Perennial plants have a lifespan of multiple years, reemerging each growing season. Examples include hostas, daylilies, and most trees and shrubs. Annual plants, on the other hand, complete their entire life cycle within a single growing season and require replanting each year. Examples of annuals include impatiens, marigolds, and petunias. Perennials are considered a long-term investment in your garden, while annuals offer consistent color throughout the growing season.

Deciduous plants shed their leaves during autumn and winter, providing seasonal variety and allowing increased sunlight penetration during colder months, which is beneficial for south-facing windows. Evergreen plants retain their foliage year-round, offering constant privacy, wind protection, and winter visual interest. For optimal year-round appeal, most landscapes benefit from incorporating both deciduous and evergreen varieties.

Blooming plants produce flowers and are typically selected for their colorful displays. Examples include roses, petunias, and flowering trees. Non-blooming plants are cultivated for their foliage, structure, or other characteristics. Examples include hostas, ferns, and most evergreen shrubs. To determine a plant's blooming characteristics, examine the plant tags and consult our staff for information about bloom times, colors, and duration.

Plants that thrive in acidic soil (pH below 7) include blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and most conifers. Plants well-suited to alkaline soil (pH above 7) include lavender, clematis, lilacs, and many herbs. The majority of plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Plants that thrive in full sun conditions, receiving six or more hours of direct sunlight daily, include roses, tomatoes, most annuals, and flowering perennials. Shade-loving plants, which require less than four hours of direct sunlight, include hostas, ferns, astilbe, and impatiens. Plants suitable for partial shade can tolerate between four to six hours of sun exposure. To determine the light conditions in your garden, observe the area throughout the day.

Newly planted specimens require daily watering for the initial week, after which the frequency should be gradually reduced. Established plants typically need approximately one inch of water per week. To assess soil moisture, insert your finger about two inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. It's advisable to water deeply but less frequently to promote deep root growth.

To promote increased blooming, regularly remove spent flowers, a process known as deadheading. Utilize fertilizers with higher phosphorus content, which are designed to boost blooming. Ensure plants receive adequate sunlight and proper watering. Some plant varieties benefit from early-season pinching, which encourages a bushier growth habit and more abundant flowers.

Cool-season annuals are suitable for planting in early spring and fall. Warm-season annuals should be planted after the risk of frost has passed. Perennials are best planted in spring or fall when they can establish their root systems before extreme temperatures occur. Spring planting provides the longest growing season for plant establishment.

For heat-tolerant options that bloom throughout the warm season, consider marigolds, zinnias, vinca, and salvia. Cool-season choices include pansies and snapdragons. To achieve continuous color, plant cool-season annuals in spring and fall, interspersed with heat-tolerant varieties for summer blooming.

Indeed, our experienced team is available to assist with landscape design consultations. We offer professional guidance to help you create the garden of your dreams.