Begin in early spring, after the snow has melted by cutting back and removing any dead stalks from last year’s blooms. After the blossoms of the spring flowers have faded, clip them back leaving just enough of the plant so you know where the bulb is located. Some people dig their bulbs out and replant in the fall, but if this proves too arduous, just plant around them. Next, carefully, dig in and spread compost or fertilizer around the base of perennial plants and any new annual or perennials that have been added to the flower bed.
Propagation of Perennial Flowers
If perennials have become too crowded, divide them by using a sharp spade and cutting through the crown of the plant. Be sure to replace the soil next to the exposed root, then fertilize and water the divided plant.
In order to keep the beds well hydrated, add a two or three inch layer of mulch to the top of the flower soil. Mulch may consist of wood chips, compost, or pine chips. To further discourage weed growth, spread garden fabric down under the mulch. Mulch will deter weeds and make an attractive addition to the flowerbeds.
Weeding and Fertilizing Flower Beds
Weeds are persistent and even with the best mulching or layering of garden fabric; they may still appear. Pulling weeds by hand or with a carefully directed garden hoe is the quickest way to eliminate them. Some roots may go deep, however and require lifting the flower soil away with a garden fork or trowel. The latest weeding tool, available at most garden centers, is an upright weed remover. It’s easy on the back and is especially effective on dandelions whose roots often go deep.
Check garden flowers weekly, or whenever you are in the garden, for spent blooms. When deadheading, be sure to remove the entire bloom not just the petals. Regular deadheading will encourage new growth and keep the flowerbeds tidy.
Using Biodegradable Insecticides and Natural Treatments
A flower garden’s foremost enemy are insects. The safest and most eco-friendly types of bug killers are botanical insecticides made from the dried flowers or the pyrethrins, of the painted daisy or chrysanthemum. They kill bugs on contact, but do not harm the plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label before using.
Many recommend planting marigolds in gardens and flowerbeds to repel diseases and insects. Opinions vary as to the effectiveness of this type of companion planting. It is known, however that insects do not like the odor of the marigold plant. And the bright orange or yellow flower of marigolds makes an attractive addition to any garden design.
Lastly, although some gardeners may consider frogs or garter snakes an unwelcome intruder in their gardens, these reptiles do serve a useful purpose by killing bugs and thus keeping plant diseases at bay.
With a little attention and regular care, any flower garden can become a blossoming showcase all summer long.
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