If you are looking for the perfect Spring DIY starter landscape project, we would like to suggest the design pictured on the left.

Determine the condition of your soil, amount of light available and moisture content.  This design works well in full sun to part shade, protected from the hot afternoon sun.  We recommend the use of soil conditioning mulch for best results. Follow the directions found under the Square Foot Calculator Tab to determine the amount of soil conditioner and mulch that will be required for this project.  We carry Garden Majic Top Soil, Jolly Gardener Soil Conditioner and many other products. 

Good organic soil is the key to vigorous root systems.  Once the plant is in the ground it is difficult (if not impossible) to improve the soil quality.  Amend clay soils for all plants with soil conditioner.  Amend rocky-sandy soil for all plants that require organic, rich or moist soil with peatmoss or compost.  When amending soil, mix at a one to one ratio.  Your Best Feeds consultant can recommend the best soil conditioner for your needs.  

Three plants are used in this design:  Burgundy lace - Japanese maple (bottom right corner), Sedum (lower left corner) and Aegopodium  (under tree).  The tree in the background is a mature River Birch.  

Remove plants from car as soon as possible to prevent injury from rapid heat buildup. Keep roots moist until ready to plant.  Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and almost as deep.  Remove plants from container and lightly loosen the roots with your hands.  Place plant in hole and insure that top of the rootball is is slightly higher than the soil around it.  Add diluted mixture of root stimulant per product directions.  

Myke Tree and Shrub Transplanter or Espoma Tree Tone work great.  Insure the soil slopes away for the crown of the plant.  Apply mulch about 2" thick to retain moisture and retard weed growth.  Go lightly around the trunk area!  Create a water retention mulch ring around the plant to insure proper watering.  Make sure the plant gets a good soaking 2-3 times per week.

And don't forget to protect your new investment with one of our selection of deer repellants: Deer Scram, Preda Scent - a natural garden mask or Espoma Dried Blood.  If you would like an alternative to products that must be repeatedly applied, we have a new electronic deer repeller - Deer Guard.

Stop by one of our two locations to purchase any of the products mentioned above or to speak to one of our trained consultants. 

Helping People, Plants and Nature Live Together