Creating Healthy Lawn Borders: Plant Selection for March

by

As spring approaches, March is the perfect time to start planning and planting your lawn borders. Choosing the right plants can enhance the beauty of your garden while ensuring a healthy and sustainable border throughout the year.

Understanding Lawn Border Planting

Lawn borders serve as a transition zone between your grass and flower beds or other garden features. Proper plant selection in March is crucial because it allows plants to establish roots early in the season, leading to a lush and resilient border.

Ideal Plants for March Borders

  • Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis): Early bloomers that thrive in cool weather and bring delicate white flowers to your border.
  • Crocuses (Crocus spp.): Bright, cheerful flowers that bloom in early spring, perfect for adding color.
  • Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): Also known as Christmas roses, they bloom in late winter to early spring and are shade-tolerant.
  • Primroses (Primula vulgaris): Hardy plants that add vibrant colors and are suitable for shaded or semi-shaded areas.
  • Ferns: Ideal for shaded borders, ferns add texture and greenery early in the season.

Planting Tips for March

To ensure healthy growth, follow these planting tips:

  • Prepare the soil: Clear debris and enrich the soil with compost or organic matter.
  • Timing: Plant early bloomers as soon as the soil is workable.
  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to support root establishment.
  • Protection: Use mulch to protect plants from late frosts and retain moisture.
  • Spacing: Follow plant-specific guidelines to allow room for growth and airflow.

Maintaining Your Lawn Borders

Ongoing maintenance ensures your border remains healthy and attractive:

  • Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
  • Watering: Continue watering during dry spells, especially for newly planted specimens.
  • Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.
  • Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers and prune back any damaged foliage.
  • Monitoring: Watch for pests and diseases, treating promptly if needed.

Conclusion

Planting a healthy and attractive lawn border in March sets the foundation for a vibrant garden. By selecting the right plants and following proper planting and maintenance practices, you can enjoy a beautiful border that enhances your landscape throughout the seasons.