Is it too late in the year to make a flower bed and plant some shrubs and some fall annuals or spring bulbs? At the very least, I'd like to plant some evergreen shrubs, maybe creeping junipers and some taller (3 or 4 feet-ish) junipers. Should I wait for the spring, or go for it now? I question whether the shrubs would have enough time to root to make it through the winter. I have zero gardening experience (as if that wasn't totally apparent by now....).
thanks in advance...
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Thanks for all your advice. We made that bed last weekend and planted some dwarf spruces, icee blue junipers, cedars and icicle pansies. I also picked up some grape hyacinth and allium bulbs to plant in a month or so. Which reminds me, its been 7 days since I last fertilized, so I should get out there! cheers....
I would get going now, there is still lots of time for plants to "take". If you know what you want and where you want it, go for it! It will be so nice to have something to look forward to in the spring :)
Many garden centres get fresh evergreen stock for this time of year so your selection should be good for that type of plant. This is the time of year to plant spring bulbs and the garden centres are just getting new product of that now.
Then you can plan over the winter for any perennials or annuals you might want to consider. Norm has given some great tips in his post so I won't repeat, other than to emphasize the watering. Most people don't realize how drying the winter winds are to evergreens.
I'd get that bed made now if I were you, even if you only plant bulbs and a couple of other things now. Research your planned favourites individually to see when the best time to plant them is, and go ahead with those that are ok to be placed now. Don't worry if the new bed is a little sparse over winter-you can enjoy making your spring summer plans then.
I have photos of a border bed that sat near-emplty over winter with just a few bulbs, a hydrangea and a rhododendron. I did add more earth after winter passed, but having the garden pretty much ready to go was wonderful.
a perfect time to plant hardy trees, flowering shrubs perennials, and spring blooming bulbs. There is lots of time for root development as the ground temperatures will remain warmer for much longer than the air. Remember to water new plants right up to freezing temperatures. Choose plants that are hardy to your zone and use a good triple mix for filling in the planting hole. Use a "starter" fertilizer and water well, as I mentioned. I would add several inches of mulch and depending on your plant choices, there may be instructions for winter protection for their first year. Products like Wiltpruf will protect leaves from dehydration from winter wind. Any plant typically preferring shade may suffer from sun scald as early as March and April as the deciduous trees will not have their leaves yet to provide the shade. I am sure that a good garden center will be happy to advise you once you have made your selection....and there is so much to choose from! Good luck and have fun.