Spring is the time to start digging in the garden in preparation for an explosion of colours that will grace the garden until fall. Spring is the time when perennials such as hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, iris and others flowering trees start to come alive as they slowly emerge from the soil. It is also that time of the year to plant seeds that will produce blooms until fall. However, not all plants thrive the moment they are planted in spring. plants look stunning next to garden fountains

Early Spring Seeding

Early spring can still bring some snow so it is best to know which plants are hardy enough to endure frost. One can actually start planting seeds in pots indoors and then transplant them outside in the garden after the last frost date. Bachelor buttons, pinks, petunias and herbs such as mint, parsley, chervil, dill, chives and tarragon are best if planted indoors during early spring. The use of prepared potting soil is recommended. The potting soil must be kept moist until the seeds have sprouted. Once the plants are established, take them outside during the day then indoors at night to get them used to fluctuating temperatures. After 6 weeks, the plants are ready for transplant in the garden. Early spring is also the time to plant vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, artichokes, asparagus, beets and carrots indoors before transplanting them in the garden outside. If you live in an area where the temperature at night during the early spring stays above the freezing point, then it is alright to plant seeds directly in the garden. or next to your stone fountains

Late Spring Planting

Perennials are great plants to have in the garden. Once they are established in the garden, they will thrive on their own without much attention except for the occasional trimming. Late spring is the best time to plant perennials such as yarrow, daisies, fox glove, globe thistle, Echinacea, black-eyed Susans, day lilies, liatris, monarda and phlox to name a few. Summer bulbs such as dahlias, lilies, gladiolas, elephant ears and begonias are best planted in late spring too. Summer bulbs are unlike spring flowering bulbs so they have to be harvested before the first frost in the fall season.

Best Spring Flowers

Lilies are easy to grow. They come in a variety of blooming flowers – early bloomers, mid-season bloomers and late blooming variety. Selecting lilies from each category would ensure blooms in the garden until fall. Lilies are fragrant and come in brilliant colours. It is best to plant lilies in clusters inwell-draining soil and in full sunlight.

Dahlias are easy to grow too. These have bulbs and do not need to be dug up in the fall season to thrive the following spring. However, dahlias must not be planted in direct sunlight. Once in blooms dahlias need a lot of water. To create clusters of dahlias, trim new growth while small. For large blooms, trim the offshoots so the water and plant food can work on growing just one large bulb.

Gladiolus come in colours of red, yellow, green, white, purple and pink. There are also multi-colour blooms that add a special splash of colour in the garden. Gladiolus will thrive best if planted in clusters and in direct sunlight to make them sturdy. The soil should be well-draining. May to June is the best time to plant gladiolas to ensure that they bloom throughout the summer months.