After this harsh winter, nature is eager to burst into life, and with a little planning, your outdoor space can flourish with vibrant color and healthy growth.
April is the perfect time to revitalize your garden and landscaping, so embrace a season of renewal with five simple steps from Tim Travis, owner of Goldner Walsh Nursery.
1. Observe and Listen to Nature
Before you break out your tools, take a leisurely stroll around your garden. Notice where buds are peeking through and where nature seems to be taking its time. These early signs help you decide where extra care is needed. Like a good conversation, your garden tells you its story—and when it's ready—if you take the time to listen.
2. Clean and Refresh Your Beds
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the indoors. Clear away winter’s debris and prune ornamental grasses and hydrangeas as new growth emerges. By removing dead material gently, you give your plants room to breathe and set the stage for a lively display later in the season.
3. Feed Your Garden Right
After a long dormancy, plants need nourishment to get started. Tim recommends an acid-based organic fertilizer—such as Holly Tone—to cater to Michigan’s alkaline soils. This slow-release nourishment not only boosts growth but also supports the thriving ecosystem beneath the soil’s surface.
4. Water with Care
April’s weather is usually a mix of sudden warm spells and unexpected cool snaps. Instead of a constant sprinkler schedule, water only when the soil shows signs of dryness. This mindful approach encourages deeper root development, ensuring your garden stays resilient through the season’s fluctuations.
5. Design Thoughtfully
Great gardens are crafted with an eye for balance. Avoid overcrowding by choosing native, deer-resistant plants and giving each one ample room to shine. A thoughtful layout not only creates a picturesque scene but also supports local wildlife. Remember, less is often more—let each plant’s natural beauty take center stage.
By following these five tips—observing nature, refreshing your beds, nourishing your soil, watering judiciously and planning with care—you can create a garden that thrives well into the season. Embrace the art of gardening as both a creative pursuit and a natural remedy for everyday stress, and enjoy the bounty that April is preparing.
For this article, we toured Goldner Walsh Home & Garden, nestled in Pontiac's historic district. Spanning 12 acres, this iconic establishment blends artistry, horticulture and design, offering everything from award-winning landscape services to a full-service floral department, event venues and a lush six-acre nursery.
Under the leadership of Tim Travis and Jim Slezinski, who acquired the business in 1988, it remains a beacon of creativity and community engagement—hosting weddings, art openings and cultural events that celebrate beauty in all forms.
You'll want to explore the workshops and events, from how to create a layered bulb container to helping kids build their own bird feeder. Oh––and don't miss seeing Nelly the tortoise. Visit goldnerwalsh.com for details.