It's time to plan annuals and perennials

Spring is here, and this year I want you to have the garden you have always dreamed of! It's easy if you know how. Check back here for ideas, design tips and plants that really work.

The last danger of frost is over. Now is the time to start planting annuals, perennials and anything else you want. It's going to be a great spring!

Try Grancy Graybeard, AKA chionanthus vagrancies. This is a native southeastern small tree or large shrub. It has white fringe flowers and is blooming now in gardens and landscapes. It can be somewhat difficult to find, so if you see it, buy it. Plant in full sun to part shade. I love it!

Now is the time to control imported fire ants. Use the "bait type" products, which foraging ants will feed to the queen resulting in permanent elimination of the treated mound.

Try growing morning glories again. Soak the seed overnight before planting. These annual vines like morning sun and afternoon shade.

This year, try planting annuals such as zinnia and cleome among the perennials.

As flowers fade on azaleas, pruning can begin. These shrubs must be pruned limb by limb. Do not shear them with the hedge trimmer. Azaleas love shade!

Now for the biggest landscape tip of the season: Use more flowering shrubs with interesting leaf colors. Not only are flowering shrubs low care, but they add lots of color and texture to the landscape or garden. Want more information? Give me a call.

Todd Goulding provides residential landscape design consultations. Contact him at www.fernvalley.com or 478-345-0719.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 6:16 PM with the headline "It's time to plan annuals and perennials ."