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17 | Friday, April 4, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com HOME &GARDEN Tips on what owers and shrubs to plant in spring Spring has sprung, and all those April showers are sure to bring beautiful May owers. For those wanting to get a head start on their gardening, follow our list of some of our favourite spring owers, vines and plants as you begin to design your own spring gardens. Spring Planting Timing is everything. Flowers planted too early risks the cold air and ground stunting your their growth, owers planted too late could easily miss the limited early sunny days needed for plants to absorb vital nutrients. A late frost could end your garden altogether. Your best bet is to predict the future (for those struggling with that, consult your Farmer's Almanac, or ask an experienced gardener.) Flowers Traditionally the rst ower of spring is the Primrose (translated means " rst rose.") A sophisticated choice, the Primrose blooms in array of spring colours guaranteed to brighten your garden. Florist favourite the Dahlia is available in over 30 species, bringing blooms in bright purples, reds and yellows. Bleeding Hearts and Snapdragons are often a family favourite and a beautiful addition to a home garden. Always follow your own favourites as you sort through spring owers such as Daylilies, Yarrow, Daisies, Black-eyed Susan's and Globe Thistle. Traditional owers such as Geraniums, Petunias and Pansies are also popular choices. Vines Blooming vines can add a delicate elegance to any backyard. When choosing a vine consider something with an enticing fragrance like a Wisteria Twining Vines, which grow in large clusters of cascading blues, reds, white and pale purples. Clemantis also blooming in a rainbow of colours and are known for drawing butter ies to your garden. Verbenas are a very versatile vine that you can grow in a variety of temperatures. Trees and Shrubs Most trees and shrubs should be planted in early spring or just before new growth starts because they establish their roots very slowly. Roots need to travel through the ground, an impossible task in cold winters. Early spring planting helps roots establish before extreme weather conditions of hot summers and frigid winters begin. An early start will offer the best opportunity for them to grow into the big strong trees and shrubbery you love Vegetables Contrary to popular belief many vegetables can be planted before the traditional May 24 long weekend. A warm April is a good time to plant veggies like arugula, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and potatoes. (RMM) CONCRETE · DRIVEWAYS · FRENCH CURBS · PATIOS · STEPS · WALKWAYS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando EXPOSED AGGREGATE (Pebble) 905-844-5518 · 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com FREE ESTIMATES REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE