If you follow us on social media, you have likely seen several installments of our “Ask the Horticulturist” series. Carlos, our owner, has a degree in horticulture and loves helping our clients select plants, trees, and shrubs that will flourish for years to come.

Now that we’re in the thick of the spring planting season, we thought we’d gather some of the most commonly asked planting questions to share with you.

Can I Plant My Easter Bulbs Now?

As nice as it is not to have to hang onto those bulbs over the summer months, it really is better to plant spring-blooming bulbs in the fall. Doing so allows their root systems to take hold, as well as ensure they have the chilling period needed to initiate flowering in the spring. If you are looking to plant bulbs now, aim for summer-blooming bulbs such as Asiatic lilies, dahlias, calla lilies, and gladiolus. Their bright colors are the perfect addition to your summer garden, and bulbs come back year after year.

What Do I Do with Foliage from Spring-Blooming Bulbs?

One disadvantage to spring-blooming bulbs is that when they finish blooming, the spent blooms and foliage are a little unsightly. While you do want to give the foliage some time to return nutrients into the bulb, it’s safe by mid-late May to trim the foliage below grade and prep for annuals. A benefit to planting annuals in the same garden bed as bulbs is that annuals are planted shallow. You’re less likely to disrupt your bulbs, which are typically at least 6 inches below grade. If you’re looking to plant perennials in the same garden bed as your bulbs, be careful that you don’t accidentally dig them up while prepping the hole.

What Should I Look for When Buying Plants for My Garden?

Honestly, follow your instincts. If a plant looks unhealthy, it likely is. Check for damaged crowns and broken limbs, as trauma to the plant can cause it to struggle in a new environment. When selecting trees, make sure they are straight rather than crooked. Many retailers allow dead plant returns within 12 months of purchase, so be sure to hang onto your receipts just in case.

I’d Like a Low-Maintenance Garden. What Are Some Good Plants to Choose?

If you’re looking for low-maintenance, ground covers are a great way to go. They spread nicely and help your garden look well-kept without the need to mulch. Consider sedum or pachysandra – both hardy options. Perennials such as allium, astilbe, or brunnera do well in a variety of soil conditions and provide nice color. Dwarf shrubs like tiny quick-fire hydrangeas or carpet rose also give beautiful pops of color and stay rather small.

My Yard is Really Shady. What Plants Do Well in Shade?

Shady yards are a blessing and a curse – you are able to spend quite a bit of time outdoors even during the hottest days, but the planting environment is altogether different than a sunny space. Not only do you need to select plants that do well with less direct sunlight, but you also should consider that there is more moisture (which can cause root rot on plants that don’t do well in wet areas). You don’t have to sacrifice beautiful gardens, though, and by choosing plants such as ferns, astilbe, brunnera, and hosta, you will have a lush space to enjoy.

My Yard Gets Full Sun. What Plants Love Sun and Are Drought-Tolerant?

The exact opposite of a shady yard, a yard that gets full sun needs plants that flourish in hours of direct sunlight each day but also are drought-tolerant for the dry summer months. Fortunately, there are quite a few plants that do well in very sunny conditions. Consider butterfly weed, butterfly bush, purple cone flower, roses, native grasses, and black-eyed Susans. Many of these plants also attract butterflies and pollinators – another great reason to incorporate them into your softscape!

Which Plants Are Toxic to Dogs?

Many of our clients have dogs who roam freely inside fenced-in yards, so it is important to have plants that are non-toxic in case Fido decides they are a snack. Most plants are safe, but you’ll want to avoid rhododendrons and mums. If your dog chews grass and plants, also keep in mind that you’ll want to be careful as you fertilize and/or use weed killer.

I’ve Had Trouble with Rabbits Eating My Plants. What Should I Try and What Should I Avoid?

Rabbits are cute but can be very destructive. Safe bets in an area that has a lot of rabbits are ground covers and plants with scent they hate, such as geraniums, salvia, and snapdragons (which are actually toxic to rabbits). They love hosta, burning bushes, and hydrangeas. If you really want to plant flowers that you’ve had trouble with rabbits eating in the past, try incorporating some of the flowers they don’t like in the same garden bed – it is more likely they will stay away thanks to the additional plants.

What Are Pruning Best Practices?

Most shrubs and plants that flower or leaf out in the spring should not be pruned until after they have flowered. That is usually when plants are at their fullest, as well, so it will help you get a sense of how much you need to prune to keep the plant shaped the way you want. Most trees are safe to trim in the late spring/early summer, with the exception of Japanese maples – wait until late fall to keep the tree healthy.

If you have gardening questions we didn’t answer here, let us know. We are always here to help and love assisting local families with creating beautiful outdoor spaces they can enjoy. Give us a call at 630.271.9709 for a consultation!

Spring Planting Tips & Advice: Ask the Horticulturist