Spring is for planting. English Gardens stores are filled with beautiful plants and flowers, so where do you start?

The best gardens feature a variety of plants that serve different purposes.

The Foundation
Trees and shrubs provide the permanent structure for your landscape. These include flowering plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and roses, and evergreens like boxwood, arborvitae, yews and juniper that provide interest year round.

Adding Color
Annuals provide season-long color. There are hundreds of varieties available. Plant them every year – in beds or containers.

They are among the most adaptable of plants, requiring little more than good light, water, fertile soil and regular fertilizer. Some varieties will even thrive in shade!

Seasonal Interest
Perennials come back year after year and provide seasonal interest. When selecting perennials, consider bloom time, color, height and texture.

For spring-blooming border plants, consider pinks or dianthus, campanula, or creeping phlox – all great options for sun to part sun. Hostas and ferns do well in the shade. Options for sun/shade include Virginia blue Bells, Helleborous, Wood Poppy, Brunnera, Bergenia or Coral Bells.

Spring-blooming plants of medium height include: Astilbe, Coreposis or Lavender. Foxglove or Ligularia are great options for tall and dramatic plants. For vertical interest, try spring-blooming vines such as Honeysuckle, Clematis or Wisteria.

A few summer bloomers include: Trumpet Vine or Silver Lace Vine.

Grow Your Own Food
With vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and bushes, you can grow your own food. Learn more about English Gardens collection of edible plants.

For a successful garden, be sure to put the right plant in the right place. The amount of sun or shade is the most important consideration. When planting, amend the soil with soil conditioner and use a starter fertilizer such as Espoma’s Bio-tone.

For more information, visit the experts at any English Gardens location.