Not a Moment to Lose, Pre-Plan Gardens for Spring

CANBY, OR, December 04, 2012 (Press-News.org) With the nights becoming longer and the cold set to linger until March or April in many regions, home gardeners are looking for ways to connect with the outdoors in hopes that spring may come around earlier than usual. With a look ahead, here are three steps every homeowner can do to pre-plan their gardens in time for spring.

Now is the time to build a compost pile. A traditional compost pile is comprised of wetted organic matter, including leaves and "green" food waste such as vegetable peelings and fruit skins. Compost piles can help improve soil conditions for spring time plantings by restoring tilth and microorganisms to the soil. To keep compost piles active during the winter, be sure to implement an insulation method.

Another step home gardeners can take to pre-plan for spring is to improve drainage in the garden. According to international plant expert and the president of Terra Nova Nurseries, Dan Heims, "Poor drainage is perhaps the number one killer of perennial plants." Consider planting in slightly raised beds, or build a small retaining wall to hold improved soil above the gunk below.

"The early bird gets the worm" can be applied to this next tip for pre-planning. Begin mapping out garden plans, and determine which plant varieties will be best for containers and the landscape. This can include being knowledgeable about new plant introductions that will be on sale at local garden centers in 2013. "A good tip to remember is to research plant heights, bloom times, sun exposure, and other growing information in advance," says Heims.

Here are some new plant varieties from Terra Nova Nurseries that have been bred to transcend the norm. Each is the result of the innovation of the company's breeders. New flower colors, new flower shapes, fascinating foliage, and better garden performance mark these plants as must-have additions to the spring garden. They will be available at garden centers in the U.S. for spring. For a list of garden centers that stock Terra Nova Nurseries' plants, visit the company's retail locater by clicking this link, (http://www.terranovanurseries.com/gardeners/retail_sources.php).

Agastache 'Blue Boa' is unlike any other agastache on the market. It has luxurious, deep violet-blue spikes held over ultra-green foliage. This showy variety can add dramatic color to the landscape. And, for bird lovers, 'Blue Boa' attracts hummingbirds during the summer months.

Heuchera 'Paprika' is a wise pick for spring beds, borders or containers. With large, warm and glowing cherry-coral foliage, 'Paprika' has all the appeal of a tropical plant and a robust growing habit. This hot new variety is drought-tolerant, heat- and humidity-resistance as well as attracts butterflies. It will stand test of time from spring through summer, and beyond.

Kniphofia 'Orange Vanilla Popsicle' is a new addition to Terra Nova Nurseries' Popsicle Series. True to its name, this re-blooming, two-toned beauty topped with flower spikes of red-orange over a creamy-white bottom, has short grassy leaves and a compact habit. 'Orange Vanilla Popsicle' is a fast-growing plant and is loved by hummingbirds. It is ideal for mixed beds or as an upright accent.

Leucanthemum 'Goldfinch' is the most yellow Shasta daisy available to consumers thus far. The semi-double flowers change very slowly and gracefully from bright lemon-yellow to ivory-white throughout the summer and into fall. With a long-blooming, compact habit, 'Goldfinch' is perfect for containers, mixed beds, borders, and as a cut flower in vases used indoors.

Penstemon 'Watermelon Taffy', the latest addition to the Taffy Series, produces stunning watermelon-pink blooms with a white eye. Vigorous and showy, these great bloomers provide flowers for up to 20 weeks. Additionally, this yummy new variety is loved by hummingbirds and butterflies, a welcome sight in spring. 'Watermelon Taffy' has it all, being low-maintenance, deer-resistant as well as heat and humidity-tolerant. This sweet variety is perfect for mixed beds, sun gardens, cottage gardens, and banks.

Echinacea 'Leilani' has clear, yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The name "Leilani" is well suited to this elegant plant, as it means "royal child of heaven." It has a strongly upright habit that doesn't require any staking. 'Leilani' is perfect for use en masse for the border, in a mixed bed, and as a breath-taking cut flower.

Other new varieties from Terra Nova Nurseries include Heuchera 'Delta Dawn', Heuchera 'Spellbound', Kniphofia 'Redhot Popsicle', Rodgersia 'Bronze Peacock', Rudbeckia 'Little Henry', and the Crocosmia Twilight Fairy Series.

For more information about Terra Nova Nurseries, visit the company's website at www.terranovanurseries.com.