GARDEN PLANS

[THE PLAN]

BEGINNER GARDEN
FOR SHADE
Now, anyone can enjoy a perennial shade garden
with this selection of foolproof plants.

A E

C D

PLANT C 5 FALSE
LAYOUT DIAGRAM (each square = 1 foot)

LIST FORGET-ME-NOT
(Brunnera macro-
phylla) Zones 4–8

A 1 WITCHHAZEL D 6 FALSE SPIREA

(Hamamelis (Astilbe chinensis
x intermedia) ‘Visions’) Zones 4–7
Zones 5–9
E 6 SOLOMON’S
B 9 HOSTA SEAL (Polygonatum
(Hosta ‘Patriot’) odoratum ‘Variega-
Zones 3–9 tum’) Zones 3–8

Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation

GARDEN PLANS

swath of masonry or

TIPS FOR INSTALLING

stone set even with the
surrounding soil to act
as a mowing strip.

YOUR GARDEN
Mulching: Mulch your
garden after planting.
Mulch conserves
moisture, cools the
soil, and protects
against water runoff
BEFORE YOU BEGIN After your bed is prepared, water it thoroughly and and erosion. Organic
Preparation is the key to creating a garden that wait a week. This will allow weed seeds to germinate. mulches such as
will offer a lifetime of pleasure. Before you head Pull these seedlings or dig them back into the soil. Or shredded bark need
to the nursery, review all garden plan materials. spray them with an herbicide. Follow the instructions to be topped off every
Ask yourself the following questions: on the packaging, including the time to wait after couple of years as the
application before planting. mulch decays. Mulches
Do I have a suitable spot for this plan?
such as crushed stone
The layout diagram shows the dimensions for the PLANTING are more permanent,
plan. In general, you can enlarge or reduce the If you have all of your plants on hand, keep them but they do not improve
size of the garden by adding or eliminating plants, in their pots and set them out on the planting bed. your soil over time.
although the character of the garden may change This will give you a preview of how the bed will look,
if you alter the size dramatically. CARE TIPS
and allow you to make adjustments before digging
any holes. The first season of
Do I have the right growing conditions?
growth is the most
Check the plant list to see if the plan will do best in When you are satisfied with the placement, plant critical. Water thor-
sun, part shade, or full shade. Be sure that the plants your garden from largest to smallest container (usually oughly every other day
are suited to your USDA Zone. trees first, then shrubs, perennials, and finally annuals). for the first two weeks,
then give your garden
Do I need to amend my soil?
Tree-Planting Tips: Dig a hole that’s twice as about an inch of water
Most plants thrive in moist, but well-drained soil. wide as the pot or root ball but no deeper. If the tree a week for the rest of
If you have soil with lots of sand or clay, amend it is potted, loosen the soil slightly around the roots, then the season. The
liberally with lots of organic matter, such as compost. place the tree into the planting hole. For balled-and- following year, you
burlapped trees, loosen the burlap after the tree is in can let nature take its
Is my soil’s pH and fertility okay?
the hole. Cut away as much of the burlap as possible. course, supplementing
If you’re unsure, inquire about testing at your county’s
When the tree is in place and straight, fill the hole dry periods with deep
extension service office. Follow the recommendations
one-third with soil, tap firmly to make good contact watering. You should
that come with your test results. If you need to correct
between roots and soil, then water. Repeat twice more also be diligent about
the soil’s pH (how acid or alkaline the soil is) or fertility.
until the hole is filled. Water the tree thoroughly by weeding your bed
CREATE THE BED letting a hose run slowly for 30 minutes. during the first year. As
To lay out your bed, use a garden hose to mark the plants mature and
the outline. (Or sprinkle flour along the hose for Shrub-Planting Tips: Plant shrubs in a hole that’s fill in, there will be fewer
a more temporary mark.). Using a sharp spade, dig about twice the diameter of the root ball. The top opportunities for weeds
along the marked line to set the edge of your bed. of the root ball should be slightly above the surround- to grow. A thick layer
If the spot is currently covered by lawn, remove the ing soil level. Backfill with garden soil, taping firmly of mulch will also help
sod using a straight-edged shovel or sod cutter. To to ensure a contact between soil and roots. Water keep weeds in check.
make this easier, wet the area thoroughly, then use immediately by slowly running a hose at the shrub’s
the shovel to cut the lawn into strips that are the base for about 20 minutes. Most plants will thrive
width of the shovel and about 3 feet long. (Sharpen with minimal care. If you
Perennial- and Annual-Planting Tips: Set these need to prune trees or
the edge of your shovel frequently with a file.) Use
plants in soil at the same level they were growing shrubs to maintain their
the shovel to pry up and roll back the strips of sod.
in the pot. Firm the soil around each plant with your shape or size, do it in
Once the sod is removed, loosen the underlying soil
hands, then water thoroughly. late winter before
with a shovel or a power tiller.
growth has started.
Regardless of how you prepare your bed, use this FINISHING TOUCHES The exception to this
opportunity to mix in organic matter (such as compost, Edging: Beds and borders are easier to maintain general rule is
peat moss, or rotted manure) and loosen the soil at if they’re edged to keep surrounding grass or weeds spring-flowering shrubs
least 6 inches deep. Don’t mix in fertilizer unless your from growing in. Choose plastic, metal, stone, or like lilacs that should be
soil test shows a need; in general, excessive amounts brick—whatever you prefer.If you have lawn around pruned immediately
of fertilizer will do more harm than good. your bed, consider adding a 6- to 12 inch-wide after flowering.

Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation