Here at Anna's, we have a true appreciation for the stories that each season brings. Knowing that good things take time, growth comes with its share of sunshine and water, and that change will forever be a part of life that we should embrace.
As we transition from winter into spring, this is always a time we get dreamy about our garden plans. In March, you can find us getting lost in Pinterest and Instagram garden posts, pondering the stories we hope to tell with our garden in the year ahead.
There are so many different types of gardens you can choose to grow, from an herb garden to be used in spices, teas, or sauces to a cut-flower garden with the intention of always having fresh flowers to wake up to each morning in the Summer.
Your garden should be an extension of you and your interests, whether thats cooking and hosting gatherings using ingredient froms your garden bed or simply enjoying the looks of a wild-flower garden and all the pollinators it attracts to your yard. Be inspired, get your hands in the dirt, and have fun along the way - we can't wait to see your garden story!
Grow: Cut-Flower Garden
If you're anything like us, you've likely dreamt of growing a cut-flower garden of your own - heading out at sunrise with a basket in the curve of your arm and garden shears in hand. Snipping fresh flowers each week to put in different corners of your home or to surprise loved ones with "just because".
So this year why not bring those dreams to reality by creating a list of some of your favourite garden blooms and gathering some seeds and having a go at growing blooms of your own!
Here are some key things to consider when planning a Cut-Flower Garden:
1) Location: Flowers need plenty of sun and rich, well-drained soil. Be sure to prep the site before planting by loosening the soil and digging in some compost and a slow-release flower fertilizer.
2) Layout: Pay close attention to the growth size and spacing on the seed packets when deciding where you plant your seeds. Organize your cut flower garden so that the tallest plants are at the back of bed, medium-sized in the middle and short at the front. Some plants require netting, trellis or stakes for support - take that into consideration.
3) Timing: While many annual can be directly sown in the garden in late spring, planting seedlings can give you a head-start on the season. Read the seed packet for detailed growing information.
Hoping for non-stop beautiful blooms? The key is succession planting. After a few weeks of intense blooming, the flower production of many annuals declines or the bloom size shrinks. Plant fresh seeds every two to three weeks to ensure a steady supply of large bountiful flowers.
4) Maintenance:
- Consistent watering is key in ensuring the best blooms on your flowers.
- Never leave dead flowers on the plants.
- Many young annuals benefit from pinching to encourage branching and production of longer stems for bouquets. Use your finger or pruners to remove the growing tip when they are 10-12" tall, pinching back to a healthy set of leaves.
- Feed the plants every 2-3 weeks with a liquid organic flower fertilizer
Source: https://savvygardening.com/cut-flower-garden/
Grow: A Kitchen Garden
If you've been thinking of creating a kitchen garden of your own - one that produces fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs for delicious, healthy meals- we have everything you could need to get it started! Whether you're hoping to start plants from seeds or with baby plants - with each coming week more and more will become available here at Anna's to get your raised garden bed producing food in no time!
Here are some things to consider when growing a Kitchen Garden:
1) Location: The best location for a kitchen garden is one receiving full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day), and one where the soil drains well. Tip: If no puddles remain a few hours after a good rain, you know your site drains well.
2) Start Small: Not sure if you want to create garden beds in your yard? Container gardening is a great option when it comes to growing a kitchen garden - don't be afraid to start small for a few years to decide whether you want to invest in a garden bed.
3) Plant What You Like to Eat: Reflect on your eating patterns in the summer- what do you crave? What would be beneficial financially for you to cut out from buying at the grocery store each week if it was growing in your backyard? Experiment with varieties of the same type of fruit/vegetable to see what grows best in your garden bed instead of growing produce you won't enjoy.
4) Mulch: It plays three main roles: It deters weeds, helps retain moisture, and adds organic matter to the soil as it decays. Apply it to the pathways between your garden beds and around all of your plants.
5) Water, Water, Water: Fruits and vegetables are made mostly of water, so you’ll need to make sure your plants are getting enough to drink. This is especially important for seedlings that haven’t developed a deep root structure. You’ll want to water them lightly every day or two.
Source: https://seedmoney.org/blog/kitchen-gardening-101-how-to-grow-your-own-food/
Here at Anna's we carry a wide assortment of seeds and bulbs for every type of garden dream you can think of! Different brands with different offerings - unique to a variety of gardener's needs. You can shop many of our seeds online by clicking the link below but for our full offering be sure to shop in-store!
