than perennials, making it easier to experiment with different varieties and colours. However, annuals require more maintenance than perennials. They need to be watered and fertilized regularly, and they need to be replanted every year. They are also more vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can make them more challenging to grow.

My Hyacinthe first bloom of the year

So which should you choose? The answer depends on your gardening goals and preferences. If you want a low-maintenance garden that will continue to thrive year after year, perennials may be the best choice for you. If you want a garden that is full of vibrant colours and constantly changing, annuals may be the way to go. Of course, there's nothing stopping you from planting a mix of both perennials and annuals. This can give you the best of both worlds, with the long-term reliability of perennials and the short-term burst of colour from annuals.

If you're really stuck and need help, visit a garden center and ask for their expertise. One of my favourites is Angelo's Garden Center in Thornhill. Their garden center is like walking through the Garden of Eden- their collection of lush greenery, majestic trees, and stunning flowers is truly breathtaking and perfect for bringing your dream garden to life. Additionally, they offer an extensive range of landscaping products, statues, and fountains to add some extra charm to your patio area.

Whether you choose perennials, annuals, a vegetable garden or a combination of al three, the most important thing is to enjoy the process of gardening and creating a beautiful and thriving outdoor space. With a little planning and care, you can create a garden that is both visually stunning and a source of joy and relaxation!