the long run to minimize future
weeding and remove competition
for nutrients.
Speaking of nutrients, it is
necessary to amend the existing
soil with a good-quality planting
soil. Organic matter, like compost
or Canadian peat, nourishes any
3. Take your lifestyle
kind of soil and encourages bet-
into consideration.
ter plant health and growth. I rec-
Before planting a labor-intensive,
ommend a good-quality starter
massive garden, honestly assess
Glen G oldberg
fertilizer for all new plantings to
if you have the time and desire
Gard ening
help establish them in the land-
to maintain that space. While no
Colu mnist
scape, but before you choose to
garden is truly maintenance-free
fertilize in general, get a soil test
(unless you hire it out), certain
to determine the existing pH and what nutri-
garden designs, like a cottage garden, can
capitalize on a wild beauty that won't require ents may be lacking. You can get too much of
a good thing.
daily pruning like a formal French-inspired
garden would. Select a mix of evergreens for
Laying the proper groundwork when
winter interest, flowering shrubs, and always
planning a garden is as important as build-
add annuals in the garden or containers for
ing a strong foundation for a house. If you
spots of great color all summer.
skip any of the steps above, your new plant-
ings may still sustain until early summer, but
4. Prep before planting.
you will likely find yourself in a quandary
So you've considered your space, figured out
come July. And if you've labored to plant all
what species will thrive in your yard and
those things, you don't want to be back at
factored in your lifestyle and personal style.
the garden center a few months later looking
You might feel ready to break ground, but
for a re-do. Instead, take the extra time to do
there's still a little prep that needs to happen
it right the first time through, and then sit
before you plant. Remove weeds and grass,
back, relax and enjoy the view. ❑
including the roots. Although this may seem
like an arduous task, it will be helpful in
have the necessary room it needs
five years from now? Will it dwarf
the plantings around it once ifs
full grown? Answer all those
questions before you grab your
shovel.
Tips for starting a new garden.
D
oes spring fever have you itching
to get out and get gardening? But
what if your enthusiasm is greater
than your green thumb? Glen Goldberg,
owner of Four Seasons Garden Center and
Custom Landscape Services in Oak Park,
Birmingham and 'Traverse City, offers a few
pointers to get a professional-grade garden.
1. Plan ahead.
Flat ground is best for beginning garden-
ers so keep this in mind as you select your
garden spots. In addition to level ground,
sun exposure is a key factor as you pick
your plants' locations. South-facing gardens
get more sun than north-facing gardens so
plants that need more light versus shade
should be positioned accordingly.
2. Do some research.
Just like you need to know if your garden
is going to get blasted by the summer sun,
you must know which plants and flowers
will flourish in your garden's conditions. If
you put petunias in the shade, they won't
last long. But if you stick a hosta in the sun,
it'll wither before you know it. Being aware
of the conditions each plant favors is key.
Your research doesn't stop there. Find out the
anticipated size of the mature plant; will it
We are a custom
landscape compan y
specializing in na
ral lalidseapin
Serving Ciaklan
County for 20 years.
Only.the finest
,artistic 'ability in
Expert Landscaping
by Award-Winning Aaron C. Kalmar
„
-‘•
36
April 12 2012
248) 820-7531
4