How to Revive a Neglected Garden

Sometimes, you move to a home with a neglected garden that is such a mess it is hard to know where to start.  Reviving a neglected garden is a lot of work.  However, when your efforts succeed, you will have a show piece that increases the value of your home.

Take An Inventory

The first step in reviving a neglected garden is to take an inventory of the plants in the landscape and what condition they are in.  If possible, take pictures of each plant or landscape area that you can refer to when making decisions about what to keep and what to remove.  If there are gaps in your landscape where something died and was not replaced, mark that down as well.  You want to know what is there and what areas are ready to be replanted.

Realistic Timeframe

Trees and shrubs take three to five years to reinvigorate.  If you go any faster, you will weaken and possibly kill them.  Perennials can usually be cut back to the ground in the fall when they go dormant.  They will grow out in the spring.  Ornamental grasses can be cut back in early spring, so they grow more vigorously that year.

Budget or time constraints may dictate a slower pace to renovations.  When planning what you want to do, design the new look in modules.  Do as many or as few modules each year as you have time and money to do.  In five or even ten years, you can accomplish everything you planned without blowing your budget or busting your back.

Eliminate Weeds

Now that you have an inventory of plants, start the renovation by eliminating weeds.  The weeds steal sunlight, water, and nutrients from the plants you put there.  You will have the best success pulling these out by hand.  That way, you will not harm the plants adjacent to the weeds.

If you have something very aggressive, like bamboo, cut the stems an inch up from the ground.  Paint the cut ends with an herbicide for broadleaf plants.  Be careful not to get any herbicide on the plants around the target plant.  Repeat as necessary until the plant stops coming back.

Check Irrigation

Transplants need to be watered every day for two weeks, then gradually spread out the watering until you water deeply once a week for the first year for all plants.  Water trees and shrubs for the first three years at least once a month.  All that water has to come from somewhere.  Have an irrigation specialist come out and assess the state of your irrigation system.  Do this before proceeding further.  You do not want your landscape to die because you cannot water it.

Decide What To Remove

Take your plant inventory and decide what has to go.  Maybe it is too large for its landscape area, it isn’t doing well, or you just hate it.  Decide what you want to keep.  Some keepers will need corrective pruning or other work but will be satisfactory and have a place in your garden at the end of the process.  Finally, and this will probably be the biggest category, decide what you are not sure about.  These plants are ones you will try to reinvigorate before you decide to keep or remove them.

Prioritize Work

You need to decide what order to work on your renovation.  For some people, it makes sense to start in one flower bed.  Remove what definitely goes and work to make what stays, even if it is just for right now, grow with renewed vigor before moving on to the next area.  For other people, they want to remove everything that goes before working on the plants that stay or putting in replacements in the holes in the landscape.

Renovations generally go smoother if you fix the existing landscape features before adding new flower beds or large trees.  You may find an area that is problematic and needs to be treated before being replanted.  If you plant first, you may lose the new plants and waste your money.

Choosing New Plants

Before choosing new plants, make a careful note of the characteristics of the spot you want to plant them.  Answer these questions first:

  • How much sun does the area receive?
  • How much water does it get?
  • Does water stand after a rain?
  • What kind of soil does the area have?
  • How much room does the spot have?

Match a new plant to each spot based on the answers to these questions.  Do not put a plant that will have to be pruned to fit in that spot.  Pick one that will be the correct size without major pruning.  For example, crape myrtles come in a range of sizes from about two feet high to thirty or forty feet tall.  Make sure you get the right variety for the size of the spot.  The Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle grows to be ten to fifteen feet tall.  Don’t plant it somewhere that it is too big for and then top it every year (called crape murder by professionals).  Get one of the dwarf varieties instead.

Native plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Perennials such as the red cardinal plant or purple coneflower come back year after year.  These plants are low maintenance once they are established.  Native plants are adapted to the rainfall of the area, resist pests and diseases found there, and need very little fertilizer or water each year.  TN Nursery specializes in matching native plants to every area of your landscape.  We will be happy to help you find what you need.

Mulch

Mulch helps suppress weeds, conserves soil moisture, and looks better than bare ground.  Use three inches of it around your plants.  Do not let the mulch actually touch stems or trunks or it will cause rot.  Leave an inch gap for stems and three inches for trunks.

Pruning To Reinvigorate

If you are trying to reinvigorate or tame wildly overgrown deciduous trees and shrubs, know that it is a three-to-five-year process.  Never cut more than one third of the tree or shrub a year or you risk permanent injury or death.  You will probably have to hire an arborist to prune these trees because of size and the danger of climbing a large tree to trim the top part.  The arborist will be able to make a plan for the next three to five years to reduce the size of the tree and get it under control again.

Evergreen trees and shrubs such as American arborvitae are hard to reinvigorate after they have gotten too large.  They do not have needles or leaves in the interior of their branches.  Everything grows from the tip.  If you cut them back, you will have bare branches permanently.  Evergreen trees may have to be cut down and replaced if they are too big.  Think hard before taking this step because these trees are valuable.

Reinvigorating your landscape is a way to change a messy, weedy landscape that detracts from curb appeal into a show piece worth thousands more than before.  As always, we are here to help.

Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle

Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle

Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia 'Sioux') The Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Sioux') is a striking and versatile deciduous shrub or small tree that offers an explosion of color and beauty throughout the summer and into the fall. Renowned for its vibrant pink blossoms, the Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle is a garden favorite, adding color to any landscape. This variety typically reaches 10 to 15 feet, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a featured plant in more significant landscapes. One of the standout features of the Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle is its extended blooming period  From midsummer to early fall, this plant is adorned with clusters of bright pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The blossoms are arranged in large panicles, creating a stunning contrast against the plant’s dark green foliage. The leaves take on a reddish-bronze hue as the seasons change, providing additional seasonal interest. Beyond its visual appeal, the Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle is valued for its hardiness and adaptability  Once established, it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9, tolerating both heat and drought conditions. This variety prefers full sun to achieve its best flowering potential but can handle partial shade. It’s also highly resistant to common crepe myrtle ailments, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. The Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle is often used in various landscape applications, from being a focal point in a mixed border to serving as a flowering hedge or privacy screen. Its moderate growth rate and upright, vase-like shape make it easy to manage with minimal pruning.  Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle's smooth, exfoliating bark adds texture and interest in winter, ensuring that this plant offers year-round appeal. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or in a group, the Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle is a beautiful addition to any garden. How fast does Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle grow? What's special about Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle is that it's a vigorous tree that can develop as much as 1-2 feet a year under the right circumstances. Cared for correctly, it will achieve its natural size of 10 - 20 ft within a few years.  What are the benefits of Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle?  This is a beautiful tree prized for its attractive pink flowers that may bloom from summer through the fall. It also forms interest throughout the year through its colorful bark. Although it may be attacked by some diseases, such as powdery mildew, it is easy to maintain in landscapes.  Where does Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle grow best?  It needs full sun and fertile soils and therefore does best in gardens, parks or streets. It too does best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 and does extremely well in the hot, somewhat desiccated environment.  What type of fertilizer is appropriate for Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtles?  Applying an organic, controlled-release fertilizer with the N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 in late winter will help encourage growth and brilliant flowering. It is important not to overdo with fertilizing, this is the main reason you get plants that produce more foliage at the cost of flowers.  What is the Lifespan of the Sioux Pink Crepe Myrtle  Under the perfect conditions, the plant can live for around 20-30 years or longer. However, the lifespan will mostly depend on environmental factors and the care of the plant.

Cardinal Flower - TN Nursery

Cardinal Flower

The Red Cardinal Flower has vibrant red blooms and tall, erect stalks. It adds color and elegance to gardens, parks, and various outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for landscapers and gardeners. The scarlet-hued Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial in the bellflower family. Its tall, nectar-filled bloom spikes attract hummingbirds and create a beautiful display in your garden. The plant's common name refers to the red robes a Roman Catholic cardinal wears.      Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a Powerful Pollinator Perennial Lobelia is native to the North and South American continents and blooms from July through September. This moisture-loving plant grows on stream banks and in low woods, marshes, and meadows across the United States. If you want to create a handsome show in your garden, Lobelia will surely delight. The plant's fiery spires yield brilliant red blooms that open gradually from the bottom to the top of their racemes. Each long, narrow, tube-shaped blossom has two flat upper petals and three lower petals at the tips. The delicate plant crown leafy 2’-4' stems, covered with shiny, lance-shaped, bright green leaves that sometimes have a bronze or reddish tint. The leaves alternate as they climb the stems, enhancing the blooms to create a lively riot of color. Add Color To Your Water Garden With Cardinal Flowers  Cardinal Flower is a favorite of gardeners who love adding bold splashes of crimson. This plant is perfect for shady woodland plots, wet meadow plantings, water gardens, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. Its long stems can add height to borders and create depth when placed in the back sections of your landscape. The blossoms are most spectacular from midsummer into fall and make excellent cut blooms. Ecology Of The Cardinal Flower Some people say Lobelia will bring hummingbirds in from the sky. The plant's blooming period coincides with the late-summer migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds traveling south to Mexico. The birds pollinate the plant by dipping their beaks into the plants' long, red tubes. The blossoms are also beautiful to swallowtail butterflies and bees, making them a wonderful centerpiece in a pollinator garden. Cardinal Flower Is A Bold Statement In Any Garden  When you want to make a bold, beautiful statement in your garden, include the Cardinal Flower in your plan and celebrate the summer season. Where Do Cardinal Flowers Grow Best  Cardinal flower grows best in soil that is moist and full of nutrients and partly shaded to fully sunny areas. It typically grows along the edge of streams, at marsh, and in borders of gardens with frequent irrigation.  How do you propagate cardinal flowers?  They can be propagated from seeds, division, or even by the basal shoots. Take seeds from the plant in midsummer or clump in early spring to propagate new plants, which a moist soil should provide for root development.  How do you care for cardinal flowers?  The soil must be moist with plenty of organic content. Deadhead to foster continued flowering and add much to maintain the moisture of the soil as well as protect the roots throughout the winter.  Can You Grow Cardinal Flowers From Cuttings  It is actually possible to propagate cardinal flowers by cuttings. Buddings should be taken from a softwood during spring, put in a moist medium, and in high humidity to promote rooting.  Is the cardinal flower easy to grow?  Yes, cardinal flowers are relatively easy to cultivate. They need moisture in the soil, and grow them in partial shade; once planted in the right habitat, there is very little required care.

Coneflower Plant - TN Nursery

Coneflower Plant

The coneflower plant, or echinacea, is known for its distinctive daisy-like, purple flowers with a prominent cone-shaped center. These flowers attract pollinators and add color to gardens.   Coneflower Perennial (Echinacea) Coneflowers, which resemble daisies, typically bloom in the middle to end of summer. Certain types may begin blooming earlier or continue into the autumn. They are available in a rainbow of hues, from yellow to deep pink, and with both single and double blooms that are incredibly vibrant. Magnus Superior variants bloom from the end of spring until the end of summer with rosy-violet rays that can reach a diameter of seven inches. These plants respond exceptionally well to deadheading. They spread gracefully like wildflowers thanks to their abundant seed production and self-sowing capabilities. Their delicate branches and colorful flowers make them perfect for gardens, where they provide visual interest without drawing attention to themselves. This naturalizing effect makes the plant look better and works well to fill in gaps between flower beds. Add Uniqueness to Your Garden With It Because of their unusual shape and composition, cones are a great way to add variety to your landscape. Their unique cone shapes also make them eye-catching accents among other garden plants. They provide textural variety to a garden by growing erect, contrasting wonderfully with trailing or mounding plants. In expansion, they can adjust to a broad range of soil types and light levels, giving you more alternatives for planting them. Invite Pollinators to Your Yard With It Since Coneflower Plants produce both nectar and pollen, many pollinators rely on these flowers for sustenance. Each 250 to 500 blooms that make up its black, cone-shaped flower head serves as a little cup of nectar for the pollinators. Bees and hummingbirds are just a few of the pollinators that love it. This variant can grow up to three feet tall and typically blooms between the middle of summer and the beginning of September each year because they produce seeds and are a popular nectar source for birds. They are of the same genus as the daisy, which you could guess by looking at. They bear stunning purplish-pink petals and are naturally drought-tolerant. As a native plant, they provide professionals and gardening enthusiasts with a low-maintenance option for adding complexion to outdoor spaces. What Do They Look Like?  The Coneflower (also called Echinacea) may be well-known for its petals' deep to pastel purple tinge. However, a closer look will reveal one of the most intricate and alluring central disks of all flowering plants. This flower gets its name from this striking and unique central disk.  It has received this moniker thanks to the spiny central hub. The spines are spread out in an almost exact order of distance, giving the cone a symmetrical shape and order that is truly stunning when observed closely.  In full bloom, their petals may splay out parallel to the ground or stretch downward. This positioning puts the central cone on full display and accentuates its bulbous shape. The spines on the cone can adopt a rust, red, orange, or yellow pigmentation throughout the blooming season.  Of course, the petals are nothing to sneeze at. Being a daisy gendaisieshe, the petals are lance-shaped and can grow to about 1.5 inches long. The flower is mostly an intense purple, where it connects with the stem and washes out gradually towards the tip. In some lights, this creates a pastel effect that is perfect for pairing with other flowers without drawing too much attention.  The stem grows erect and can reach heights between 2 and 4 feet. This makes this plant a great contrast to creeping or bunching plants. The leaves are basal and arranged alternately. They are a deep, cool green reminiscent of forest floors.  What Should You Plant Coneflowers If their chromatic and structural traits aren't enough to entice you, check out some of the more practical benefits of adding this flower to your landscape:  Planting Options: They are very versatile when it comes to planting. Once established, they are highly adaptable and can live with varying degrees of light and soil types. So, no matter what soil you have or what kind of space you have to work with, you can still enjoy these flowers. They Attract Pollinators. Hummingbirds and bees love the pollen and nectar they produce. The cone can house 250-500 spines, which are filled with food for a wide variety of pollinators.  Easy to Maintain - While they will require regular watering after planting, they only need a little maintenance after they are established. They respond well to deadheading, which can also help control seeding if you want them to spread only a little. They can handle several types of soil as long as it is well-drained.  They're Drought Tolerant - Want to contribute to the palette of your garden without spending a fortune on water? The plant is drought-tolerant. Once the roots have been established, maintaining them takes very little water. They Come in a Variety of Colors-They come in a bouquet of colors, from the typical purplish-pink to yellow shades. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners who want their landscapes to explode with color while maintaining strong uniformity.  Frequently Asked  Are you ready to start planting them in your lawn or garden? The following answers to commonly asked questions may prepare you.  When Do They Bloom?  The blooming season for them is typically between mid-summer and later summer. Some variants can bloom into autumn.  Do They Like Sun or Shade?  Like most flowers in the daisy family, daisies love sunshine. Planting them in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily would help.  Do They Come Back Every Year? They are perennials, which means they come back every year. This makes them a good choice if you want to add consistent color and variety to your outdoor spaces.  How Tall Are They?  They can stretch to 2-4 feet tall. The stem holds the flower clear above the basal leaves, allowing it to be the show's star, even on the shorter end.  How Do You Plant Them?  Start by digging a hole twice the width of the root ball's diameter. The root ball should be set to level with the soil line. To help retain moisture, add a small amount of compost and mulch to the plant site. After planting, they will need regular watering until the plant has established.  Will They Bloom Again If Deadheaded?  Coneflower respond well to deadheading. They will bloom again if you deadhead them. There are particular advantages to deadheading. Firstly, it will keep them from overtaking other plants in your garden (deadheading prevents seeding). Secondly, it may prolong the bloom time.  How Do You Deadhead A Coneflower It will help if you always deadhead (prune) yours with shears, as the stems can be very hardy and rugged to snap by hand. Deadhead after the flower has faded, cutting it down to a leaf close to new growth.  TN Nursery Provides Year-round Beauty for Your  Whether you want the whole gamut of colors or lush greenery to add to your garden, TN Nursery has you covered. We offer many ferns, flowers, plants, mosses, shrubs, perennials, vines, trees, and more. Your order is backed up by a full, year-long, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our prime specimens make planting and maintaining easy and allow you to enjoy the fulfillment of gardening. Place an order now and beautify your outdoor spaces. Where Does Coneflower Plant Grow Best  They grow well in soil that has good drainage and total sun exposure, meaning the plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They are perennials and resistant to different environments; therefore successful in most climates but thrive well in a sunny garden with moderate watering.  How long do coneflowers take to grow  Coneflowers take 3-4 months to grow from seeds to flowering. When planted in early spring, they flower in mid-summer, and during early fall, they are on their third round of blooming.  What Does Coneflower Plant Attract  The flower is surrounded by tiny petals that attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.  Can you grow coneflower from cuttings?  Coneflowers are reproduced by seeds or by division, although it has been established that the plant can be propagated by cuttings. Propagation can be performed using softwood cuttings in spring or early summer and it is sown in a rooting medium and under constant humidity.  Can I Grow Coneflower Plant In Pots  Yes, coneflowers can be grown in containers so long as the pot has a drainage hole and sufficient size for root development. Select a high-quality nutrient-packed growing mix and put the pot in a well-lit area.

American Arborvitae - TN Nursery

American Arborvitae 6-12"

American Arborvitae is a versatile evergreen tree used for living and privacy fences. It has numerous pleasing attributes in landscaping. Native to North America, this hardy and low-maintenance tree has become a staple in many gardens and residential landscapes. Its exceptional qualities make it an excellent choice for various purposes, and here are some of the reasons why it is a beloved addition to landscaping. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) Is a Fast Growing Evergreen Conifer Tree American Arborvitae, also called Thuja occidentalis hedge, is a fast-growing, woody, evergreen plant native to eastern North America. This versatile plant is best known for its ability to form dense foliage that stays lush green throughout the year. This species grows in moist, well-drained loam and cool conditions, making it a popular choice to plant along lake shores, in swampy areas, and in forests. One of the attractive features of an American Arborvitae tree is that it is a low-maintenance option compared to other garden trees. Loved by both new and experienced gardeners, Arborvitae not only adds to the beauty of your outdoor space with its distinctive conical shape but is also suitable for any purpose. American Arborvitae Reaches 40 Feet Tall When planted in your backyard, it can grow up to 20-40 feet in height and 10-15 meters in width, creating enough privacy to relax in your garden whenever you want. The growth rate of this plant primarily depends on its location, light, water, and nutrients. As for the growing conditions, this hardy plant can thrive in U.S.D.A. zones 3-8, making it an ideal addition to any landscaping situation. Arborvitae Features This plant thrives in full-sun gardens and hot climates but will also do well in partially shaded areas. The American Arborvitae tree is known to provide privacy screens and act as a natural wind shelter, allowing you to enjoy time outdoors in your backyard. Add Year-Round Color With American Arborviate Create natural habitats for wildlife and provide them with much-needed shelter and food sources during harsh climates. Depending on the cultivator, Arborvitae comes in different shapes: Rounded, conical, pyramidal, rounded, or pendulous. If you buy arborvitae from T.N. Nursery, it comes pre-shaped and ready to plant and grow. American arborvitae is available in sizes ranging from 6 to 12".

Article Tags for: How to Revive a Neglected Garden

Discover more insightful reads and expert tips related to this topic. Dive into our curated selection of articles to expand your knowledge and get inspired. Whether you’re looking for gardening tips, plant care advice, or the latest trends in landscaping, we’ve got you covered!