Garden Tips by Month
April Gardening Tips
The temperatures are rising, the birds are singing and the sun is shining- Spring is here! The weather, rather than the calendar, dictate when to start working in your garden.
April 1, 2024
make life beautiful
10 Plants to Make Easter Decorating Easier
Brighten up your home and get ready for Easter with touches of spring! Catch spring fever with these plants and floral arrangements that make decorating your home for this holiday easier:
1. Easter Lilies
One of the most popular choices for Easter décor, Easter Lilies feature fragrant white trumpet blooms with dark green foliage. Native to Japan, the Easter Lily was introduced by a World War I soldier who returned home with a suitcase full of lily bulbs. When the supply of bulbs was cut off as a result of Pearl Harbor, the rising price of lily bulbs earned this plant the nickname “White Gold.”
Enjoy your Easter Lily inside in a decorative container that is close to bright, indirect light. Protect from drafts and heat sources. Once the flowers have withered and the danger of frost has passed, find a sunny place in your garden to plant the Easter Lily and enjoy blooms next season.
2. Crocus
One of the first signs of spring, Crocus are beautiful spring-flowering bulbs available in a variety of colors. Their waxy cuticle allows them to withstand harsh temperatures and even a light dusting of snow. English Gardens carries blooming Crocus in pots that can add a pop of color to your home’s Easter décor.
3. Tulips
Tulips-the queen of the spring garden! Originally from Persia and Turkey, Tulips were brought to Europe in the 16th century. This is where they got their common name from the Turkish word for gauze, with which turbans were wrapped. Although different tulip colors symbolize various emotions, it is said the black center represents a lover’s heart that is darkened by the heat of passion.
Available in pots, as fresh-cut flowers, as silks and as ready to sprout, they’re an easy addition to your Easter décor.
4. Orchids
Dendrobiums and Phalaenopsis Orchids are popular choices for Easter due to their showy blooms. Orchids thrive in indirect, bright light, high humidity and sufficient air circulation. For more information on Orchid care, visit our Orchids 101 blog. English Gardens carries life-like silk Orchids, as well.
5. Azaleas
Available as a plant or tree topiary, Azalea flowers are available in striking red, white and pink hues. Azaleas will thrive in bright yet indirect light with cooler temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees. Avoid allowing your plant to dry out. Occasionally dunk the base of the plant into a bucket of water and when the bubbles stop, pull it out and allow to drain.
6. Gerbera Daisy
The cheery nature of Gerbera Daisies makes them a perfect addition to your home during Easter! These cute flowers are available in almost all colors of the rainbow, except blue. They perform best in bright yet indirect light. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not allow to sit in standing water. Pinch off the blooms as they wilt. Available in pots or fresh cut flowers.
7. Daffodils
Daffodils are synonymous with rebirth and new beginnings. Lore connects the Daffodil to the end of winter as well as an emblem of future prosperity. They are a favorite for their long life and colorful blooms. Available in cut flowers, add to your home for a touch of color. English Gardens also carries ready to sprout varieties to plant in the ground.
8. Hyacinths
Known for their sweet fragrance, Hyacinth are a great addition to any spring garden as well as your home décor. Typically Hyacinth bulbs bloom in early spring. Forget to plant your Hyacinth bulbs in the fall? English Gardens carries blooming Hyacinth to decorate your dinner table as well as ready to sprout to plant.
9. Hydrangeas
The name Hydrangea comes from the Greek word “hydor”, meaning water, and “angos” meaning vessel. This roughly translates to “water barrel,” referring to the flower’s need for lots of water. Hydrangea colors range from white to blue or pink and purple. Incorporate these large fluffy blooms into your home décor. Available as plants or fresh-cut flowers.
10. Floral Arrangements
Rutgers University recently conducted a study on the power of flowers and they found having flowers around has a long term positive effect on your mood, particularly affecting depression and agitation. Make any space more welcoming with fresh floral arrangements or give as a gift. Visit one of our full-service florists to get a custom arrangement created for your special occasion.
Visit any English Gardens location to see our full selection of flowering plants.
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