Water is particularly important during the first year while plants develop their root systems. As planting becomes established over the following two years, the need for supplementary watering should gradually reduce.
– Water according to conditions, not a fixed routine. Avoid a rigid schedule such as watering once a week. Plants have different requirements depending on their variety, size, soil conditions, weather and stage of establishment.
– Water deeply and directly. During the first year, apply water around the base of each plant, ensuring the soil is evenly moist to the depth of the roots – typically around 15cm (6 inches). Newly planted perennials often have relatively small root systems, so it is important to get water directly to where it is needed.
– Use a gentle watering method. A watering can with a rose attachment or a hose on a gentle spray setting will help avoid disturbing the soil, compacting it or exposing delicate roots.
– Avoid relying on sprinklers. Sprinklers often wet foliage and the soil surface without delivering sufficient water to the root zone. In warm weather, surface moisture can quickly evaporate before it reaches the roots.
– Reduce watering as plants establish. During the second and third years, plants should develop deeper, more extensive root systems and become increasingly self-sufficient. However, prolonged dry spells and heatwaves can still cause stress. If plants begin to wilt, water deeply and promptly.
– Consider sheltered planting areas. Rainfall does not always reach every part of the garden. Areas beneath mature trees, alongside walls and fences, or beneath roof overhangs can remain surprisingly dry, even after rainfall. These areas may need additional watering.
– Check the soil before watering. If you are unsure whether plants need water, gently move a little soil aside and feel the moisture with your finger. Ideally, the soil should feel evenly moist, not dry or waterlogged.
– Remember evergreens in winter. Evergreen perennials continue to lose and take up moisture during the colder months. During an unusually dry winter, occasional watering may be necessary, although this is rarely required.
– Avoid overwatering. Keeping new planting hydrated is important, but too much water can be just as damaging as too little. Yellowing leaves, soft or rotting growth and persistent wilting can indicate waterlogged conditions. Check the surrounding soil and, if it is saturated, allow it to drain and dry before watering again.
– Every season is different. A cool, wet summer will have very different watering requirements from a prolonged hot, dry summer. Always respond to the conditions in your garden.
Most perennial planting will thrive without additional fertiliser, provided it has been planted in good-quality soil and prepared correctly.
– Allow plants to establish naturally. Many perennials do not need supplementary feeding, and some, including ornamental grasses, Achillea and Echinacea, actually prefer soils with relatively low fertility.
– Consider a slow-release fertiliser if needed. A suitable slow-release product can be applied as a top dressing, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Avoid excessive feeding, as too much fertiliser can damage roots and foliage.
– Remember that your plants have already been fed. All potted perennials supplied by APT Studios contain nursery-applied slow-release fertiliser. This will generally provide sufficient nutrients during their first growing season.
– Use liquid feeds selectively. Liquid seaweed or a general-purpose liquid fertiliser can provide a more immediate nutrient boost. These can be particularly beneficial for annuals, vegetables and container-grown plants. Always follow the recommended dilution and application rates.
– Take care when treating lawns. If using a weed-and-feed product on your lawn, ensure it is kept well away from planted borders. These products contain herbicides designed to kill broadleaf plants, which may also damage your ornamental planting.
Regular, seasonal maintenance will help your planting develop into the balanced, healthy and beautifully layered garden it was designed to become.
– Cut back ornamental grasses in early spring. Remove old growth before new shoots begin to emerge, or just as they appear. Leaving this task too late can result in damage to fresh growth and overcrowded plants.
– Cut back herbaceous perennials. Plants such as Verbena ‘Bampton’, Penstemon and Salvia nemorosa benefit from an annual tidy-up in early spring. Removing old growth creates space for new shoots, improves airflow and helps discourage pests and disease.
– Allow drought-tolerant plants to settle in. Once established, some plants require very little supplementary watering. Examples include Stachys byzantina, Achillea millefolium and established rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus).
– Enjoy winter structure and seedheads. Many plants are deliberately selected for their attractive winter stems and seedheads, which provide architectural interest and valuable food and habitat for wildlife. We often recommend leaving these in place until early spring. However, if they become particularly untidy following heavy rain or storms, they can be cut back sooner.
– Keep planting areas weed-free. Weeds compete with ornamental plants for light, water and nutrients, and can quickly overwhelm newly planted borders. Regular weeding will give your plants the best opportunity to establish and flourish. Take time to familiarise yourself with the plants in your garden so that desirable self-seeded plants are not accidentally removed.
Your garden is designed to evolve. Perennial planting will change throughout the seasons and become fuller, more established and more beautiful as it matures.
A little care and attention during the first three years will help create the strong foundations for a healthy, resilient garden that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
If you have any questions about your planting or its maintenance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.
APT Studios | Gardens by Design
