As the Winter dissipates, and Spring peeks through, being outside is a novelty lately missed. Riding bikes, taking walks, playing in the yard with family – all memory opportunities. One large piece of those memories is the place they are made… home. March is the perfect time to reinvent or dress up the exterior of any home - giving a little love to lawn and flower beds. Toni Mueller, a local celebrated landscape designer of Porter, Texas, shares some of her tips and favorites to bring the beauty of Spring right to your yard. Toni has owned a landscape design business for over 50 years in this community. Her portfolio spans large home building companies, custom home builders, and local residents as clients. She’s also been featured in Better Homes and Gardens throughout her tenure on more than one occasion.
Foundation for Flower Beds
- Choose Live Mulch: The popular and most affordable, Black mulch, often used in gardens, is essentially lifeless. If you’ve previously used black mulch, it’s time to remove it. Instead, opt for Black Humus, a fantastic alternative that enriches the soil - or a live mulch.
- Decide on Your Garden Style: Whether you prefer a charming cottage garden, a formal, structured look, or a vibrant wildflower bed, picking a style helps guide your plant choices and design.
- Rework the Soil: Any area where you plan to plant flowers must be thoroughly worked and churned. Add compost to boost nutrient levels and prepare the soil for planting - then get to planting!
Great Spring Plants
When considering what to plant, opt for perennials over annuals to ensure your garden comes back to life year after year. Keep annuals to a minimum for a low-maintenance garden. Below are some of Toni's favorite perennials to bring life and color to your gardens.
- Canna Lilies: The dwarf varieties are an excellent choice. Remember to use anti-worm treatments.
- Vinca: Lively and colorful additions.
- Grasses: Liriope, especially the named "big blue", stays green year-round.
- Drift Roses: These come in various colors, are easy to maintain, and spread beautifully if you have space to fill.
- Geraniums: Wide range of colors; adds vibrancy to your garden.
- Bulbs: Day lilies now come in ever-blooming varieties that bloom twice a year. Irises are another classic choice.
- Blue Daze: This ground cover freezes in winter but reliably returns in spring.
- Bridal’s Wreath Shrub: This can grow quite large and produces an abundance of white flowers in spring for a perfect sweetness.
Popular Trees for Yard Color
If there's space, adding height to your yard is always a good idea. Incorporate these trees to add a splash of color and interest:
- Crepe Myrtle - great to add color, and also a pollinator for our local bees.
- Althea Tree - low maintenance and beautiful.
- Chinese Fringe Tree - Jaw Dropping, one time a year blooming tree with white flowers.
- Loquat Tree - fruit, flowers, and ornamental value.
- Lemon Tree: A rewarding challenge if you have the space.
- Camellia Shrubs: Flowering shrubs that need ample fertilizer. Plant in spring for abundant blooms in the fall.
Lawn Care Calendar
Creating a beautiful garden/flower bed is amazing, but the yard needs just as much attention for that wow factor. Toni shares with us her loose lawn schedule.
1. Feb/March: 15-5-10 quick-release fertilizer
2. April: 15-5-10 slow-release fertilizer
3. July: 15-5-10 slow-release fertilizer
4. October: 16-8-12 winterizer fertilizer
In the Spring, make sure to aerate, add some gypsum to soften our clay grounds, and even spread some manure compost to improve grass and soil. Grub worms are common in the Spring as well. Dylox is the best treatment for these if they arise. If weeds are a problem, Barricade and Dimension are great products to use for prevention of Spring Weeds!