The azaleas at Callaway Gardens (picture via eHow)
Say your goodbyes to your winter coat; warmer weather is on the way, and it’s time to start thinking Spring thoughts— that means flowers! Don’t know where to start? Patricia Collins, the Director of Gardens at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA, one of the largest and most spectacular gardens in the world, comes to your rescue with her professional planting advice! Try these tips to get your garden started the right way:
1. It’s all about the soil.
“Soil preparation is number one! In the Southeast especially, where we have heavy clay soils, adding mulch and compost for nutrients is very important.” Patricia said. Organics like mulch and compost not only add nutrients, but control the temperature and water loss. How do you know if your soil has the correct amount of nutrients? “Most of us don’t do this, but do a soil test. It’s a $3 to $5 nominal charge. Contact your local county Extension Agent for details. You can find out what you need to add to the soil, depending on what you want to grow.” Patricia said.
2. Go back to your roots.
“Plants like azaleas are very shallow rooted, and many of us make the mistake of planting them too deeply. Don’t add mounds of mulch to them every year, or the roots will become too deep or every five years or so remove the old mulch and replace with new .” Patricia said. She also notes that it’s important not to plant other plants too closely after they are established because it will damage the roots.
3. Location, Location, Location
Make sure you’re planting the right plants in the right places. “There are sun lovers, and there are shade lovers. Herbs are usually sun lovers,” Patricia noted. She suggests starting with easier plants, ones that are common and don’t need a lot of maintenance, then moving on to the more difficult plants that need more attention.
Want more of Patricia’s tips to get your garden blooming beautifully? You’re in luck! Callaway Gardens invites you to talk with her and other Gardening Gurus, amongst 20,000 azalea plants. On March 25, pick the brains of garden greats like Erica Glasener, a horticulturist and author who has hosted HGTV’s, “A Gardener’s Diary.”
Glasener will be joined by horticultural experts on an in-depth question and answer panel including David Chambers, manager of Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden at Callaway Gardens; Helen Phillips, manager of Garden Solutions Garden Center of LaGrange, GA,; and Ernest Koone III of Lazy K Nursery and Garden Delights Garden Center.
So what’s the occasion? It’s the kick-off of Callaway Gardens’ annual “Celebrate Spring!” weekend events! Here’s what else is in store:
- Gardening in the Gardens, March 26-27, 2011 Enjoy a weekend of gardening activities, including the Annual Plant Fair & Sale.
- Sounds of the Gardens, April 2-3, 2011- Appreciate the sounds of the gardens with bird watching and demonstrations.
- Flavors of the Gardens – April 9-10, 2011- Tasting and cooking the freshest way!
- Colors of the Gardens April 16-17 – The artistic side of the garden.
- Renewal in the Gardens, April 23-24 – A time for renewal with Easter activities and events.
To view all weekend details, visit: http://www.callawaygardens.com/gardens/events/spring.aspx
Ready to impress your neighbors with your plant proficiency? Book your trip to Callaway Gardens, and learn more at http://www.callawaygardens.com/ .
Happy Gardening!
Mother Nature & Partners 