Seasonal Planting Schedule for a Year-Round Entrance Garden

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Creating a beautiful and inviting entrance garden that blooms year-round requires careful planning and understanding of seasonal planting. By selecting appropriate plants for each season, you can ensure your garden remains vibrant and welcoming throughout the year. This guide provides a month-by-month planting schedule to help you design and maintain a stunning entrance garden all year long.

Spring Planting (March – May)

Spring is the time to introduce new life into your garden. Focus on planting bulbs, perennials, and early bloomers that will greet visitors with color and fragrance. Prepare your soil in late winter by adding compost to ensure healthy growth.

  • March: Plant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bulbs. Prune existing shrubs and trees.
  • April: Sow annuals like petunias and marigolds in containers. Plant early blooming perennials like primroses and bleeding hearts.
  • May: Transplant young shrubs and perennials. Add flowering ground covers such as creeping thyme and sedum.

Summer Planting (June – August)

Summer is ideal for planting heat-tolerant plants that add color and texture. Focus on container plants, flowering shrubs, and annuals to keep your entrance lively during the warm months.

  • June: Plant summer annuals like petunias, impatiens, and begonias. Mulch beds to retain moisture.
  • July: Add hanging baskets with trailing plants. Water regularly to keep plants healthy.
  • August: Plant late-season perennials such as asters and coneflowers to extend color into fall.

Autumn Planting (September – November)

Autumn is perfect for planting hardy perennials, shrubs, and bulbs that will bloom in the following spring. Prepare your garden for winter by mulching and protecting sensitive plants.

  • September: Plant bulbs for spring blooms, such as crocuses and tulips. Divide and transplant perennials.
  • October: Plant evergreen shrubs like boxwood and holly. Add mulch to insulate roots.
  • November: Finalize planting of hardy perennials. Protect tender plants with burlap covers.

Winter Care (December – February)

Winter is a quieter period for planting, but essential for garden maintenance. Focus on protecting your plants from harsh weather and planning for the next year’s planting schedule.

  • December: Mulch beds to insulate roots. Prune dormant shrubs and trees.
  • January: Plan your garden layout and order seeds and plants for spring.
  • February: Protect vulnerable plants with frost covers. Prepare soil for early spring planting.

Additional Tips for a Year-Round Entrance Garden

To ensure your entrance garden remains attractive throughout the year, consider the following tips:

  • Choose a mix of evergreen and deciduous plants for continuous interest.
  • Use containers for flexible planting and seasonal displays.
  • Regularly prune and deadhead flowers to promote healthy growth.
  • Incorporate decorative elements like garden sculptures and lighting.

With thoughtful planning and seasonal adjustments, your entrance garden can be a stunning feature that welcomes visitors in every season.