Lake Oconee Breeze

In the Garden

March 30, 2011

Seasonal color beds require thought investment

By Gary Pike Lake Oconee Breeze

LAKE OCONEE — Now is the time to start preparing your seasonal color beds. This is a very important step to do if you want healthy, beautiful annual color. For best results mix mushroom compost, planting mix, topsoil, soil conditioner and your existing soil together to create the rich soil mix which annuals require. Next, mound up the soil mix so that water can drain off and not sit in the planting beds. Excess water can cause root rot that will eventually kill the plant. Once the seasonal color is planted, mulch the planting beds to keep weeds out and more moisture in the soil.

Seasonal color can add an incredible amount of color to your landscaping since they usually bloom throughout the growing season. They can accent your walkway, the entrance to your home’s driveway, patio areas, lakefront and pool areas or container gardens. There are many types of seasonal color to choose from. For shady areas, try Impatience, Coleus, Caladiums or green-leaf Begonia to name a few. For sunny areas there are many to choose from such as Geraniums, Lantana, Begonias, Vinca, Daisies, Petunias, Million Bells, Verbina, New Guinea Impatience, Dusty Miller, Marigolds, sun-hardy Coleus, Dianthus, Blue Daze and Gerber Daisies. Many of these varieties come in several colors. Seasonal color plants are available in different growth habits. By using the correct variety, you can have different layers in your planting area with different leaf textures and flower colors. Come by the garden center and see what is available to add brilliant color to your yard. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a garden professional. Bring a picture of the beds you need plants for so that you can picture different plants and varieties in them.

Happy gardening.

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