It feels like fall, but spring truly is right around the corner. As November beckons with its icy chill, you might be thinking it’s time to start writing down your holiday shopping list and figuring out who will plow your driveway this winter.
Those are both great tasks to have on your to-do list, but you should also be thinking ahead to April when the snow will recede, and it will be time to enjoy the beautiful colors of the garden once more.
If you take pride in gorgeous flower beds, like we do here at Puryear Farms, you’re probably pretty excited about the upcoming season. But here’s a little secret: spring doesn’t plan itself! It’s time to get those flower orders in, or they might “Be-Gon-Ia!”
Let’s talk about what you need to know in order to make your garden the talk of the town this spring.
When Should Spring Flowers Be Planted?
Timing is everything when it comes to planting spring flowers. You don’t want to rush in too soon or wait until it’s too late. The magic date to circle on your calendar is May 1st – that’s when we start planting after the last frost has said its final goodbye. You’ve got to wait for that last drizzle of winter to pack its bags so you can roll out the floral welcome mat!
Our primary focus during this Spring Flower event here at Puryear Farms is on flowerbeds, but don’t worry if you’re more of a pots and containers aficionado. We make growing a gorgeous garden easy and accessible for everyone, whether you have a sprawling fifty-acre estate or just a small, contained veranda.
Imagine transforming your porch, patio, or balcony into a floral wonderland where every pot and container bursts with color. That’s where we step in to help!
But before the flowers can grace your garden, there’s the matter of getting them here. We work with dedicated growers who are able to customize each plant to meet our client’s specific needs.
To make this happen, there’s a deadline for placing your orders with us, just like reserving a table at your favorite restaurant before it fills up. You want to make sure your flowers arrive fresh and ready to roll into the first week of May, so now is the time to secure your spot.
It’s not just about getting the flowers ordered; we also have to schedule installation. Once the flowers land, our dedicated crews take approximately four to five weeks to install them all. We’ll make sure everything is perfectly placed for blooming success. Although it sounds like it takes a long time, it will pass in the blink of an eye—and the beauty of your garden will be well worth it once your new flowers start to bloom.
Choosing the Best Spring Flowers
Now that we’ve got the logistics sorted, let’s talk flower power. Which blooms should you choose to make your garden Pinterest-perfect? Here are some popular picks that are sure to steal the show, and some of our most popular spring flowers here at Puryear Farms:
Begonia
Ah, begonias—these beauties are classics in the flower world, and for good reason. These blooms are known for their striking colors and lush, dense foliage. They can fill up any container or flower bed with ease, and even when the flowers aren’t blooming, the foliage offers a vibrant display of color throughout the season.
They’re also available in multiple colors, from rich red to sunny yellow. No matter which shade you choose, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face every time you step outside.
Begonias are also remarkably versatile, thriving in both sun and shade (depending on the variety and cultivar). This makes them a flexible choice for various spots in your garden.
And don’t be fooled by their delicate appearance; they’re hardy plants that can withstand a fair amount of weather challenges. With proper care, they’ll keep blooming and spreading cheer all season long.
Speaking of which, caring for begonias is a breeze – just plant them in partial shade and water regularly. They perform best in well-drained soil, so make sure they aren’t sitting in water, but also don’t let them remain completely dry. Of course, a little deadheading will keep them blooming beautifully all season long.
Lantana
If you’re looking for a flower that’s as tough as it is beautiful, look no further than Lantana. These sun-loving plants have a reputation for being low-maintenance – yet they also have the ability to deliver some seriously high-impact blooms.
Lantanas come in a full rainbow of colors, from orange to pink to purple. They not only draw the eye of visitors and passersby but also help attract butterflies. If you want your garden to be a haven for pollinators, lantana is a good choice.
Not only that, but their drought-tolerant nature means that once established, they can handle the heat without breaking a sweat. They’re perfect for those hot summer days that follow spring.
These beauties flourish in full sun and are perfect for those hot spots in your garden that other plants can’t handle. Water them deeply but infrequently, and they’ll reward you with clusters of cheerful blooms.
Sunpatiens
Sunpatiens, as the name suggests, love soaking up the sun. They’re the extroverts of the flower world, thriving in bright, sunny spots in your garden. But what really sets them apart is their ability to keep blooming even in high temperatures.
These flowers are a hybrid of traditional impatiens, bred to withstand the sun’s rays while retaining their beautiful appearance.
These versatile and resilient plants thrive in all kinds of different conditions. Just give them consistent moisture and watch them grow. Sunpatiens boast vibrant blooms that will dazzle your garden from spring through fall, making them a long-lasting choice for flower enthusiasts.
Joseph’s Coat
For a garden that’s full of drama and contrast, Joseph’s Coat is a must-have ornamental. These plants are known for their striking foliage, with leaves in shades of red, orange, and green.
Not only does Joseph’s Coat dole up a striking visual appeal, but it also grows well in sunny areas with well-draining soil. It’s a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add a unique touch to their landscape.
Plus, it’s relatively low-maintenance, so you can enjoy its beauty without too much fuss. These plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells, to maintain its vibrant colors.
Angelonia
Angelonia, also known as summer snapdragon, is like the cherry on top of your garden cake. These tall, slender plants produce spikes of colorful blooms that can brighten up any garden area. Available in shades of purple, pink, and white, angelonias are a treat for the eyes.
Angelonias are heat-tolerant and can thrive in full sun without a care. Plant them in well-drained soil and water them regularly to keep the upright spikes of flowers going strong.
All in all, these plants are perfect for adding height and dimension to flower beds and containers, a great option for just about any setting.
Our Flower Planting Process at Puryear Farms
Now that you’ve chosen your blooms, let’s talk about how we bring your garden to life. At Puryear Farms, we pride ourselves on our top-notch flower planting process that brings your garden’s needs and health to the forefront:
Planting Schedule
We like to play it safe and wait until after the last frost date. This helps us ensure that your precious flowers aren’t caught out in the cold. We focus primarily on flowerbeds, but we’re more than happy to dress up your pots and containers, too.
Custom Growing
We believe in going the extra mile for our customers. That’s why we partner with a grower who custom grows our plants. To make sure we meet your needs, we have a deadline for placing orders. We suggest getting those orders in early (like right now!) to avoid any disappointment.
Flower Arrival
Get ready for the flower parade! Your blooms will typically arrive in the first week of May. Our hardworking crews will take about four weeks to install them all, making sure each plant has a comfy spot to call home.
Bulbs Galore
While we’re big fans of spring flowers, let’s not forget about bulbs. We mainly plant hyacinths and tulips in the fall, so they’re ready to dazzle come spring. If you’re keen to add these beauties to your garden, be sure to plan ahead.
Pot Sizes and Spacing
All seasonal flowers can be planted in pots that are at least four inches in size unless noted otherwise. Proper spacing is one of the most important variables (if not the most important) for healthy growth, so we’ll plant them 10-12 inches apart. This gives them plenty of room to stretch out and thrive.
The Installation Process
Once the frost has receded and your flowers have arrived, here’s how to prepare your garden for spring.
First, it’s out with the old! We always start by removing any previous plants that might be hanging around. This clears the way for your new spring blooms and makes sure they’re not competing for resources. It also removes the likelihood of any overwintering pests or diseases infecting your new arrivals.
Next, we loosen the soil to at least four inches deep. This gives your plants the best chance to establish strong roots and soak up nutrients. A little TLC goes a long way!
We plant your flowers according to industry standards, ensuring each one is nestled snugly into its new home. During installation, we use slow-release Osmocote fertilizer to give your flowers a nutrient boost.
Finally, we mulch with mini pine fines. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and adds a finished look to your garden. Your flowers will be sitting pretty in no time!
And we don’t stop there. At Puryear Farms, we offer a range of extra services to keep your garden looking the best. While our standard package covers the basics, we can also provide additional services like soil replacement, long-term watering, and pest barriers. If you’re interested in these services, don’t be afraid to let us know. We’ll whip up a separate proposal just for you.
We’re also happy to design. We specialize in creating gardens that really “wow,” and are happy to include bulbs at no extra charge when you hire us to do the work.
How to Choose the Right Spring Flowers
Choosing the perfect flowers is as much of an art as it is a science. At Puryear Farms, we work closely with our homeowners to make sure you find the blooms that make your heart sing and your garden glow.
Before you start picking out flowers, take a good look at your garden space. Consider the amount of sunlight it gets, the type of soil, and the amount of space you have. This will help you select flowers that will thrive rather than just survive.
Going with the trends is perfectly fine, but also consider your preferences. What colors make you smile? Do you prefer low-maintenance plants, or are you ready to get your hands dirty? Your preferences will guide your choices. Remember, it’s your garden and should reflect your style.
You should also plan ahead for bloom times so you can keep your garden vibrant all season long. Choose flowers with varying bloom times. This way, as one flower starts to fade, there will be another one ready to step in and steal the spotlight.
Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Just like in fashion, mixing and matching different flower types can create a stunning effect. Play with textures, colors, and heights to add visual interest and depth to your garden.
Your Next Steps
With a little planning and the right blooms, your spring garden will be ready to stun. From begonias to sunpatiens, each flower offers something unique, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Think about the colors that make you happy and the spaces that need brightening up, then choose the blooms that will make that happen.
But if there’s one thing we all know, it’s that spring waits for no one. The beauty of the season is fleeting, and before you know it, summer will be knocking on your door. Let us know what you’re interested in, and get your order in by the deadline. That way, you can grow exactly what you want – rather than having to settle just for what’s in stock.
Plus, early orders mean you get first dibs on the most popular flower varieties. Don’t miss out on your favorites because you waited too long. Take charge of your garden’s future and make it one to remember.
Ready to turn those gardening dreams into reality? Let’s get that order in and prepare for a blossoming spring. With Puryear Farms by your side, your garden will be a sight to behold, filled with the colors and scents of a new season. Happy gardening!