So what decisions should you make when selecting trees and shrubs?

Growing Zone: Your new plantings should relate to your growing zone. I know I cannot grow palm trees in my zone 5 climate. I could grow a crape myrtle but its technically a zone 6 and I am a zone 5 so I would have to baby it in the winter and would probably have to replace it after a harsh winter. Tip: You could check for a microclimate in your backyard or grow the specimen as a container plant.

Size: How tall will this tree grow? Will it invade the electric lines or break up a sidewalk or foundation wall? Does the over all size match the size of your home? Maples and oak tree look nice near a farmhouse or story house but dwarf a ranch style home. Check the growing tag and see how tall and wide the tree will grow.

Lighting and water: Does this shrub need a lot of light or will it do well in a grouping or under a tree? Will it tolerate wet feet or does it need a dry location. Also does it require a lot of water to survive? If you live in an arid climate you may want to select plants with low water needs.

Care: Does this plant need pruning, loose branches easily or have fruit that need so be picked up and disposed of? Some trees and shrubs have few diseases or care requirements. If you’re not a person who wants to spend a lot of time cleaning the backyard low maintenance planting are your best choices.

I have a weeping willow in my yard, which I really enjoy. But its constant care picking up branches after a storm and it also has a few insects that like to invade the trees so its high maintenance. When it’s gone I will probably not replace it.

Display: Will you select a plant that has winter color? How about fruit or berries? Shape may also be a choice. Harry Lauder’s walking stick makes an interesting display in the winter with its twisted branches. Pines add green to a barren winter landscape and flowering trees and bushes will add color all year long if selected carefully.

There are many considerations to be made when selecting new trees and shrubs but there is one that you should keep in mind while buying. That cute tiny plant will grow – remember to check the growing tag. The growing tag will give you information about daily care, planting and future care.

Your local extension office or conservation office has information on plants suitable for your area. Take advantage of their services. Your backyard will appreciate it!

Today I dug up peonies from the front yard and repotted for next spring. One third of these I will replant, some I will sell to make more money for new plants and the rest I will trade for plants with my neighbors and friends.

Peonies have long roots and are difficult to dig so I wait until we have had plenty of rain and dig them up then. I have a rich mix of compost and potting soil ready for the plants and use recycled shrub containers that I have cleaned and sterilized.

I also received bulbs from my neighbors who were thinning their garden areas. I rototilled an area for them and added compost and shredded leaves. I also piled the soil eight inches high and then added timber for a raised bed. I have too many problems with animals to grow bulbs in soil like many do. A rock wall will also make a fast raised bed if you have rocks available.

My new raised bed took about 2 hours to make. Tomorrow I will add a wire fence screen across the top to stop my wandering visitors from mulching all my bubs before they have a chance to flower.

Late fall is my time to collect plants from the wild, neighbors or stores that have perennials and shrubs on sale. Later this week I will make one more trip to my favorite garden center and but their left over healthy plants for my yard or to trade for other plants from friends.

I will also take some time out to enjoy the last of the fall leaves and collect any seeds from wild flowers. They grow just as nice as those you purchase and no one will ever know they were harvested from the wild. .

When the grass dies down I see all the jobs I missed like filling a hole in the yard and rocks that were kicked up so I will do those small jobs before the snow falls and covers my yard until spring.

Many of my ground covers are plants that I traded other plants for so I am not sure of all of their names. I just watch them grow for a year or two, see their growing habits and decide if it’s a plant I want to add to more areas of the backyard.

I am definitely plant addicted but I will remove a plant that creates problems in the yard and sometime groundcovers have more disadvantages like being invasive so I do watch their habits and re-plant accordingly.

Ground-covering plants such as dwarf asters are very useful in gardens where broad low masses are often needed beneath an overhanging roof. Such a planting will carry out the lines of the house and blend the yard and home.

Plants like dwarf asters need to he hardy, at least when covered with snow. They also lend themselves to difficult planting areas. They should have neat foliage, which may be more attractive if it is shiny or distinctive. Winter creeper, periwinkle and Japanese spurge are good examples. Using these plants I like to add a colorful border or garden art to create more interest.

I have five ground covers that I am not sure of their names but 4 stay low and have different colors and flowering habits. One is a bit taller and will spread if I don’t contain it. So I used these ground covers on a hillside where I am tired of mowing and that has roots from trees that are beginning to create problems. The roots will add interest to the ground cover plantings and ease my weed wacking chores.

I plant to contain my spreading ground cover with a border. This is a stubborn spreader so I will use a plastic in ground border with a rock border of creek rock set in a gentle curve to match the hillside.

The other ground covers have laid out in flowing patterns by color. In between the planting I have wood chip mulch, rocks for emphasis and a small garden bench.

Ground covers also work well under trees or shrubs. Just check the lighting needs for the plants when selecting them. Periwinkle or a trailing evergreen perennial grow well under most shrubs and trees.

For more ground cover selections check your local garden supply store for advice on what will grow in your climate

With the cost of food and the overall economy I decided its best to try and grow as much of your own food and plants as possible. It’s friendlier to the environment and by growing your own produce you take pressure of the food supply so that it can be sent where it’s needed.

So hydroponics is an area I am experimenting with. I think it will work better with my climate.

This you tube gives a great breakdown on how to set up a hydroponic garden. And hydroponic growing makes better use of space, which is a plus if you have a small backyard or life in a city or suburb.

The you tube set up is basic and made to be moved and created with cheap materials. This may give you ideas for your own set up.

Gardening indoors in the winter months also makes the cold days pass by quicker and gives you a garden feel to your home. If you give hydroponics a try drop me a message and let me know how it worked for you.

A bulb garden or addition of bulbs to your backyard will make a easy backyard project that will take little space and be affordable.

Tips for planting bulbs in the fall

One mistake many new gardeners make with planting bulbs is finding the right time to plant them. This has been a mistake I made for many years.

Always wait and plant the bulbs after the first frost. You can prepare the soil and garden beds before so that you are ready to plant the bulbs in a few hours.

A bulb planter will also help you to get the correct depth for the bulb. Most large bulbs are planted around eight inches deep and six inches apart. Smaller bulbs are placed around five inches deep and three inches apart. Read the directions on the package for how deep and far apart to plant your bulb variety.

If bulbs are bought individually, there is usually a guide in the store for planting. Make note of the planting directions. I usually take a note pad with me when buying new plants to write down any additional information form the store or employees.

Bulbs do not need fertilizer, but a bulb releasing food is good. Avoid using bone meal because it attracts some animals.

Place the bulb with the tip up and replace the soil. If you are not sure which end the tip is, plant the bulb on its side. The side of the bulb is always easy to tell and the plant will grow correctly. (If you plant the bulb upside down it will struggle to grow.)

Pat the soil in place and water thoroughly. You may want to mulch the area to help retain water.

Note: if you live in an area where animals may bother your plants you may want to plant the bulbs in a metal net container, in a pail with no bottom or place chicken mesh over the soil to protect the bulbs.