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Planting Tips

The Golden Rule

"Don't let flower beauty or colour be your only guide - look for types of plant which are right for their situation"

Soil Preparation

If you are preparing to plant a bed, ideally, the soil should be turned to a deapth of 8-12 inches. Turn the soil in the bed thoroughly then add a thick layer of soil amendment (i.e. soil conditioner, mulch, compost and topsoil). Turn this back into the existing soil. Add as much as you desire to reach the consistency you want to work with. Rake the bed level, then place your shrubs to your liking. Pull each plant from the container, loosen roots thoroughly. If roots are extremely entangled, cut with edge of shovel or knife in several places. Plant level with the soil line of the plant, never deeper. Water thoroughly.

Individual Plantings

Dig the hole approximately twice as wide & slightly deeper than the size of the plant "root ball". Add soil conditioner to the existing soil in the hole, as well as to some of the soil dug out. Mix well (about 50% soil & 50% conditioner). Add some amended soil back to the hole. Place the plant in the prepared hole so that it is even with the existing soil line on the plant. Straiten, then add the amended soil around the ball of the plant. If the plant is container grown, it may be necessary to loosen the roots as indicated above. If it is a balled tree, cut strings and loosen the top of the burlap & fold back. Do not remove burlap. Water thoroughly

Watering Tips

Watering is most important the first year or two after planting. It is essential to water thoroughly when you do water. Allow a sprinkler to run for at least 1 hr. on a bed. If watering individually, let the hose trickle slowly for 20 minutes or move on each tree. Weather will be a factor on how often you need to water, use your best judgement. Remember moisture must get to the same depth as the roots so it takes a lot of water to saturate the soil that deep.