Are plants and flowers always in season? For most people, the answer is no. Whether you have a garden with several annuals or just a few perennials, spring is a year that your plants and flowers need time to recover from the harsh winter. In addition, spring is the best time of year to prune your garden so that new growth will have all of the room to grow before the winter snows begin.
Perennials are plants and flowers which grow for one growing season only, usually one year. Some of these are garden vegetables such as lettuce, beans, radishes, and chives; ornamental grasses such as mums, daffodils, blueberries, and others; trees such as maples, plums, elms, and banyans; and flowering shrubs such as azaleas, camellias, and hollies. Most perennial plants can be started in the spring as young seedlings and later continue to bloom year-round under proper temperatures and light conditions. This means that when they die or freeze, they won’t come back.
Annuals are plants and flowers which you can plant from seed in the fall and keep growing throughout the winter. These can be grown in any climate, as they don’t need much care other than adequate sunshine and water. Most annuals are very colorful during their blooms, but due to their lack of seasonal care, many of them bloom at full bloom, die, and drop off before winter comes. However, if you plant annuals in the fall, after they have finished blooming, you should be able to enjoy them right up through the cold winter months. To ensure an abundant supply of colorful plants throughout the winter, some annuals may need to be replanted every year.
Biennials are plants and flowers that grow and bloom for two or more years. Some biennials are shade tolerant and do well in shaded areas; others are shade loving and prefer a sunny location. Biennials may be slower growing than annuals and they may not flower for two years. Biennials that are planted in full sun will often take over an entire yard in a very short time. If you are looking for plants and flowers that will grow quickly, and which can be enjoyed throughout the year, biennials are the way to go.
Perennials are plants and flowers which will stay in the ground throughout the growing season. Many perennials are very versatile and can be planted in various areas throughout the garden or around your home. They are most appealing when planted with other plants, but can be planted in their own space if you prefer. Perennial plants are extremely easy to maintain and require very little care after they have bloomed for their second season.
Fall planting is a great way to ensure that your garden has blooms by the time winter arrives. Many people choose to plant their flowers and plants in the fall, and in many cases, the first few plants are not seen until the last week of October. This is also the time of year when many people opt to plant their annuals and perennials. The fall planting schedules allow for a beautiful bloom throughout the winter months and can really give your yard a face lift.
Shrubs can be planted almost any time of the year but can be especially effective in the summertime. Shrubs can be planted to shade your lawn or garden, or they can be planted in the early spring as the sun is just beginning to rise. Most shaded areas benefit from being planted in the early spring, and once a week is more than sufficient. However, some plants and shrubs are better planted in the fall, when the sun is lower. If you have a wide variety of shade garden plants, it’s even possible to plant them in the fall.
Landscaping perennials are a great way to improve the look of your landscape, in the spring, or anytime throughout the year. Perennials are the perfect solution if you have a garden that is already in place, but is still a bit lacking a bit of character. Perennial plants are less prone to being stressed out, and can tolerate minor inclement weather. These are generally lower maintenance, and are a nice alternative to annuals. Check with your local nursery for information on which perennials are best for your area.