Jewelry of the Landscape
Annual flowers tend to get a bad rap from professional landscape and garden designers. However, there is a time and place for them. While their impact isn’t grand when they are dotted in the landscape, they can make a lasting impression when planted in large swaths in the ground or in containers. They are higher maintenance, requiring necessary deadheading (to promote more bloom), more water than perennials and more fertilizer.
But, when applied in the right setting, annuals can be a wonderful finishing touch – the icing on the cake, the jewelry of the landscape.
Each year, there are more and more varieties introduced into our market that are hardy and bred for our fickle Zone 5. Designing with annuals is like painting a picture. It requires that your palette of colors and textures be balanced.
Start with what colors you want to use. What look are going for? Country? Modern? English garden? Monochromatic? Then, think about your budget. It is easy to go over budget, when you’re purchasing annuals in 4 packs at $2.00 each. Sowing seeds in the ground (after any threat of frost) is an easy way to save money. And, know that they will spread. I like to plant them closer than what the tag indicates. The density will create that much more of an impact in a shorter time.
Container gardening is not just planting flowers in pots. There is an art form to it. That said, however, anyone can create a beautiful flower or vegetable pot. It takes the proper soil, the right amount of flowers (fill the pot until there is no room!), drainage holes and the appropriate light for the chosen material.
From simple to elaborate, containers are a wonderful way to add bursts of color to your hardscape areas. A centerpiece is vital, as this gives the container a focal point – structure and grounding – and attracts the eye to the pot. Next, you need flowers of various heights. and textural elements like asparagus fern or coral bells. For the finishing touch, a trailing vine is perfect. The choices are endless. Some folks don’t like to add bloom, and instead leave the container as a textural dance. Some people only want bloom. That is the beauty of container gardening: you can make it yours!
Remember: the health of the soil is essential. Whether you’re planting annuals in the ground or in a container, healthy soil will be the key to a successful show. Amend and till the soil in the ground with organic compost about 8”. If you’re planting in a container, make sure there is adequate drainage, both in the form of a drainage hole and that the soil is suited for containers (look for “potting soil”).
Have some fun and accessorize your landscape this season!
A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professional horticulturalist and garden designer who cultivates her own plot on Dexter Street, where gardens and two kids grow. She can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.
May Tips
• Any time after May 20, annuals can be planted in containers or beds. We have been known to get cold snaps. If we do, protect your plants by covering them with plastic tarp.
• If you haven’t already done so, aerate your lawn. This allows the water and oxygen to access the roots and promote plant growth.
• If installing a new landscape, go overboard with the soil prep. Amend your soil with 5 or 6 cubic yards of organic compost per 1,000 square feet and till it in about 10”. This will assist in water absorption.
• Mulch your gardens.
• Sow pumpkins, summer and winter squashes and snap peas.
• “Harden off” (acclimate) indoor veggies before transplanting them in the ground.
• Fertilize the roses.
• Prune spring blooming shrubs soon after they are finished blooming. Typically, multi-stemmed shrubs should be pruned from the base (i.e. take about 1/3 of the canes out) to maintain the integrity of its form.
• Be sure to apply root-stimulating fertilizers (high in the middle number) to any new or transplanted plants.