The Foolproof Garden

The warm weather is finally here, and suddenly we’re in the mood to putter in the garden. Off we go to our local nursery, where we pick up plants based simply on their beauty, without thinking about upkeep. For healthy blossoms in your garden this summer, choose species that don’t require too much care—we’ve got a complete list of them, plus the best conditions they’ll need in order to thrive.

Peonies
Not only is their scent lovely, but peonies begin flowering at the beginning of the season, when our gardens are still dry and colourless. They love the sun, but keep their soil cool, and don’t hesitate to water them frequently. Warning: peonies grow fast, so be sure to give them enough room from the beginning; once planted, they don’t like being moved.

Geraniums
Geraniums are simple plants with dramatic colours. Very sturdy, they produce a lot of flowers and flower over a long period. Bonus: they get along well with other plants. We recommend the sanguineum and album varieties; they’re the most sturdy and have the most abundant blossoms. Not to be confused, however, with cultivated geraniums. Stop by your local garden centre for more info.

Pros: Very easy cultivation
Lighting: Full sun and some shade
Where to plant them: Ideally, in pots and window boxes
When to plant them: September to May (except periods of frost)
Blooming period:  May to September

Bluebells

This hardy perennial is one of the easiest to maintain—it’s pretty much impossible not to succeed with this variety! They even thrive in stony soil.

Daylilies
Perfect for when you’ve got a lot of space to cover, and not much time for plant care. These plants grow rapidly and don’t need frequent watering. Be sure to give them lots of space when you plant them so that you won’t have to transplant them too often.

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