Garden Therapy ..

Roses are Red

Sunflowers are Yellow

Spending Time in the Garden

Makes You Feel Mellow

When you think about a garden, perhaps you think carrots, lettuce, squash, tomatoes (who else is getting hungry for a salad?). What you may not think of is relaxation. That's right! Gardening is a natural remedy for stress.

Imagine the satisfaction of growing the ingredients for meals, and the flowers for the dinner table. Time spent in the garden tending to something you planted, watching it grow, being alone with your thoughts...that's garden therapy my friend, and there's nothing quite like it.

Not sure what to plant, when to plant, or how to plant? Worried about over watering, under watering, or your eyes watering because you don't know what you're doing?

Don't worry, we've got you covered. Keep reading for tips on making your garden a success, and anti stress!

Let's talk sunflower facts:

1) When should you plant? Early!

By early we mean early Spring, March/April-ish)

2) Where should you plant? In peat!

Plant in peat with a few feet available for the long tap roots (something has to to anchor these tall beauties)

Sunflowers do not like their roots disturbed once they are growing, so be sure about your chosen location (it should get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day...they are "Sun" flowers after all).

Something else to consider when choosing a location is that f you layer your plantings Sunflowers can be used for screening. If you plant the layers a few weeks apart, you will also be able to enjoy continuous bloom!

3) To water or not to water, that is the question. The answer is water deeply, this will allow plants to survive by extending roots deeper in the soil .

Watering slowly and longer between watering cycles will produce these results.

The answer is

Now that you have your Sunflowers going, what else can you do? How about incorporating some annuals and perennials.

And to really enjoy the flower portion of your garden, consider adding a sitting area. It can be as simple as a small bistro set, or something more elaborate like a paver patio with a full outdoor living room.

If you found this article interesting, keep your eye on this spot for more tips and ideas that will make you want to be outside.

Till we meet again (see what we did there?).