The May Victoria Day long weekend is typically the time that garden season gets kicked off. It’s like Christmas for gardening lovers! As an amateur, I thought I’d jump on the wagon as well and got quite a bit accomplished last weekend! I admittedly don’t have a green thumb but over the past two years, I’ve been taking baby steps and working hard on making progress on my gardening adventures!
Last year, I started by planting a few small container planters in my back porch, then I managed to harvest fresh herbs via a herb garden and just before the Fall season, I convinced Kyle to help me pull apart a couple of out of control and unkept bushes and shrubs embedded in our front step raised garden bed. I have big plans for this year!
With a clean slate canvas in our front entrance, and the help of PC® Garden Centres, I was all set this past Victoria Day gardening weekend!
The thing is, most people, including myself are intimated by gardening. I found what was most helpful to build confidence is to start with a plan and approachable ideas. I suggest beginning with flowers and plants that require relatively less expertise before you dive into planting giant hydrangeas and a massive vegetable garden!
Here are 3 Approachable Gardening Ideas!
All Season-Long Impatiens
Planting flowers on my front raised garden bed was a high priority for me this year. After ripping out the shrubs, our front entrance was completely bare and embarrassing to look at! I needed a bullet proof and simple option for this area. Impatiens are extremely popular annuals. They grow partially in shade from mid-Spring and last all season long. PC®Garden Centres offers Impatiens in varying colours. The PC Deluxe Hanging Basket Impatiens Sonic Series is a major show stopper and they are can also be planted in containers or as bedding plants.
If you’re looking for other flower varieties, PC Lawn & Garden also released a number of new product innovations such as the Canadian Shield Rose and the PC Gigantico Calibrachoa Cabaret Starshine Violet.
Hanging Baskets
This is honestly the most hassle free option you can imagine and it’s fantastic for those of you who have limited garden space, or none at all for that matter. Hanging baskets are super attractive but I have to warn you, go EARLY to pick up your favourite. Because there has been too many times when I waited to long to stop by a PC Garden Centre, and it was a challenge to find a matching pair. These guys fly off the shelf like hot cakes.
My favourite this season from PC Lawn & Garden is the PC Jumbo Hanging Basket Spring Rhapsody (it also comes in a 12 inch planter). The Spring Rhapsody is a mix of Calliope Geraniums, soft violet Verbana, deep purple and white Calibrachoa and Juncus grass. It’s majorly beautiful!
Potted Herb Garden
The one thing that I love to plant the most is a herb garden. Last year, I had such success with my mixed herb garden that I froze the herbs as cubed butter and was able to use the herbs past growing season. This year, I went down the same path and purchased a selection of PC Gigantico herbs. If you’re combining a variety of soft and hard stemmed herbs (i.e. parsley vs. rosemary) be sure to group the similar kinds together as the softer herbs generally require more water.
Lastly, If you’re in the mood for fruits, the PC Triple Strawberry Combo is a mix of summer strawberries – framberry, pineberry, and strawberry seaburst. And for those obsessed with vegetables, the PC Colour Match Veg Cage comes in variety of colours are perfect for plants that like to climb up like tomatoes.
What gardening projects are you looking to work on this season? I’d love to hear from you!
Disclaimer: Products featured on this post was sponsored by President’s Choice but all opinions and photography are my own. Follow along #MyPCGarden for more inspiration.
