Cover photo by Britt Willoughby Dyer. Story photography by Sara Barrett, except where noted.
We think of winter as a gift--precious time to prepare for spring. Barb Pierson, nursery manager at White Flower Farm in Connecticut, advises on 10 essential tips to prepare a garden for spring.
Photo by Justine Hand
1. See what's not there.
Winter is a great time to study what your garden is missing.
2. Add trellises, tuteurs, and supports.
3. Help your hardscape.
4. Plant trees and shrubs.
Small trees and shrubs create focal points in a garden.
5. Place your order.
After you decide on what changes to make, place an early order with your nursery.
6. Buy seeds.
7. Rehab your tools.
Photo by Erin Boyle
Now is the time to clean, oil, and repair tools.
8. Prune judiciously.
9. Weed with enthusiasm.
10. Mulch for moisture.
Photo by Erin Boyle
Getting a jump on mulch now helps to retain moisture later on.
Photo by Britt Willoughby Dyer