Spring in coastal Virginia represents a season of renewal, and your garden deserves a fresh start just as much as your home. Warmer temperatures and longer stretches of daylight provide the perfect opportunity to prepare your soil, refresh your beds and plant for vibrant color that will last from early spring through late summer.
Start with the Soil
Healthy gardens begin below the surface. After winter, soil can exhibit compaction depletion of nutrients. Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in high-quality compost. Compost enriches the soil with organic matter, improves drainage in heavy clay, and helps sandy soil retain moisture, which is essential for thriving roots in our Hampton Roads climate.
If you’re not sure what your soil needs, stop by London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery for an easy-to-use soil test kit. Testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels takes the guesswork out of gardening and ensures you’re giving your plants exactly what they need to flourish.
Refresh with Mulch
Mulch offers one of the simplest ways to instantly elevate your landscape. A fresh layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, suppress weeds and create a clean, finished look in your beds. Organic mulches also break down over time, feeding the soil and improving overall plant health.
Apply mulch 2-3 inches deep, being careful not to mound it against plant stems or tree trunks.
Plant for Pollinators
One of the most rewarding ways to refresh your garden is by incorporating pollinator-friendly plants. Bees, butterflies, moths and other beneficial pollinators are essential to our ecosystem, and they bring beauty and movement to your yard.
Consider adding:
- Coneflowers
- Bee Balm
- Agastache
- Lantana
- Milkweed
By planting a mix of early-, mid- and late-season bloomers, you’ll enjoy continuous color while supporting local pollinators throughout spring and summer.
Plan for Continuous Bloom
When designing your beds, think in layers and seasons. Pair spring favorites like geraniums, petunias and begonias with summer standouts such as vinca, New Guinea impatiens and lantana. Mixing perennials with annuals ensures long-lasting interest and reliable return year after year.
Adding compost now, feeding appropriately and keeping up with regular watering will set the stage for a season filled with vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
Ready to Refresh?
Visit London Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery to explore their wide selection of pollinator plants, potting soils, premium mulch and compost. The knowledgeable team is ready to help you prep your soil, select the right plants, and design a garden that blooms beautifully all spring and summer long.
