C-Tinas Garden

Spring Prep

Start with soil health: add compost, mulch, and a simple seedling tray. Choose native wildflowers for pollinators.

Spring

Early Summer Care

Water deeply and less often. Mulch to reduce weeds and conserve moisture while natives establish roots.

Summer

Mid-Summer Nourishment

Deadhead select natives to encourage bloom cycles. Replace stressed perennials with resilient local species.

Summer

Autumn Readiness

Plant native bulbs and grasses that thrive in cooler soils. Collect seeds for next season.

Autumn

Eastern Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)

A charming spring bloomer with bell-shaped flowers that attract early pollinators.

Perennial

River Birch (Betula nigra) – Seedlings

Great for backdrop trees; provides shade and year-round structure.

Tree

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Bold summer color, drought-tolerant, supports butterflies.

Perennial

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Supports monarchs; bright orange blooms from midsummer.

Wildflower

Plan with a Small Patch

Start with a 4x6 foot bed to learn watering, sunlight, and soil preferences.

Group Native Plants

Group by sun needs and water needs to simplify care and irrigation.

Soil, Mulch, then Plants

Improve soil, top with mulch, then install natives to conserve moisture.

Reduce Lawn, Add Groundcovers

Replace high-maintenance turf with native groundcovers for biodiversity.

Local Native Plant Guides

Consult regional lists to choose species that thrive in your climate.

Guide

Soil Testing Basics

Simple tests help tailor amendments for your garden beds.

Toolkit

Watering Schedule Planner

Create a season-long plan to avoid overwatering and waste.

Planner