Generally, we don't think of flowers as an accessory when it comes to lawn care. However, when showcasing a magnificent lawn what better way to accomplish this than to use bright, colorful flowers. And, knowing how to care for your flowers is just as important as knowing how to grow a lush, green lawn.Here are five simple tips that can keep those flowers blooming and healthy:
1. Don't Skip the Basics
As simple as it may seem, you might be surprised to know that people will spend a lot of money and time buying the flowers and planting while basically skipping the basics that will keep the plants thriving and flowering. So, the flowers have to have fertile soil. A county extension agent (look under government in the telephone directory) can help you. They can test the soil and give you direction on how much and what kind of fertilizer you need.
After taking care of the soil, your plants will need water and sunlight. Watering is generally not a problem, but sunlight could be if you planted them in or around bushes or a shaded area. Keep that in mind when deciding on a location.
If you're planting bulbs you must plant them at the correct depth. The package instructions will give you the details. If you're planting perennials and shrubs, be careful you don't have the mulch and soil all the way to the stem. The plant needs space to keep from overheating and also room for the water to sink in and not runoff.
2. Add Variety
Some folks like to plant just perennials so they don't have to keep planting flowers each year. You can still do this, of course, but by adding a variety of annuals you can make your flowering plants visually appealing by having continuous, colorful blooms.
3. Deadheading
Deadheading is pretty much just like it sounds -- cutting the flower head off after it has wilted. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers; however, don't get lazy and let the deadhead fall to the ground by the plants. Very bad move. Plant diseases and mildew may end up attacking and destroying your plant. You lose not only the plant itself, but money and time you put into planting in the first place.
4. Bugs
You may like them or you may not like them, but understand this -- you do need them! The problem is most people don't know the good from the bad so they end up killing the good ones which open the door for the bad. Keep in mind that most insects in your garden are good. The pollinators for instance are the bees, beetles and butterflies which fertilize plants by transferring pollen from one plant to another. This may not make your day, but in order to survive about 80% of flowering plants need the insects.
Other insects, bacteria, fungi and microorganisms are part of the decomposition process of dead plant material. This is important because it enriches the soil by putting nutrients back where it will be needed and used by growing plants. Sow bugs and dung beetles are insects involved in this important process.
Nature has a way of providing us with checks and balances, unfortunately, we have a way of messing it up because we don't know what we are doing. There are insects that do damage, like aphids, but there are other insects like dragonflies and lacewings that act as natural predators to these destructive insects.
Sure, things can get out of control and we need to step in and help nature out, just make sure you get expert advice on what kind of insects are involved and the best way to take care of the problem. When it comes to pesticides, think "environmentally safe".
5. Fertilizer
Like everything else in your yard, your plants may need fertilizing also. Always remember, read the directions on the container. More is not better when it comes to fertilizing your lawn or your flowers.
You have five simple tips to help showcase your lawn with exciting, colorful flowers. As with anything, it may take a little more work but the results will be well with it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Therese_B
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