If you are desperately seeking sunshine, flowers, foliage, and butterflies, you must live in my neck of the woods. Just like everyone else, we’re shivering in our waders until the 4th of July. But it’s really the next day, right? Have you ever watched fireworks wearing Bermuda shorts?
In the meantime, live vicariously in the world of seed catalogs and this year’s prize-rose picks—they’re currently flooding mailboxes. You won’t need SPF 50 or to get your toes warm, but it’s guaranteed to bring a smile. Whether you have a tiny yard, a huge estate, or a window box, raising plants can be gratifying. Often, dreaming and planning what to grow is even better!
Once you’ve had your first fill of luscious enjoyment from these beautiful presentations of colorful, perfect specimens, ask yourself, “What do I want?” Flowers, food, shade, soil stabilizers, ground cover, lawn, catnip…? The list is endless until you think about what your planting space can handle. What does that space look like?
Oops, it’s raining out there and the ground is mushy. So don’t go out—just eyeball it for now. Sketch it. Draw in big things like the garage, the fence, and the pond. Guesstimate size and be prepared to be wrong. For this step, if you have a window box or a few pots on the deck, you are lucky! When the weather’s better, you can ID the plants you already have.
Maybe that’s too much to tackle all at once. I couldn’t agree with you more. Here’s where some folks bite off more than they can chew. They order all those pretty plants from those beautiful books, and viola! In their minds, and only there, is an absolutely awesome garden. Lots to think about first.
This step could take years. Plants desperately seek sunshine, too! Some need a lot, some need a little, all need some. The key to a spectacular garden is the right plant in the right place. Now you need to discover the right place for those favorite plants. Other considerations in plant choices include color, texture, compatibility, soil, drainage, pH, and how much and what kind of care is needed.
If you are serious about a garden—one that will thrive—watch the sunrise and set on your garden. Once a week, say Sunday, date (e.g., 3/1), and mark where the sun rises and sets on the horizon of your plot sketch. No problem if you miss a week here or there. You will learn the arc of the sun and the shadows in your garden.
Look again at those favorite plants. Begin to sort them by sun preference and other considerations. You won’t have all the information you need for the full garden for at least a year. Start small and choose an area you know.
A container is a flexible option because it can be moved. Consider planting stacking pots to create a fountain effect. A trellis can also train a vine above streaming plants. Use your imagination—have fun!
Need some ideas? Snohomish County Master Gardeners maintain a beautiful Demo Garden at McCollum Park near the Extension Office. Penny Talbot, a ten-year Master Gardener, is the Demo Garden Coordinator. Numerous specialty gardens include a rain garden, fragrance gardens, woodland/shade, sedum/dwarf conifers, borders, perennials, annuals, containers, and vertical gardens, to name a few. Descriptive brochures and plant lists are available in the Extension Office or in the garden. Penny is happy to answer questions and give you a tour.
Don’t forget to come back when the garden is in bloom or for the MG plant sale on May 2. Enjoy!
Call 425-357-6010 to talk to a Master Gardener (MG).
Washington State University Extension trains MGs in scientific gardening methods.
Or visit the Master Gardener Walk-In Diagnostic Clinic at the McCollum Park Demo Garden & Extension Office, 600 -128th St. SE, Everett 98208.
Winter Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mon. – Thurs., except holidays, Nov. 24-28, & Dec. 22-Jan. 2.