FOUR GARDEN TRENDS TO TRY IN 2024!

By Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart
Photos courtesy ELENALEONOVA / GETTY IMAGES

There may still be snow in the mountains in many parts of the country, but that isn’t stopping gardeners from planning their 2024 landscapes. This year, gardeners are focused on making their spaces more sustainable, pollinator-friendly, and engaging. From native plants that can survive on the land’s natural rainfall to pollinator-friendly ornamental grasses and gardening styles that improve biodiversity, these are the gardening trends experts say will be big this year.

SENSORY GARDENS
This year, expect to see landscapes that are more than just something beautiful to look at. Sensory gardens, which are meant to stimulate all five senses, are a trend that is currently on the rise. This gardening style is designed to help you better connect with nature, as well as promote mindfulness and reduce stress. From the sound of a bird bath to the touch of ornamental grasses, there are plenty of ways to stimulate more of the senses when meandering through your garden. 
Photo: JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES

FOOD FORESTS
Growing food at home isn’t a new idea, but food forests have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to feed local communities in urban areas. This practice is one you can expect to start seeing more of on an individual level, too. A food forest is a system in which edible, harvestable crops are produced in a self-sustaining, multi-layer setting, with the first layer being fungi or root crops and the top layer being large trees. Photo: UWE KREJCI / GETTY IMAGES

GOTHIC GARDEN DESIGN
While you can still expect to see colorful, whimsical gardens in 2024, moodier, dramatic palettes are also experiencing a surge in popularity. Gothic garden design is a trend that’s expected to dominate landscapes this year, according to a trend report by Garden Media. To lean into this movement, consider growing plants that bloom in dark hues and incorporate gothic-inspired statues and pottery into your garden.
Photo: GETTY IMAGES

STOP BY TODAY AND SEE PAYNE’S 2024 GOTHIC THEMED FLOWERING PLANTS!

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
While ornamental grasses have often been used as filler plants in the garden, they will take a front seat in 2024. Beautiful and easy to grow, these grasses are a favorite in colder regions due to their hardiness and resilience against harsh temperatures. What’s more, ornamental grasses provide food and habitat for wildlife, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

TIME TO GET OUT IN THE GARDEN!

In general, spring planting typically begins once the ground has thawed and is no longer frozen. This is usually after the last frost date in our area — which according to the GARDEN GURU is May 15th!

BUT … that doesn’t mean you can’t start to prepare for your garden!

STOP BY TODAY FOR A VARIETY OF HARD GOODS!

IN STOCK NOW! BLACK GOLD POTTING SOIL! Perfect for repotting houseplants into larger indoor containers for the winter.

Made from the finest ingredients, Black Gold Natural & Organic Potting Mix is an all-purpose mix recommended for containers and raised beds and ensures good aeration.

According to Black Gold, health guidelines for people explain that maintaining a good diet and lifestyle will help keep our bodies healthy. This same principle is true for plants. The more we can do to make a plant healthy and avoid stressful conditions, the likelier that plant will thrive.

  • Ideal for all container-grown flowers, herbs and vegetables
  • Enriched with earthworm castings, perlite, pumice and organic fertilizer
  • OMRI listed organic
  • Several sizes are available
  • Packaging may vary
  • Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
  • Rich, loamy mix is one of the best for all gardening applications
  • Perlite and pumice are added to ensure optimum pore and air space for sturdy growth
  • Use in hanging baskets, patio containers, herb gardens, vegetable plantings, and anywhere you would like to use an organic soil
  • Regionally formulated, western region only, packaging may vary
 
STOP BY TODAY!.
If you have any questions on which soil is best for your gardening needs, ask one of our Payne’s Gardening Experts at any of our locations.

WHAT TO DO IN MID-APRIL?

YOU NEED TO START WATERING … BUT NOT IN THE WIND

With the warmer weather we have been receiving, it’s a good idea to get the hose out and give anything planted in the ground a good soaking.

  • Make sure NOT to water during heavy winds – which we are experiencing these days. The water will just evaporate and not reach the plants at all. Although you may have watered the plant, the wind can pull the moisture from the leaves faster than the plant can take it up from the roots. You’ll want to be sure your plants are well watered, preferably a day or so before the wind arrives, if you have that much warning. This will allow them to take up as much water as possible into their leaves ahead of time.
  • Water only when air temperatures are above 32 degrees F. Apply water in the morning so it will have time to soak in before it gets a bit cooler at night.
  • Monitor the weather conditions and water your plants at least twice a week at this time. Once the warmer days are more prevalent, water at least every other day.
  • If your hoses are not of good quality, they may have cracked over the winter months — time to replace them. We recommend using Gilmour Flexogen Premium Duty hoses which we have in stock and in various sizes.

WE STILL HAVE BULBS!

SUMMER FLOWERING & VEGGIE BULBS and PRE-PACKAGED FRUITS!

Payne’s sells ONLY the biggest, highest quality bulbs to make sure you get the largest, longest-lasting, most brilliantly colored blooms for Summer!


Onion and garlic sets, Dahlias, Lilies, Freesia, Gladiolas, Crocosmia, Potato sets, and more! 


WE ALSO have fruit packages AND we have pre-packaged Raspberries, Blackberries and Grapes at BOTH locations.


Stop by either store and choose from our great selection!


TJ’s TIP: We have bone meal, bulb food, and super phosphate IN STOCK NOW! Don’t forget to use one of these at time of planting. Please follow the instructions on the packaging for best performance!

ASK THE GARDEN GURU?

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIRT AND SOIL?

ANOTHER GREAT QUESTION!

For this weeks archived show from previous years show regarding dirt and soil, the Garden Guru said that New Mexico does not have bad soil but it’s pretty void of any organic matter in it so — that’s where we need to start.

If you’re just planting an area in your yard or garden for the first time and all you have is the existing native soil then what Payne’s recommends is that you mix the native soil with organic compounds — meaning peat moss or compost or mulch — any of these will work. Mix the soil at about a 50-50 ratio. Listen to the Garden Guru’s show and find out what Lynn recommends to do if you are not getting good results with what you are doing?

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE GARDEN GURU’S ARCHIVED RADIO SHOW ON THIS TOPIC.

HAPPY GARDENING!

WHAT IS GOOD SOIL?

Good soil for planting typically has a balanced combination of organic matter, minerals, and water-holding capacity. This allows for optimal root development, nutrient uptake, and water retention, which are essential for healthy plant growth.


Additionally, good soil should have a neutral pH level and adequate aeration to promote healthy microbial activity and prevent soil compaction. Proper soil drainage is also important to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases.

CLICK HERE for more information.

STOP BY POSY for BULK RICH SOIL!

STILL TIME FOR DORMANT OIL ONLY IF YOUR PLANTS TREES ARE STILL DORMANT!>

Dormant oil is a horticultural oil that is designed to be used on plants during their dormant period, which is typically in late fall or early spring. The oil works by suffocating pests and their eggs, as well as smothering fungal spores that may be present on the plant. This helps to prevent infestations and diseases from taking hold once the plant becomes active again.

PLEASE NOTE: It’s important that you should only use dormant oil on plants that are truly dormant. Applying it to actively growing plants can cause damage, as the oil can clog the plant’s stomata and prevent it from carrying out essential gas exchange processes. This can lead to reduced photosynthesis and growth, as well as other negative effects on the plant’s health.

To determine if a plant is dormant, look for signs such as loss of leaves or changes in color, as well as a general lack of growth or activity. It’s also important to consider the timing of the plant’s dormancy period, as this can vary depending on the species and location.

When applying dormant oil, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

The Dormant Spray PAYNE’S has in stock is BONIDE ALL-SEASON.
Stop by today!

VALERIE’S VIEW from the Greenhouse!

VEGETABLES!
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I have been telling customers for weeks that it is too early to plant certain vegetables. One should not only consider moon signs and weather predictions, but also soil temperatures. Soil temperature will affect seed germination and seedling growth.
 
Crops from seed, such as, carrots, parsley, lettuce and spinach will germinate at 45 degrees but will grow best with warmer air temperatures. But your lettuce and spinach will start to bolt when it gets too hot. Crops like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant can be seeded into 50 degree soil, but prefer a minimum of 65 degrees. If you are starting with seedlings, they all will prefer warmer (optimum) temperatures to grow.  We will have a selection of tomatoes and peppers. As for cucumbers squash and melons, we do those a little later. As most of you know, our frost-free date is May 15. Patience, patience.
 
I know some of you have greenhouses, cold frames and such so you are looking for starts early on, but the majority of our customers may not have the space or they may be gardening for the first time. As a local nursery we attempt to have starts ready when it is time to plant them outside.  We want all of you to have a successful garden.
 
HAPPY GARDENING!
 

PAYNE’S PHOTO OF THE WEEK!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK!

SUCCULENT SPHERE created by our creative team atPayne’s SOUTH Location!Hurry in… there are ONLY a few of these!

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SHARE YOUR PHOTOS! Please keep sending in your photos. 
You Could WIN a $25 Gift Card!
If you have a photo taken in one of our greenhouses or of your own garden orlandscape that contains products from Payne’s, please send it to info@paynes.com!

If your photo is chosen, and used in our e-newsletter website or other marketingmaterials, then you will receive a Gift Certificate from Payne’s for $25!Please make sure to give us your contact information in your email.

ZODIAC SIGNS AND GARDENING? HERE’S THIS CYCLES PROFILE.

by The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Here’s THIS MONTHS ZODIAC SIGN PROFILE AND HOW IT CAN HELP YOU GARDEN:


ARIES (March 21 – April 20 )
Pisces completes the winter. Spring is just around the corner, so a sense of change is inherent in this sign. Pisceans generally possess a sense of creativity, so look for graceful plants such as lupines and poppies to be scattered around your yard. A rainbow of colors splashes brilliantly in front of your doors and alongside your walkways. Cucumbers, melons, and summer squashes appeal to your watery natures. Many Pisces love to cook, and hearty chicken or fish soups are always simmering on your stove and in your slow cooker. Gazpacho and vichyssoise are also perennial favorites.