Protecting plants
I’m always on the lookout for decorative wire containers or open-weaved baskets to use as plant protectors for new or delicate plantings in my garden. I simply flip the basket upside down and place it over a young plant or newly emerging spring perennial. I discovered this idea many years ago and started collecting attractive pieces that would not only protect tender plants, but look good in the garden even before a plant has come out of winter dormancy. Decorative plant protectors are perfect for covering a hellebore or hosta that is growing in a spot where the neighbor’s dog insists on cutting through a garden bed. They give all sorts of plants the chance to develop a full set of leaves. They might otherwise succumb to nibbling by cats, deer or rabbits.
Take measurements
Before you go to the nursery to shop for plants, take the measurement of each area you are planting. Multiply the length of the area by the width to find the complete size of the space. A five by ten foot bed is fifty square feet. If you are adding to an established border, count the gaps you need to fill. Measure the individual spaces to decide whether or not there is room for more than one plant in each space.
Rather than buying one or two plants at a time and coming up with a hodge-podge of colors and shapes, buy the majority of your annual plants at one time. Shop at more than one nursery if necessary but keep this year’s planting plan consistent. While shopping, keep in mind the conditions of different areas of the garden, whether sunny, shady, dry or wet. Later, when you see a bargain or spot a plant you simply have to have, buy it and add it as a highlight to your established garden picture.
Robb Rosser is a WSU-certified master gardener. Reach him at Write2Robb@aol.com