Know your growth zone to start a year-round colorful garden. According to Longwood Gardens outside landscape manager Roger Davis, "understanding your growing zone is the key to selecting plants that will not only survive but thrive in your specific climate conditions.
Before planting, check the flowers' bloom times. "Flowers are fleeting, so it s important to take bloom time into consideration when planting your flower garden," he explains.
Davis believes annuals give appeal to a vibrant year-round garden, but perennials are the foundation. Introduce these one-season plants carefully to cover gaps and provide color to your garden year-round.
A gardener should choose plants with four seasons of appeal. "Seek out shrubs that provide beautiful blooms, lush foliage, captivating autumn color, and beautiful texture during winter," he advises.
Some flowers last a week or two, while some last longer. "Long-blooming flowers are the workhorses of a colorful garden," Davis adds. "Choose varieties like coreopsis and annual salvias that bloom tirelessly, ensuring a continuous display of color from spring to summer."
Winter gardening might be difficult, but there are ways to add color. "Incorporate plants with interesting winter textures such as evergreen shrubs, berry bushes, and ornamental grasses to keep color year-round," Davis adds.
Maintenance is essential for a healthy, blooming garden year-round. Montgomery advises deadheading wasted flowers to keep plants blooming and prevent seed generation. Davis recommends mulching for moisture retention and composting for nutrients and soil health year-round.