Spring temperatures draw us outdoors. If you’re like many homeowners, you can’t wait to head outside to assess lawn maintenance needs and plan what plants to add to the landscape. If you are new to gardening, follow this guide.
Collect and Use Debris
Get out your lawn mower and mulch up leaves that have blown into your yard over the winter. They are nature’s fertilizer, so don’t send them to the landfill. If you saved your leaves from the fall, good for you! Move the leaf compost to trees, shrubs, and flower beds that love a fresh blanket of nutrients to feed them and hold moisture.
Plan to Fill In
Where does the sun shine on your lawn? Look up to see where leaves will come in. Watch how the sun travels across the sky. Think about which areas will receive full sun and which will be partially or fully shaded.
Look down at your soil. If you live in a new neighborhood, the soil is likely to be compacted because the developer of the property used heavy equipment to grade and prepare the property. It may be necessary to buy soil and mulch to make your lawn fertile. If you live in an older home where the lawn is established, you're in luck. Take your cue from the types of plants that currently grow well there.
Remember that the best plants for your yard are usually natives that have adapted to the particular soil and climate in your area. They produce seeds that attract birds and repel pests. This natural relationship to your environment makes them worth the extra effort it might take to find them. There are landscaping businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies that encourage the use of native plants necessary to maintain healthy biodiversity. Natives require less water and municipalities are anxious to reduce water use. Check your regional and local agricultural universities, extension service, or native plant society Web sites.
Where to Shop for Native Plants
Unfortunately, large retail garden shops don’t always offer plants that are best for the local area. The big chain stores present shoppers with plants that are easy for them to buy, transport, maintain, and, most importantly, sell. Familiar flowers fill their greenhouses, but these aren’t always the best for you because they may not thrive in local soils without many hours of feeding and watering. In addition, chains often sell plants that are highly invasive. These non-native species out-compete and replace plants that are best for your yard. They are also bad for the environment because animals have evolved to feed on the seeds and fruits of native plants. Losing natives means less food for wildlife. Non-natives make bad neighbors: they trollop across gardens and even roam into your neighbors yards!
Thankfully, the practice of selling hot house specials and non-natives is slowly changing as businesses recognize that customers are demanding them and that they must be more environmentally and socially responsible. However, in the meantime, do yourself a favor by shopping at smaller, locally owned businesses or online for plants and seeds. Take a little extra time to learn from knowledgeable local vendors about the varieties of plants that will thrive in your yard. In the long run, you will save money and time as plants that spread by roots and seed will come back next year to reward your efforts.
Read more about the critical importance of native plants and insects ... they ensure our survival!
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