Brandon Twp.-Spring has arrived and with it, green thumbs appear.
The sun is shining, plants are sprouting, flowers are blooming and the scent of soil hangs in the air on a recent afternoon at Wojo’s Greenhouse.
The nursery will officially open by April 9, when they host ‘The Art and Science of SmartGarden,? a program to help gardeners choose the best plants for their yard conditions.
Now is the time to begin planning your garden, says Lisa Kemeny, perennial manager and landscape designer for Wojo’s. She offers several suggestions for gardeners:
Measure the site.
Kemeny says the biggest mistake gardeners make is not allowing plants, trees or shrubs enough room.
‘Do your research and homework so you know to have enough room,? she said.
Some vegetables such as corn and pumpkins require a lot of room to grow. Other vegetables like peas, beans and cucumbers can be grown vertically on a trellis to create space.
Prep the soil.
Soil can be worked once it has dried out, which Kemeny estimates will be around mid-April. Soil worked before then is too compact.
Once temperatures have warmed the ground enough, it can be tilled. Kemeny notes that most of the soil in the area is alkaline? sand or clay. Compost or sphagnum peat moss can be used to create the ideal environment for plants.
Choose plants.
The decisions here largely rest upon sun and shade. Kemeny reminds gardeners that the trees are leafless still and that allowances for this must be made. Full sun is considered eight hours or more, partial sun is four to eight hours and anything under four hours of sun is considered shade.
Impatiens, hostas and ferns are popular shade plants. Petunias, marigolds, and cosmos are some of the popular sun varieties.
Water often.
Another common problem for gardeners, Kemeny says, is failure to water plants, trees and shrubs often enough. Soil should be kept moist, but not wet.
Experiment.
‘Don’t be afraid to try something new,? says Kemeny, who urges gardeners to come in before the May rush to get the most specialized attention from staff. ‘This is supposed to be fun. The great thing is, plants can be moved if they’re not happy.?
Wojo’s has expanded their product line this year. More than 150 new varieties of perennials are available, adding to more than 200,000 plants.
Registrations are now being taken for ‘The Art and Science of SmartGarden.? The event is from 1-4 p.m. April 9 at Wojo’s Greenhouse, 2570 Oakwood Road.
The fee for the class is $25. Details: (248) 627-6498 or go online at www.gardeninginstitute.com