As the snow melts away and the first buds of spring make their appearance, homeowners begin to think about their landscaping. Spring is a critical time for setting up your garden and outdoor spaces for success throughout the warmer months. However, the unique climate of Ontario, with its cold winters and wet springs, requires specific considerations. Here are some essential do's and don'ts to help you navigate the spring landscaping season.
Do's
1. Do Start with a Clean Slate
Begin your spring landscaping efforts by cleaning up your yard. Remove any debris, such as fallen branches, leaves, and remnants of last year's annuals. Clearing the clutter will not only make your yard look better but also prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive under damp conditions.
2. Do Test Your Soil
After the thaw, it's a good idea to test your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Ontario's soil can vary greatly, and understanding its composition will help you make informed decisions about fertilizing and choosing the right plants for your garden.
3. Do Prune Shrubs and Trees
Early spring, before new growth starts, is the ideal time to prune most shrubs and trees. This helps to stimulate growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and shape your plants. Be sure to research the best pruning techniques for each species, as improper pruning can harm your plants.
4. Do Plan Before You Plant
Before you start planting, have a plan. Consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and water drainage. Choose native plants or those well-adapted to Ontario's climate, as they will be more likely to thrive and require less maintenance.
5. Do Mulch
Applying a fresh layer of mulch in your garden beds can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also gives your garden a neat, cohesive look.
Don'ts
1. Don't Start Too Early
One common mistake is starting your landscaping projects too early in the spring. Ontario's weather can be unpredictable, with late frosts occurring well into spring. Planting too early can put new plants at risk. Wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting sensitive varieties.
2. Don't Overwater
Spring in Ontario can be quite wet, and overwatering your plants can lead to root rot and other diseases. Ensure your garden has proper drainage and adjust your watering schedule according to the rainfall your area receives.
3. Don't Ignore Pests
As the weather warms up, pests start to emerge. Early detection and management are key to preventing infestations. Keep an eye out for common garden pests and deal with them promptly using environmentally friendly methods whenever possible.
4. Don't Cut Your Lawn Too Short
When mowing your lawn, avoid cutting it too short. Taller grass promotes healthier root systems and helps shade out weed seedlings. A good rule of thumb is to cut only the top third of the grass blade at a time.
5. Don't Forget to Enjoy Your Garden
Finally, don't get so caught up in the dos and don'ts that you forget to enjoy your garden. Gardening is not only about the end result but also the joy and relaxation the process brings.
Spring landscaping requires a careful balance of preparation, patience, and attentiveness to the unique challenges of the season. By following these do's and don'ts, you can create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that thrives throughout the year. Happy gardening!
20 Perennials Well-Suited for Ontario Gardens
Ontario's climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, requires gardeners to choose perennials that can withstand these conditions. Here are 20 perennials that are well-suited for Ontario gardens, offering a mix of colors, textures, and blooming seasons:
Echinacea (Coneflower) - Known for its vibrant flowers and medicinal properties, it's drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.
Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) - Offers bright yellow flowers with a dark center; it's easy to grow and great for cutting.
Hosta - With its lush foliage, Hosta thrives in shaded areas, making it perfect for adding texture under trees or in dark corners of the garden.
Sedum (Stonecrop) - A drought-resistant succulent that blooms in late summer to fall, adding interest when many other plants are fading.
Astilbe - Features feathery, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It prefers moist, shady locations.
Lavandula (Lavender) - While some varieties are more tender, hardy types can survive Ontario winters, offering fragrance and purple blooms.
Peony - A classic perennial with large, fragrant flowers in late spring. Peonies come in various colors and can live for decades.
Hemerocallis (Daylily) - Extremely adaptable and available in a wide range of colors, daylilies can thrive in almost any condition.
Leucanthemum (Shasta Daisy) - Offers cheerful white petals around a yellow center; it's easy to care for and great for cutting.
Aquilegia (Columbine) - With its unique, nodding flowers in early spring, columbine is excellent for shady spots.
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) - Provides clusters of fragrant flowers in summer. It's available in pink, purple, white, and red.
Monarda (Bee Balm) - Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its tubular flowers and has a pleasant fragrance.
Salvia - Offers spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers in early summer; it's drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.
Helleborus (Lenten Rose) - One of the first to bloom in spring, Helleborus offers rose-like flowers in shades of green, pink, purple, and white.
Delphinium - Known for its tall spikes of blue, pink, white, or purple flowers, it's a classic in cottage gardens.
Perovskia (Russian Sage) - With its silvery foliage and lavender-blue flowers, it's drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.
Iris - Offers striking flowers in a wide range of colors; bearded, Siberian, and Japanese irises are popular choices.
Dianthus (Pinks) - Delivers fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Many varieties are drought-tolerant.
Tiarella (Foamflower) - Produces delicate, foamy flowers in spring. It's perfect for shady, moist areas.
Penstemon (Beardtongue) - Features tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to part shade.
When planting perennials in Ontario, consider the specific needs of each plant in terms of sunlight, water, and soil type to ensure your garden thrives year after year.
Have more questions?
Leigh Ann Stapleton
REALTOR®, EXIT Realty Strategies
C: | 905-317-8767
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