The arrival of spring showers in new ideas on how to beautify our small yard. I am a novice gardener but my green thumb is itching to dig in the dirt soon, regardless. There is something special about changing a plot of dirt into a colorful array of flowering plants, especially after a long, cold winter. I still have much to learn when it comes to growing hardy perennials and annuals but am excited to get out my shovel and trowel in the coming weeks to transform more areas around our home into blooming flower beds.
Win a Garden Consultation from Birds & Blooms
Whether you are a beginner, like me, or a seasoned landscaper, there is a current contest prize a gardener at any level would appreciate. Through Birds & Blooms – America’s top bird and gardening magazine – a homeowner can win an online garden consultation with landscape designer Chris Lambton, who also is the host of Going Yard, a show on Home and Garden Television (HGTV). He appears on Going Yard alongside his wife Peyton, both of whom also appeared on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The contest ends Friday, April 12 so hurry over to www.birdsandblooms.com/chrislambton to enter the Birds & Blooms backyard consultation contest, known as the “Chris Lambton Garden Giveaway.”
The winner also will receive $250 in fresh plants from Proven Winners, a well-known plant brand.
Those seeking more information on home gardening and birds should visit www.birdsandblooms.com to check out the April/May edition and subscribe to receive future copies in the mail.
Interview with Birds & Blooms Editor Stacy Tornio
I recently corresponded with Birds & Blooms Editor Stacy Tornio to obtain a few helpful gardening tips for our AOM readers. She gave me four fantastic tips to share!
- Get to know your local garden center. Yes, you can pick up plants just about anywhere these days, but buying from your local or independent garden center can really pay off. These centers often employ area horticulturalists, master gardeners or other gardening enthusiasts. They’re happy to answer your questions and give you advice about your specific needs.
- Include your kids. You might be surprised just how much kids enjoy gardening. Get the process going from the very beginning—selecting plants at the garden center. Then have them help plant it, care for it and then enjoy it. If you’re growing flowers, cut a few stems for a vase. Or if you’re growing veggies, make something with the produce later in the season.
- Grow coneflowers. Coneflowers are great for any Midwest location, including Ohio. Most people think of purple coneflowers as the standard coneflower for backyard, but there are dozens of other options on the market as well, including blooms that are yellow, orange, red and green! Get our Top 10 picks here: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/Gardening/Top-10/Themed-Gardens/Top-10-Coneflowers.
- Don’t be afraid to get help. Chances are, there’s someone you know that gardens. Whether it’s a neighbor, friend or mom, they can be a valuable resource. In addition, look for garden books on your specific state or consult an expert that can point you in the right direction.
