Now that spring is here, it’s time to prepare your garden and get it ready for sunny skies and warmer weather. The local florists at Swan Floral & Gift Shop in Erlanger, KY, have some excellent tips to ensure your yard looks spring-fresh in time for the season.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to begin planting right after Mother’s Day. This is a great time of year because you can be relatively sure that frost won’t cause a problem. Before then, you’ll need to prepare the garden for fresh flowers and plants. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the Right Mulch: If you’ve ever set foot inside a garden center, you know there are many types of mulch available. Florists suggest laying down about two to three inches of mulch at least a couple of weeks prior to planting. You have a choice of organic or inorganic, both of which have their advantages. Organic mulch breaks down over time, releasing helpful nutrients into the soil to enrich your plants. Inorganic mulch can help deter insects, making it a popular choice as well.
• Treat Your Soil: Soil gets compacted during the year when natural elements like gravity and weather conditions tighten it up. Your goal in the spring is to loosen it before you begin planting. Wait until the soil is dry to dig and break it up. This way, the soil will be primed for the upcoming plants and roots will penetrate far more easily.
• Get Rid of the Old: Take a good look around your flowerbeds and borders. Are there any old blooms still lingering? Perhaps there’s some dead grass nearby. It’s important to get rid of these deceased growths to make room for the new, fresh, and vibrant flower arrangements and plants of spring. Pull them out completely so any new arrivals can easily come through.

By treating your yard to a little TLC, it will be ready for spring and all of the beautiful colors and flower arrangements you love. In the meantime, why not give your home a little splash of color, too? The florists at Swan Floral & Gift Shop have an extensive selection of stunning flowers. Visit their website to browse their spring flowers, or give them a call at (859) 342-7575 for more information. You can also find them on Facebook.