Effortless Gardening Made Easy with These Plants and Flowers!

There are No Affiliate links in this article, I was just doing some flower shopping and decided to share the tea!

I confess, I'm kinda lazy at gardening. I enjoy selecting plants or flowers, finding the perfect spot, planting them properly, and then... well, I tend to step back and let nature take its course! Of course, I know I have to water, and I do, but I'm not the most attentive. I don't fuss over each plant; I give them a home and expect that they will thrive and flourish as is their nature.

I do resolve to do better this year. I intend to enrich the soil with bone meal and perhaps some fertilizer. Additionally, I'm considering relocating some plants to more suitable locations. And in the fall, I will dig up the dahlias!

I'm in Zone 6b, so sometimes I will take a chance with a plant to see if it will come back when its not supposed to for my zone. Occasionally, I will find a micro-climate in the garden and then I have a surprise in the Spring!

Gardening can be expensive, so I do most of my gardening, and experimenting, with plants and flowers that are on sale or marked down when the stores have had enough of taking care of them. The bulk of my budget goes towards soil, particularly since I contend with clay soil and numerous tree roots in the backyard.

Easy Flowers

Delphinium (Larkpsur)

This blue beauty has some purple coloring on it. I have it planted in my front garden and even though the soil is full of lava rocks, it comes up every year because it self-seeds! You can purchase your own at Eden Brothers to plant in the Spring or Fall.

Crocus

These little gems are scattered throughout the garden, with some clustered by the big back window. That's where our table used to be, and I planted them specifically so my daughter could witness their cheerful arrival each spring. They're such dependable early bloomers that I confess to taking them for granted. But after years of faithful service, some clumps haven't flowered. Since my soil is clay, I suspect it's time to give these non-performers a little TLC. I'll be loosening up the ground and adding compost around them, hoping to revive their blooming spirit. You can purchase a pack of 10, in a mixture of colors, at Brecks.

Tulips (sometimes)

I have to say sometimes because of the squirrels in my part of the world! The original Tulips to the property are red and I have seen them pop up in various spots in the front yard. I've even witnessed the squirrels' mischief as they target the petals, plucking them off the flowers. In contrast, the second oldest Tulips on the property, which happen to be black, reside near the back door. Surprisingly, they've remained untouched, likely due to the protective layer of rocks surrounding them. Each year, I eagerly purchase more Tulips in hopes of their return. I'm so determined to have them that I've even run out of the house trying to chase away those pesky squirrels! There are a multitude of choices available at Breck's.

Daffodils

I have several varieties of daffodils: miniature, white, and the classic bright yellow ones. Their reliability never fails to impress me—they emerge faithfully each year! I thought that I lost 2 clusters that I just added to the back garden to the squirrels, but they surprised me and popped up anyway! They were fewer in number, but I'm happy they came back.

I think adding flowers to the back garden is going to be a challenge, especially considering its distance from the house. The squirrels think they have the garden to themselves. It seems it's gonna be a real showdown between me and them for control of the garden!

There is a large selection available at Eden Brothers.

Iris

Meet the Iris that's been gracing my garden for decades. They have settled in a sunny, warm spot, and without fail, they bloom each year. Last year, I experimented with staking up the flowers since they tend to droop once they're in full bloom. This year I didn't stake them.

Every year is different, because for me my effort in the garden depends on what else is going on in my life. During busy, stressful times I'm just happy to see the blooms before they're gone. Other times, the stress has me running to the garden. While some years I spend lots of time sitting and relaxing and eating a meal outside daily.

A large selection of Bearded Iris are available at Breck's and Eden Brothers

Lily of the Valley

One of the flowers doing well in the back garden is the Lily of the Valley. It's my birthday flower and I love having it! My Mom brought some over from her garden and they have spread nicely. And I love the smell, it's a soft, sweet, floral scent (I have some on my desk right now as I write this). They are available at Burpee. ( They also have the Pink Lily of the Valley!)

Easy Plants

Hostas

There are large trees in my backyard providing many shady spots in the gardens and the Hostas are an easy plant to have. Some have gotten so large I was able to divide them and transplant them to other spots in the garden. Even as a beginner it was easy to successfully do! I just made sure that I watered them the summer I divided them. They have many varieties that will add visual interest to your garden. My favourites are the green and white varieties. There are all sorts of varieties available at Breck's

Hellebores (Lenten Rose)

I have Hellebores in my front garden. This is the garden with the lava rocks in the dirt, and they have always done well. They come early in the Spring and all you have to do is cut off the old leaves. You will know which ones to cut, as they have turned brown and dry like the leaves of fall. In fact it is time to divide them and bring some into the backyard! I can hardly wait to see their blooms from the back window where I spend most of my time. There are many varieties to choose from; Burpee has a large selection.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas come in all sorts of varieties, but I've found the ones that thrive on old wood are the simplest to care for. I particularly adore the tree-like shape of the two in my backyard—they sprout from old wood. Their growth has been impressive, and I'm constantly snipping off big, beautiful blooms to bring indoors. In fact, they've grown so well that I need to haul out a ladder just to trim off the spent blooms! Hydrangeas are available at your local nursery, although Burpee does have a selection of them.

Lilac Bushes

Lilac bushes are also easy to grow.  If you're dreaming of a lush hedge towering with fragrant flowers, the Lilac bush is your go-to. Their fragrance will perfume your garden and yard. Just keep in mind, during the Winter months, they might not provide as much privacy as you want. I've heard it's best to trim it back by about one-third of its size every year. This will encourage better flowering, but you have to prune it immediately after they're done flowering in the Spring. Pruning later in the Summer or Fall will result in cutting off many or all of next year's flowers! Lilacs are available at your local nursery, but Burpee sells some plants too.

Happy Gardening,

Tricia

Everlea Journal