Tips & Guides

Seasonal Planting Guide

Understanding seasonal planting cycles is essential for maintaining vibrant gardens throughout the year. Each season brings unique opportunities and challenges for flower bed and balcony arrangements.

Spring Planting: Early spring is ideal for planting hardy annuals and perennials. Focus on cool-season varieties like pansies, violas, and primroses that can handle late frosts. Prepare soil by adding organic matter and ensure proper drainage.

Summer Care: As temperatures rise, select heat-tolerant varieties such as petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. Implement regular watering schedules, preferably in early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Autumn Preparation: Autumn is perfect for planting perennials and spring-flowering bulbs. Remove spent annuals and prepare beds for winter. Consider adding ornamental grasses and late-flowering plants like asters and chrysanthemums.

Winter Maintenance: Focus on structural elements and evergreen plants. Protect tender varieties with appropriate coverings. Plan next season's arrangements and order seeds or plants in advance.

DIY Arrangement Techniques

Creating beautiful arrangements requires understanding basic design principles and plant compatibility. Follow these guidelines for successful DIY projects.

Design Principles

• Height Variation: Combine tall, medium, and low-growing plants to create visual interest and depth in your arrangements.
• Colour Harmony: Choose complementary or analogous colour schemes. Warm colours create energy, while cool colours provide calm.
• Texture Contrast: Mix fine-textured plants with bold foliage to add dimension and visual appeal.
• Focal Points: Create visual anchors using statement plants or decorative elements that draw the eye.

Container Selection

Choose containers that complement your plants and space. Consider drainage requirements, size relative to plant growth, and material durability. Terracotta provides breathability, while plastic retains moisture better.

Plant Combinations

Select plants with similar light, water, and soil requirements. Combine thrillers (tall focal plants), fillers (medium-height plants), and spillers (trailing varieties) for balanced arrangements.

Maintenance Schedules

Regular maintenance ensures your arrangements remain healthy and attractive. Follow these schedules based on your plant types and seasonal requirements.

Weekly Tasks

• Check soil moisture levels and water as needed
• Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves
• Inspect for pests and signs of disease
• Rotate containers to ensure even growth

Monthly Tasks

• Apply fertiliser according to plant needs
• Prune overgrown plants to maintain shape
• Clean containers and remove debris
• Assess plant health and make adjustments

Seasonal Tasks

• Spring: Prepare beds, plant new additions, refresh mulch
• Summer: Increase watering frequency, provide shade if needed
• Autumn: Plant bulbs, remove annuals, prepare for winter
• Winter: Protect tender plants, plan next season's design