Primed for planting

With the gardening boom showing no signs of stopping, whether your thumb is green or not, now’s the time to plan a garden.

Mimi caught up with local gardening expert Valerie F. Reinhardt, who recently retired from her position as Horticulture Manager at Lake Metroparks, for some helpful hints.

“Whether you have a large formal garden or a more convenient and less time-consuming container garden, this pastime has grown for many reasons,” she says. “Tending to things that thrive can be fulfilling and stress relieving.”

For flowers, veggies, herbs or an attractive mix of the three, Valerie says it’s key to find a container that drains and can hold enough soil to support the plants. 

“The key element to think about is how much space is needed,” she says. “And when coming up with a grouping of plants, make sure they require the same amount of sun and moisture.”

The quality of your potting soil also makes a difference in how your plants thrive.

“Since the average potting soil has a limited amount of nutrients, you might consider adding a nutrient-rich compost, a time-release pelleted fertilizer or a water-soluble fertilizer to keep your plants happy and healthy,” Valerie adds.

A simple herb garden is a great place to start as they are hardy and don’t require too much maintenance. “Oregano, thyme, sage and chives are winter-hardy perennials that can overwinter in a pot,” she says. “In late spring, you can add rosemary, marjoram or basil to the mix once we are frost-free.”

When it comes to arranging a floral pot, Valerie’s advice is to think of plants as thrillers, fillers and spillers. 

“Thrillers are focal plants, usually larger spikes or grasses, to build around, situated at the center of the pot,” she says. “Fillers are arranged around them to add color and texture. And spillers trail elegantly down the pot for visual appeal.”

Ready to grow? Feel free to visit the Farmpark and ask any questions of the helpful experts there.

Lake Metroparks provides more than four million visitors each year with educational and recreational programs. For more information, visit LakeMetroparks.com.