Tiger Lilly

For many gardeners, one of the first things to do when the season warms up is to plant flowers in pots and window boxes. Nothing looks prettier than a basket full of petunias or a pot of geraniums on a nice summer day. It’s easy to pick what flowers for your garden, something that looks pretty and is cheap. But do most people know the difference between annuals and perennials?

Annuals are mostly the bright, cute flowers that you see in pots and baskets and window boxes. They are readily available and you get your money’s worth. Annual flowers only grow one season and do not return the following season.

If you have a spot in your yard you want to garden in, I suggest filling it up with perennials to give it some bulk and then sporadically place annuals to brighten and jazz it up. Here are some common perennials that would suit any garden:

- Daylilies
- Tiger Lilies
- Hosta
- Peonies
- Bleeding Heart
- Poppies

Some nice annuals to look for are:
- Petunias
- Begonias
- Marigolds

Here’s how to manage and keep up with gardens or landscapes even if you’re on a budget. There are simple steps to follow in order to achieve a beautiful landscape on a budget.

1. The first step is to take a look at your existing landscape and decide what areas need the most attention. Areas to focus on are usually the front of the home or entrance ways. If the plants are over-grown in these areas, then most likely they will need to be pruned. Pruning shrubs or trees is a process of selectively pruning out unsightly branches or foliage.

For example, if you’re walking to the front door of your home and if there are plants that are growing over the walkway, this would be an area that needs renovating. Go through each plant that looks unsightly and bring it back to a size which looks proper to the whole landscape. At times some plants may be too far gone where pruning them back just makes the problem more unsightly. If this is the case, removal may be the best option. Here’s a little tip to always take in consideration when deciding what to do in regards to pruning or removal of plants. Consider if the plants are over crowded (i.e. growing into each other) if so, choose the plant that is healthier and frames the landscape as a whole. Then decide which plants are anchors in the landscape. For example, in proper landscape design, plants are placed systematically around the home; shrubs should be below the window lines, and entrance doors need to be easily visible from a distance, etc. the landscape should showcase your home, not hide it. It doesn’t make sense how some of the most beautiful homes are hidden with too many plants.

The main reason homeowners over plant is because many of them forget how large the plants will grow in a couple of years. They might feel more is better. This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. People need to do research and take into consideration how big each plant will be at maturity. Maybe, at some point, you may be considering adding on to an existing landscape, if so, do the homework and don’t over plant the area!

2. The second step to help improve the overall picture of the landscape is to clean-up the beds which surround the home. This can be accomplished by raking up debris such as leaves that are cluttering the garden beds. By getting rid of old leaf debris and fallen branches will increase the over all look of the home.

3. Edge all of the beds, so there is a defined line separating the grass from the landscaped beds. At this point you’re ready for the finishing touch. Mulching! Mulching is similar to painting; it is the icing on the cake. Mulch not only gives the landscape lovely curb appeal, but it also helps benefit the plants as well.

These are simple steps for the homeowner to follow. Take the time to review the solutions I provided, and you will have a fabulous looking landscape even on a budget.

Dave Kovach provides solutions in gardening and landscaping for homeowners on a budget. Click here to learn more: BudgetGardening