Now that the weather has turned the corner, it's hard to resist the call of the greenhouse and garden centre.
And, there are advantages to shopping early when selection is at its best and the plants will never be healthier. The trick, once you take them home, is to keep them that way.
It's always a good idea to shop with a list of specific plants in mind and the spaces you need to fill. Coordinating colours, textures and the conditions in your garden may require a bit of pre-planning or research. But keep an open mind because you never know what exciting new specimens you might come across, especially if you shop around at all the different suppliers.
While plant shopping on the weekend, I saw plenty of gardeners with shopping carts brimming with plants. And, I have to confess, a few leapt onto my dolly.
I was looking for tropical houseplants and sturdy, wind-resistant annuals and perennials to combine in pots for the balcony using the old formula of fillers, trailing spillers and a few feature thrillers.
My companion was looking for new perennials -- grasses in particular -- some carefree container plants, a shrub to replace one that died last year and a vine to climb up a new lattice fence.
An assortment of succulents fit part of the bill for both of us and we found plenty to choose from. We also scooped up quite a few bargain tropicals (on sale for 70 per cent off) and some striking ornamental grasses. Old favourites of mine include trailing Golden Globes and a bronze cordyline australis. A brand-new (to me) nandina called Heavenly Bamboo is a shrub I'm going to try this year. And I'm a sucker for any new fern.
Here are some tips to help you get the most from your plant shopping.
Bigger isn't necessarily better and you'll pay a premium for a plant in a larger pot. Actually, it's been shown that smaller plants actually suffer less transplant shock when planted outside.
Look for thick, healthy, undamaged foliage. Check the root ball to make sure it's substantial and can support lots of top development.
Once you bring your purchases home, shrubs, veggies, annuals and perennials really need to be outdoors in temperatures above freezing. The cool evening temps will keep the plants sturdy, not leggy, and the warm sunny days will encourage strong, healthy new green growth. But, take the tender plants indoors or under cover if the nighttime temperature dips toward or below freezing.
The May long weekend, traditional planting time, is early this year. Certainly, hardy shrubs, perennials and tough-as-nails evergreen plants can be put in the ground now, but I would wait till the end of the month to plant tender specimens out in the garden. If you do decide to plant early, use some form of protection such as Kozy-coats, cloches or a cover cloth in case of frost.
What's coming up
Brandon Garden Club Meeting, May 20, 7 p.m. at Seniors for Seniors - 311 Park Ave. E, please use the North door.
Program: Circle of Thyme - Herb wreath how-to demonstration: A demonstration on the basics of creating living wreaths using materials such as succulents, herbs and flowers. This is a living wreath that looks great hanging outside on your house wall. Instructor: Gwen Beam
Membership: The Brandon Garden Club fees are: $20 annually, $30 annually for couples. Visitors welcome: Come to any monthly meeting for only $2.00
Contact: For club or program information please call: John at 726-5351
linda.stilkowski@freepress.mb.ca
