As you begin your spring cleanup and planning, think about how water works in your yard and the needs of your plants, including trees and shrubs.
How does water behave in your yard? Do you have an area that’s consistently wet or dry?
Don’t fight your site. Look for varieties that thrive in those conditions.
Get to know the water needs of your plants. Some can handle a moist area and some do best with good drainage.
Where is your hose? We’ve got plenty of moisture now, but come July, rains tend to peter out. Placing containers in easy reach of hoses or watering cans makes far less work for you.
Think about placing a bird bath in the midst of plants with high water needs. Between birds splashing about and you refilling the bird bath, those water-craving plants get extra moisture with little effort.
Mulching trees and shrubs keeps weeds away and moisture available. Try winding soaker hoses through your beds under mulch for a simple solution to getting water to plant roots easily without losing it to evaporation.
With a little planning, you can keep yourself and your garden happy.
Garden Tip is courtesy of Heather Prince, The Growing Place, 630-355-4000, www.thegrowingplace.com.
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