gardening newbie - how do I start and how do I get help?

[Anonymous]

We are buying a house with beautiful established perennial gardens in the front and rear of the home.

I've done some very modest lawn care of our existing house, but do not have any experience with tending to such extensive gardens.

I'm willing to work on it, and to learn, but I don't even know how to start.

I'm also willing and able to hire some assistance, but don't know who to contact and what to ask for.

Are there any experienced people on here who have some ideas/suggestions about to what to do?

I think what I want is to hire a gardening service to do an assessment and come up with a plan?

Does that seem like a good idea?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I’m in Boston and was facing the same situation as you earlier this year. I can’t even keep succulents alive and I’ve somehow kept this perennial garden thriving this year! A lot of that is the previous owner’s fantastic planning, and I’ve been doing nonstop research on maintenance and care. Luckily, my summer work schedule is fairly light, so I’ve had extra time to devote to this.

I searched “garden tutor” on google and found about 3-4 names of people near me. I picked the one that seemed to fit best for me and she’s been amazing. Most of the websites say that their services are for “garden planning,” but this tutor was super excited to have a chance to advise on such a well-established garden as mine. She came out once for two hours to walk through our gardens ($200), then she sent me a write up afterwards telling me what maintenance I need to do. We’ve set up a second appointment for the end of October so she can help me winterize the gardens.

I plan on having her come out 2-3 times per year until I feel confident on my own. What’s really helped me is that I’ve been told, repeatedly, that a well-planned and established perennial garden is pretty hardy and tough to kill accidentally!

For the summer, most of what you should be doing is just deadheading and other maintenance. I've been using the paid version of the app PictureThis to identify plants and potential issues they have (overwatering, pests, etc). Then I google whether I need to deadhead and now, whether I need to prune and when, etc. We have a drip irrigation system, so I bought timers for that and watering has been pretty easy. I bought Rachio brand, but Orbit is also good.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

This is great advice!

Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:I’m in Boston and was facing the same situation as you earlier this year. I can’t even keep succulents alive and I’ve somehow kept this perennial garden thriving this year! A lot of that is the previous owner’s fantastic planning, and I’ve been doing nonstop research on maintenance and care. Luckily, my summer work schedule is fairly light, so I’ve had extra time to devote to this.

I searched “garden tutor” on google and found about 3-4 names of people near me. I picked the one that seemed to fit best for me and she’s been amazing. Most of the websites say that their services are for “garden planning,” but this tutor was super excited to have a chance to advise on such a well-established garden as mine. She came out once for two hours to walk through our gardens ($200), then she sent me a write up afterwards telling me what maintenance I need to do. We’ve set up a second appointment for the end of October so she can help me winterize the gardens.

I plan on having her come out 2-3 times per year until I feel confident on my own. What’s really helped me is that I’ve been told, repeatedly, that a well-planned and established perennial garden is pretty hardy and tough to kill accidentally!

For the summer, most of what you should be doing is just deadheading and other maintenance. I've been using the paid version of the app PictureThis to identify plants and potential issues they have (overwatering, pests, etc). Then I google whether I need to deadhead and now, whether I need to prune and when, etc. We have a drip irrigation system, so I bought timers for that and watering has been pretty easy. I bought Rachio brand, but Orbit is also good.

[Anonymous]

Brookland in DC

Anonymous wrote:Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

They are plants. They are established.

Not that difficult to tend them, so don't get overwhelmed. Little tilling of soil, little fertilizer, mulch, weeding, proper watering etc.

You can learn about specific plant care online.

[Anonymous]

Perennials that like where they are planted are a fantastic asset.

Definitely learn the names. Also read up on how to divide them when they get too thick or out of control. Make gardening friends so you can swap tips and plants.

[Anonymous]

Hire it out.