How Does Your Garden Grow? Strategies To Make It Grow Better

How Does Your Garden Grow? Strategies To Make It Grow Better

Each garden is a little bit different. Personal taste, wind effect, sun exposure, soil type, even the neighbour's pets can all impinge on your home turf. Choosing plants that will grow well under your conditions and that will suit your taste and lifestyle is very important.

Rather than complaining "No grass grows beneath my tree" (it won't if the tree foliage is too dense), try another strategy. There are many shade-tolerant, decorative plants that will also benefit from the protection of the tree. Instead of straggly grass, cover the shaded area with decorative pebbles or bark chips. This will prevent soil splash on planters and also will act as a mulch, allowing tree roots access to moisture and air. Plant portable containers with Impatiens, Coleus, Ferns, or Begonias and arrange these planters in an attractive manner on the mulch. Foliage or flower, such planters will add an attractive note to an otherwise rather dull place.

Problem with a very well-drained sandy soil?-You can spend a fortune on soil amelioration, risk fines by watering during droughts or you can go with the natural rhythm of your garden and plant drought resistant plants like Portulaca, Sempervivums, and Sedums. Or you can plant out your cactus and succulent collection come spring and enjoy their natural beauty until fall. Remember that frequent light watering may discourage deep, substantial root development. If you must have a lawn, remember that a deep watering every week to 10 days is more beneficial that a light sprinkling daily. It is normal for grasses to yellow and go dormant during a hot, dry spell. A good root system will help the grass through the bad times.

Cats digging up those carefully planted beans? Soft earth is a drawing card for cats that have to dig, come rain or shine. Rather than driving yourself or your spouse and kids 'round the bend shooing cats - and engaging your cat-loving neighbour's wrath, practice strategies making it difficult to dig in that oh so soft earth. Branches placed over newly planted ground make it difficult to dig let alone to set a spell. Or place boards between planted rows. Even the most desperate puddy will give up in disgust.

How does your garden grow? Plan now for those important observations and decisions. GOOD GARDENING!

Marilyn H.S. Light

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

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