Mid-Spring Planting Guide: What to Plant Now for Summer Bloom

April has arrived, and with it, the promise of long, sun-soaked days and gardens brimming with color and life. For gardeners in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, this is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a garden that will thrive through the summer and beyond. This year, why not focus on the enduring beauty of perennials, the elegant movement of ornamental grasses, and the lush textures of ferns? These plant choices promise not just a season but years of growth and beauty. Here’s your go-to guide for what to plant now to enjoy a bloom-filled summer.

Perennial Flowers for Summer Color

Astilbe: Known for their feathery, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender, Astilbes are excellent for adding softness and color to shady spots in your garden. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil, making them perfect for gardeners in the wetter climates of Toronto and Ottawa.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis): With blooms that last just one day, Daylilies still manage to provide continuous color throughout the summer, thanks to their prolific nature. They're hardy, adaptable, and can thrive in a range of soil conditions, requiring minimal care once established.

Echinacea (Coneflower): Coneflowers are a magnet for pollinators and a resilient choice for sunny spots. Their vibrant purple, pink, and white flowers stand tall, adding height and color from mid-summer to fall. They're drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for the varied summer climates of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Ornamental Grasses for Texture and Movement

Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass): This tall, clump-forming grass is a favorite for its vertical lines and feathery plumes that catch the light and move gracefully in the breeze. It's quick to establish and thrives in a variety of conditions, providing interest from summer through winter.

Miscanthus sinensis (Silver Grass): For a show-stopping display of silver, white, or pink plumes above tall, elegant foliage, look no further than Miscanthus. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and with numerous varieties to choose from, there’s a Miscanthus for every garden.

Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass): Native to North America, Switchgrass is a hardy option that adapts well to a range of soils, including those in urban gardens. Its airy texture and subtle colors add a natural, wild look to garden landscapes.

Ferns for Lush, Green Foliage

Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern): This large, shade-loving fern is known for its distinctive, arching fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. It prefers moist, rich soil, making it a great choice for adding greenery to shaded areas of your garden.

Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern): Named for its coppery-red new fronds that turn green as they mature, the Autumn Fern adds a splash of color to shady spots. It’s drought-tolerant once established and brings year-round interest to the garden.

Polystichum setiferum (Soft Shield Fern): With its soft, lacy fronds, this fern adds texture and elegance to shady garden corners. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Planting Tips

• Soil Preparation: Enrich your garden beds with compost to improve soil structure and nutrient content, ensuring your perennials, grasses, and ferns get a strong start.

• Watering: New plantings require regular watering until they're established. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to water, reducing evaporation losses.

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Positioning: Consider the mature size of your plants when positioning them to ensure they have room to grow and thrive.

By focusing on perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns this mid-spring, you're investing in the future beauty and biodiversity of your garden. Not only will these plants bring joy and color to your summer, but they will also establish a resilient, low-maintenance garden that continues to flourish year after year.