It’s that time of year people … gardening season! The time of year when you’re able to express your individuality through colors and arrangements. We believe that having a garden is one of the most relaxing and healthy hobbies to have, not to mention it’s a great way to connect with and give back to nature! With that being said, nurturing a garden is no walk in the park. It takes patience, organization and hard work. To help ensure a beautiful and healthy garden this season, here are a few helpful gardening tips to help get you started.

Know the Size of Your Garden

Any avid gardener knows that giddy feeling that comes about once the season changes from Winter to Spring. It’s hard not to head to the garden center and load your cart up with every bright and colorful flower and shrub you can find. But, it may be wise to pump the breaks. At least until you get a good feel for the size of your garden. Overcrowding is one of the easiest ways to diminish the beauty and look of a garden. No need to fear, though, there are plenty of ways to maximize the space of your garden without compromising on look.

One easy way to get the most out of your garden is to use height instead of width. By utilizing plants such as lilies, globe thistle or small trees, you’ll be able to save more space for ground-covering flowers. Also, don’t be afraid to use a variety of potted plants once your garden space runs out!

If your trying to increase the appearance size of your garden, try using cool colors. As a rule, remember that hot colors like red and yellow are typically used to make a space feel more intimate and enclosed, while cool colors like blue and purple will make a smaller space feel larger.

Control Weeds

Weeds … a garden’s arch nemesis. Once they pop up, they’ll run a muck through your garden, leaving nothing but a mess behind. This is why it’s important to take steps early on to prevent them from sprouting at all. There are two proven ways to prevent weeds from taking over your garden; liners and mulch.

The key to having a healthy and weed-free garden is to contain moisture in the soil. By using a liner, not only will you block weeds from sprouting, but you’ll be able to trap moisture in the soil, providing a healthy environment for your plants. Similarly, mulch is a great backup in case a weed happens to make it past the liner. Every Spring at The Wellington, we’ll do our part in preventing weeds by mulching your garden for you! All you’ll need is the liner, plants and some old-fashioned elbow grease.

Coordinate Color Schemes

Once you’ve ensured protection from weeds, the next step is picking out a color scheme. There are a multitude of color schemes that can portray the exact look and feel you’re going for. Here are some tried and true color combinations to grab the attention of the neighbors:

Red and Yellow – Looking for a bold pop of color? Try the combination of red and yellow to brighten up your arrangement.

Green and White – The ranch dressing of the flower world, green and white go with everything! Feel free to pair these colors with boldly-colored plants.

Pink and Blue – Not only is this combination easy on the eyes, but it’s easy to find. With so many options to select from with these colors, the possibilities are endless.

At The Wellington, we know how important having your own personal space can be, which is why nearly every one of our apartments has it’s own garden area. Just remember, when it’s all said and done, your garden is a reflection of you and your personality. Make it fun and express yourself! As the witty Joe Dirt would say, “Life’s a garden, dig it!”

If you or a loved one are interested in making a change to an affordable and family-oriented senior living community, contact The Wellington for a free tour!