Brookfield, Wis. – As summer rolls into Wisconsin after a seemingly interminable wait, homeowners can finally bring real color to their yards and landscaping with annual plants that are a hallmark of warm weather.
Annuals usually last through October and can provide bright, cheery color their entire growing life. The key is smart selection, proper planting and continuous tending of these flowers and other species, said Todd Ruedt, owner of Grounds Maintenance Services, Brookfield.
Early to mid-June is prime time to purchase and plant annuals. Plant selection and quality diminishes toward month’s end as sellers work through their stock, he said.
“Selecting the right annuals is much like choosing perennials,” Ruedt explained. “The key is matching annuals to the sun, soil and moisture conditions of their planting beds. Most of this information is right on the plant labels, so it pays to read closely and plant accordingly.”
Annuals require more nutrients, so potting soil or organic matter (such as compost), combined with fertilizer, should be used to prepare planting beds for new annuals. Annual plants flower constantly, and removing dead flowers will encourage new buds, Ruedt said. Beds with annuals should be watered at least twice a week and fertilized monthly.
Homeowners often plant annuals too close together. It’s a logical mistake, Ruedt noted – they frequently come in very small pots, giving an impression that they need little space. Most annuals should be planted at least 6 inches apart. If placed too closely, they might grow taller but bear fewer flowers.
“People will say ‘I have a 4-foot-by-4-foot area, so I need four flats of annuals. They actually probably need just one,” Ruedt said.
Not all annual plants are flowers. Some species, such as cannas and different grasses, can grow several feet in the relatively short Wisconsin weather window. In their native warm locales, these plants are year-round inhabitants.
“Planting annuals is a way for homeowners to display pride, creativity and passion in their properties,” Ruedt said. “The window opens and closes relatively quickly, so each summer is a new opportunity for landscaping artistry.”
Founded in 1999, Grounds Maintenance Services offers a full range of landscaping and yard maintenance services, plus winter snow management, holiday lighting setup and in-home Christmas tree delivery. Its professional staff prides itself on helping homeowners grow their dreams, one yard at a time.
CONTACT: Todd Ruedt, Grounds Maintenance Services, (262) 784-8219, info@groundsmaintenancewi.com
