In the spring, while trees and shrubs are still showing their pale green new growth, the early border generally consists of colorful bulbs and a few early blooming perennials against a backdrop of green foliage and brown earth. Spring bulbs are perhaps the most important flower in the early spring garden. Spring bulbs, a welcome sight after a long winter, offer the earliest blooms of all garden flowers. Some bulbs will last until the early perennials begin to bloom in May and June.

There are also some early blooming shrubs which can provide the garden with colorful flowers. Forsythia and witch-hazel, for example, bloom long before many perennials even begin to emerge from the soil. In fact, in the middle of spring and early summer there are more shrubs and trees in bloom than at any other time of year. (more…)

Bulbs are the earliest blooming flowers in the garden blooming as early as February or early March. Bulbs can be used in the perennial garden where they can complement other early flowers. Planted in the lawn or beneath deciduous shade trees, bulbs can provide your property with spots of vibrant colors.

Though bulbs prefer sun they can grow beneath the canopy of deciduous trees. In the spring, before the leaves develop, the sun can filter though the tree’s branches. However, while they’ll grow best in the sun, those which are exposed to direct sun during the hottest part of the day are subject to shorter periods of bloom. Bulbs prefer organic well drained soil and will tend to rot if grown in poorly drained soils such as clay. (more…)

Would you like to find out what those in the know have to say about Spring Flowers? The information in the article below comes straight from well informed experts with special knowledge about Spring Flowers.

One of the most thrilling sights for any gardener, from the newest to the most experienced, is the first spring flowers peeking up through the last snow of winter. Spring flowers have long been seen as a sign of new life, and gardeners certainly enjoy seeing these beautiful harbingers of warmer weather. (more…)

Springtime is typically considered a period of fresh beginnings and revitalization. For plants it is a very active span as they arise from their winter sleep. For horticulturists this is a very spirited period for not only outdoor plants but our indoor plants too. Springtime is the ideal period for indoor plant maintenance.

Fertilizing plants in the spring and summer months will render the best results. A useful rule of thumb to keep in mind when fertilizing is that less is indeed more. Don’t fertilize a plant that has recently been re-potted for a few months or a new plant just brought home from the nursery. The fertilizer nutrients are already in a nursery plant and the fresh soil of a re-potted plant. (more…)

While skiers and winter outdoor enthusiasts may feel a sense of sadness as winter draws to an end, the thought of spring flowers brings joy to the hearts of most gardeners.

Even though there may still be snow on the ground, it’s not too early to begin planning your garden and even planting it – indoors. Indoor planting is especially beneficial for those of us living in northern climates where the growing season is significantly reduced. Here are a few tips courtesy of the Ontario Real Estate Association and your local REALTOR® to get your garden growing early. (more…)