Spring Gardening Tricks That Work  

Spring is here! With it comes the perfect excuse to get our hands a little dirty. We’re offering up a few spring gardening tricks that work! Gardens are just waking up, buds are opening, and the world outside is starting to look a little brighter and greener. Spring is the perfect time to share our favorite gardening tricks, not just because they brighten up your yard, but because they can also boost your home’s curb appeal. (More on that shortly!) It’s also the season for Mother’s Day, and those sunny weekends are made to celebrate with the people you love.  

Flowers come in many different shapes and sizes. You can buy them from a shop or grab them directly from your backyard. Around this time of year, flowers can be a very thoughtful gift. Whether you are honouring a loved one or celebrating Victoria Day, your garden is the perfect place to pick a heartfelt gift.  

So, what should you plant this spring to create something gift-worthy, garden-fresh, and full of meaning? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll share some of the best flowers to grow for spring gifting, plus a few simple gardening tips to help your blossoming garden.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden’s Climate 

No two gardens in Canada are the same, primarily due to the climate. From the dry prairies to the rainforest climate of coastal BC, your location significantly influences what plants will survive and thrive in your region. Here’s a super quick region-friendly guide to help your garden flourish.  

Atlantic Canada – Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick 

The Atlantic provinces are known for their cool, often foggy summers and snowy winters. Coastal areas tend to experience strong winds, while inland regions face more temperature fluctuations. 

Native Plant Picks: Swampy Milkweed, Fuchsia, Geraniums, Trout Lily 

Pro Tip: Coastal winds can be tough on delicate plants, so opt for hardy perennials. It’s recommended in early spring to start seeds indoors to give you a jump on a short growing season. If the wind is extra drafty near you, consider wind protection for fragile plants, especially those in exposed coastal gardens.  

Central Canada – Quebec, Ontario  

These provinces experience the full four seasons and require flowers that can handle deep freezes in the winter and humid summers. Because of the area, spring temperatures can vary significantly from southern Ontario to northern Quebec.   

Native Plant Picks: Wild Bergamot, Canada Goldenrod, Blue Flag Iris, Canada anemone 

Pro Tip: The winter and summer seasons in Quebec and Ontario can be starkly different. It’s recommended to use mulch to protect perennials in winter. Also, choose plants for your specific hardiness zone.   

Prairie Provinces – Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta  

Not much precipitation, very hot summers, and super cold winters are the extent of The Prairie’s climate. Drought resistant plants are recommended as dry conditions are normal here.  

Native Plant Picks: False Sunflower, The Prairie Crocus, Prickly Wild Rose 

Pro Tip: Use raised garden beds with heavy clay and fertilizer rich soils. These beds can also help with wind protection, improving drainage, and root health.  

West Coast – British Columbia  

Coastal areas enjoy Canada’s mildest climate with lots of rainfall. Interior regions of BC tend to be drier, while rainforest-like conditions of Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland support lush green growth. But watch out! This can also lead to issues with fungus.  

Native Plant Picks: Deer Fern, Red/Sitka Columbine, Satin Flower, Twinflower 

Pro Tip: Root rot can be a common problem in British Columbia. Because of the amount of rainfall, good drainage is essential in coastal gardens to prevent this. Interior regions of BC should plant drought-resistant flowers and use mulch to conserve moisture during hot and dry summers.  

Northern Territories – Yukon, Northwest Territories 

Because of long daylight hours in the summer and super harsh winters, gardening in the territories presents some challenges. This also makes for a very short growing season.  

Native Plant Picks: Arctic Poppy, Dwarf Fireweed, Aspen Poplar, Labrador tea 

Pro Tip: Refer to your zone hardiness map and focus on hardy Zone 0-2 plants. Take advantage of the long daylight hours during the brief summer. Raised beds warm up faster and extend your growing season. Consider cold frames or greenhouses to expand your options in this challenging climate. 

Sustainability and Water Saving Solutions 

Now that you’ve got some native plant ideas for your garden, it’s time to start thinking about how much water you’ll use. Always water your plants early in the morning, as this gives the soil time to absorb moisture before it gets too hot for the day. Some plants may need more water than others, and vice versa, so it’s good to make sure you aren’t over- or under watering.   

You will likely have a higher water bill in drier climates, while in more humid climates, you may not have to water as much. 

This can also all depend on the season. As showcased above, our biggest pro-tip is to stick to native plants. These plants are already adapted to the local climate and soil. They’ll require far less water and attention than non-native plants. They also will create an amazing little ecosystem in your backyard that will attract bees, birds, and butterflies.  

If high water bills are a concern, don’t hesitate to contact your local municipality; you might be surprised by the programs and resources available. And last but not least, don’t skip the mulch. As we mentioned earlier, mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retains moisture, and keeps pesky weeds at bay. 

How a Garden Improves the Value of Your Home 

As you implement these spring gardening tricks, remember that your garden is more than just for personal use. It is also a powerful asset when it comes time to sell your home. A maintained garden manicured with native plants, seasonal colors, and eco-friendly features will show buyers that your property beautiful and practical.   

Furthermore, making sustainable choices like pollinator gardens or xeriscaping can help you save money and time. It can help lower water usage and reduce maintenance overall in arid climates. 

Home gardens come in all different shapes and sizes. You could be planting flowers for Mom, honoring a loved one, or simply celebrating the spring and summer seasons. Regardless of the reason for your green thumb, these gardening tips will keep your backyard vibrant all season long. Your beautiful garden may even add value to your home!