Blue Sun

To create this garden (6m x 3m), you will need:

Plants

• 2x False Blue Indigo (zone 3)
• 2x Dwarf Feather Reed Grass (zone 4)
• 6x Magnus Purple Coneflower (zone 3)
• 1x Tam New Blue Juniper (zone 3a)
• 6x Munstead English Lavender (zone 4)
• 4x Jacob Cline Beebalm (zone 3)
• 1x Lemony Lace Elder (zone 3)
• 3x Degroot’s Spire Cedar (zone 3)
• 1x Holmstrup Cedar (zone 3)
• 1x Donald Wyman Crab Apple (optional tree – off plan) (zone 4)

Other

• Potting soil (quantity varies depending on soil quality)
• Mycorrhizae
• Compost (quantity varies depending on soil quality)
• Mulch (to reduce weeding and watering needs)
• Garden shovel

1. Planning and Design

• Print the selected Floria garden plan information.
• The presented plan is a standard layout inspiration that you can adapt according to your existing design and the constraints of your land.
• Determine the desired final size of the flower bed and its exact shape (more rounded, square, rectangular, etc.).
• Measure and clearly mark the area of ​​your flower bed.
• Use stakes and string to precisely delineate the space.
• Allow a 7m diameter space elsewhere on your land if you choose to include the Donald Wyman Crab Apple (malus ‘Donald Wyman’).

2. Soil Preparation

• Weeding: Remove all weeds (or grass) present in the area. Use a shovel, a hoe, or a sud cutter
• Soil aeration: Dig the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm to aerate it and promote drainage.
• Soil improvement: Incorporate compost and potting soil to enrich the soil and improve its structure. The amount will depend on the quality of your existing soil.

3. Planting

• Arrange the plants in the bed according to your plan. Adjust the spacing if necessary (the plan assumes mature plants).
• Water the plant thoroughly before removing it.
• Dig planting holes slightly larger than the plant root balls.
• Carefully remove the plants from their containers.
• Add mycorrhizae directly to the root ball to promote rooting.
• Place each plant in its hole, ensuring that the root collar (the base of the stem) is at soil level.
• Fill the holes with the mixture of soil, compost, and potting soil.
• Lightly firm the soil around the plants.
• Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ideally early in the morning, until the plants are well established.
• Mulch the soil to retain moisture (10 cm of mulch), limit weeds, and protect the roots from the cold.
• Fertilize as needed, depending on the plant type, each season.
• Prune shrubs and conifers to maintain their shape and promote growth. Over time, prune DeGroot’s Spire Cedar to form a hedge-like background and Holmstrup Cedar to maintain a defined shape.
• You can prune Donald Wyman Crab Apple (Malus Donald Wyman) during their winter dormancy (around March) to keep the tree smaller.
• Pruning shrubs and perennials (if necessary) is generally done after flowering.
• Monitor for diseases and pests.

* It’s best to wait until spring to prune Dwarf Feather Reed Grass to prevent the roots from freezing.
* Magnus Purple Coneflower can be cut back in late fall or spring.