Though it’s still cold here in the Washington, D.C. area, spring will be here before we know it. To help you with warm thoughts during these chilly days, consider taking some time to pre-plan your spring flowerbeds.
Determine Your Budget
While it’s easy to let your mind run wild, it’s time to be realistic. Installing flowerbeds and completing landscaping projects take time, but they can also cost a substantial amount of money. This is especially true if you don’t pre-plan your budget.
Before planning out your flowerbeds, determine how much you can spend on the project. If you’re planning on DIYing this project, you’ll have more room in your budget for plants, mulch, soil, and tools you might need. If you’re going to hire the pros—like the ones at 410 Lawn Guy in Gambrills, Maryland—your budget may need to be larger and won’t stretch as far.
Plan Out Your Flowerbeds
Now that you’ve got your budget laid out, it’s time to plan out your flowerbeds. Do you have a goal for your beds, like adding more curb appeal to your home, upgrading your existing beds, or adding in brand new raised beds? Whatever you decide, now is the time to take stock of what you have and need to do to achieve your desired look.
Consider Your Foliage
Are you looking to plant fruits and vegetables to supplement your grocery bill this summer? Maybe you want a bright, vibrant bed of annuals to make your home pop. And, of course, planting some native perennials is a great way to attract the birds and bees to help everything pollinate. Draw out your bed design and think about how to arrange your beds to ensure all the plants you want can fit in the area, and you’re putting your plants in the right locations for sun and shade.
Start Shopping
Unless you’re starting from seeds, it’s not quite time to buy now. But now is the perfect time to shop, either in person or online, to price out the actual cost of creating your vision. When you’re ready to buy, you’ll have all the information you need to get your plants and start planting.
Get to Work
By now, you’re probably getting close to the last freeze and thawing ground. It’s time to cut back dead plant growth and prune what’s remaining in your garden. Cutting back stems will stimulate new plant growth, and pulling out what’s no longer needed will make room for new plants.
After you’re done, rake out all the debris and put them off to the side of your yard in case any pollinators are overwintering there. You can also pull weeds to prepare for composting, fertilizing, planting, and mulching. If the soil has compacted over the winter, you may need to till or turn it to prepare it for planting. Broken down bits of leaves and garden debris can be tilled under to compost and enrich the soil.
Set Up New Beds
If you’re putting in new beds, prepare the ground for the boxes, pots, and whatever else you’re using to create your new landscape. Once it’s complete, the fun part begins! Time to get planting!
When It’s Time for the Pros
If the thought of planning and executing your spring flowerbeds doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to call in the pros. At 410 Lawn Guy in Gambrills, Maryland, we can help you every step of the way. No project is too big or small, and we love working with local homeowners to make their landscape pop. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.
