(NC)-Gardening not only connects us to planet Earth, but allows us to enjoy the many fruits of our labour with colourful blooms all season long. Prior to planting, The Home Depot Canada has put together tips to help you plan and cultivate your garden oasis.
It's all in the plan. To determine what types of plants to grow, scope out the area to see how much wind and sunshine it receives. Next, observe key elements of good landscape design including proportion and repetition. For variety, consider a three-tier design with tall, upright plants in the back, bushy medium plants in the middle and trailing plants in the front.
Perennial power. Perennials have staying power, dying off in the fall, but returning in the Spring. They require minimal care and thrive for decades. The secret: plant a mix of perennials with different blooming times so you'll have colour in your garden from Spring to Fall.
Herb aroma. Creating and growing a small herb garden is an easy Mother's Day activity for the entire family. Herbs from the garden provide fresh flavour to home cooked meals, add a pleasant aroma to the backyard and can be easily contained. Think vertical and maximize space by hanging a pot of herbs from a hook or use growing poles for vine vegetables.
Try xeriscaping. This is an environmentally friendly form of landscaping that uses a variety of indigenous and drought-tolerant plants, shrubs and ground cover. This self-sustaining garden is low maintenance because the native plants thrive in their local environment, providing a habitat for local wildlife.
Eco maintenance. Rich compost is one of the best things you can feed your garden. Using a compost bin creates a cozy place for micro-organisms to convert organic waste into a soil-like substance. Also, consider using a rain barrel that connects directly to your eavestrough downspout and take advantage of the season's downpours while saving on water.
For more gardening tips visit homedepot.ca or The Home Depot in your community.
-News Canada