Spring Garden Tips and Inspiration from North Georgia
May in Georgia is a beautiful time; blooms are bountiful, and the summer heat hasn't settled in for the long haul yet. It's also the perfect time to get out and work in the garden, or visit other gardens for ideas and inspiration.
And, while it may be hard to pick a favorite flower or plant, there are some that stand out, not just for their showy blooms or colorful foliage, but for their hardiness and ease of care. When you choose plants for your landscape, consider where you will site them and who their companions will be. Create scenes in living color. Do a little research, find out what conditions your plants require and make your selections accordingly. Experiment with combinations of flowers and foliage.
Roses
When it comes to roses, there are myriad choices, but a few are easy to grow for gardeners of all types, including beginners. A vigorous climber, Rosa ‘New Dawn’ offers masses of soft pink fragrant blooms in May and shiny green foliage that looks good all season. A robust variety, ‘New Dawn’ requires a substantial support. At Gibbs Gardens, once this rose finishes flowering in late May, the foliage creates a canopy of shade that is appreciated all summer. At the base of the rose arbor, annuals and perennials provide additional color from early spring through fall.
Knockout roses are also easy to grow whether you plant them in mass or incorporate a few into your garden. For the best effect, pair them with Japanese maples, conifers and shrubs, including hydrangeas. Fertilize them in early spring and make sure to keep them watered, especially during the hot summer months. Roses perform best in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Perennial Favorites
Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) has willow-like foliage. From spring through fall, it dances in the breeze, adding motion to the garden. The pale blue flowers are charming in spring, and in autumn the foliage glows golden yellow. Site this plant in full sun or part shade and give it room to grow. It will quickly reach 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
A variegated selection of Japanese iris (Iris ensata) offers striking green and white foliage for months and stunning purple blooms that last for weeks. Site it along the edge of a pond or in the garden, but make sure it gets consistent moisture. Before and after it flowers, the foliage provides a strong vertical accent.
Double Japanese Aster (Kalimeris pinnatifida ‘Hortensis’) grows 2-3 feet tall and wide, and is covered with double-white aster-like blooms. This tough guy grows in full sun or part-shade. Pair it with roses and other annuals and perennials.
Hydrangeas
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a great native hydrangea that produces large white cone-shaped blooms in May. Plant it where it will receive plenty of bright light. Although it will tolerate full sun, it is happier if it is protected from hot afternoon. Underplant oakleaf hydrangeas with shade-loving perennials like variegated Solomon's Seal, ferns and hellebores.
Annabelle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’) bloom later in May or in June, depending on weather and other factors. The large lacy white flowers (mophead types) brighten up the shade garden and last for weeks. Miniature acorus or dwarf mondo provide a colorful carpet under Annabelles.
These are some of the tried and true plants that promise to please in spring. For more ideas about what to plant in your garden, visit public gardens in Georgia. The North Georgia Garden Trail is a great place to start, with 26 public gardens across North Georgia, including Gibbs Gardens. For more information, visit www.gibbsgardens.com.
