The Scoop! - Low maintenance and space saving plants for 2008.

February 7, 2008

Cottage Farms Direct welcomes
you and your garden to 2008!

Welcome to the first edition of the Scoop! for 2008.

I can't believe a whole year has passed since we first introduced the Scoop! This year we're going to try to provide you with timely tips and gardening information every Thursday during the Spring planting season. There are so many new plants and ideas we want to share with you that I hope we have time and space to fit them all in!

Here's wishing you a great year in the garden!

What’s happening!

Spring Dreams -- 43 days and counting...

I guess the best news we can offer you is that Spring is just a few short weeks away. Depending on where you live, of course, will determine how long those weeks really feel. But, none the less, Spring is coming and regardless of your project list or what your tastes in gardening are, right now is the best time to dream about making your outdoor living area everything you want it to be! Most of you cannot yet begin the planting process due to the weather; however, I remember a wise old saying:

If You Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail.

Planning for your spring gardening endeavors can be fun and is always time well spent. The results can save you time and money, and let you enjoy the fruits and beauty of your labors! Listed are a few ideas to get you started with planning your dream back yard.

Create a scale drawing of the areas you want to plant, improve, renovate, or build. This can be a very rough sketch and does not require any drafting supplies other than a pencil, copy paper and a 12” ruler. Use a scale of 1 inch equals 10 feet. Once you have drawn the permanent structures, put the existing plants in the drawing. Outline the existing and proposed beds. This rough draft will be your guide to the spaces you have to fill. This exercise may also help you to determine plants you need to remove.
Click here to download free graph paper.
Once you have determined where you need or want new plants, the next step is the fun part! It's time to research what will work in those areas of need. Take your time on this step. The number one reason that plants fail is due to picking the wrong plant for the job. So be sure to spend your time and money wisely and select the proper varieties for the growing conditions. Also, be attentive to the amount of care and special needs your dream plants require.
Look for space saving and low maintenance plants. Plants with these qualities are becoming very common as breeders respond to the demands of the gardening public and develop these traits into their new hybrids.

Gardening Tips

Design Tip

When you step out of the shed with gloves and a shovel, your yard may look quite daunting. One way to concentrate your focus is to take a few minutes and sit in an area where you will be enjoying the view of your garden most often, whether inside or outside. From there you can determine the areas that are frequently viewed and place your favorite plants in those locations!

What's New

Low maintenance and space saving plants

Online this week, Cottage Farms Direct is featuring some our newest plants that exhibit space saving and low maintenance traits. These plants will grow into their designated spaces, but won't cause you to work so hard in order to enjoy the beauty they'll bring to your outdoor living area.

Planning is a very important part of a great yard or garden and now is the perfect time to visualize what you want so you can determine which plants will meet your needs. In addition to the featured items below, we also suggest you check out our entire selection. Many items are limited so if you see plants you know you want, we suggest you order as soon as you can.

No need to worry about the cold weather. We will ship your order when it is the best time to plant in your area. And, best of all, we guarantee all perennials for a full year and annuals for 90 days. So, order with confidence!