Wedding Garden

Lu writes~
My daughter is being married in June of 2003. I would like to get my garden going this year so that our back yard will be full of blooms in June of 2003. We live on Long Island - any suggestions as to what I should begin planting now or should I just go with annuals that will be in bloom at that time.

A. Congrats on the upcoming event and for writing as soon ahead as you did. This gives you lots of time in tending new and existing plants for this beautiful occasion.

There are perennials which you could plant this spring, as azaleas, rhododendrons, lilac, mock orange, hydrangea, and hosta. But, you would be better off planting bulbs and annuals to get instant color in June. Timing is everything. I suggest:

Calla lilies, canna, delphinium, geranium, pelargonium, sweet alyssum, lobelia, pansy, snapdragon, morning glory, begonia [wax and tuberous], gladiolus, summer lily, lily of the valley, and sweet pea.

Look around this June and see what is blooming well in your neighborhood. Write down names so that you can plant them in the spring. Also, visit nearby nurseries and garden centers in June for the same purpose. It will give you the very best idea of what looks great in June in your area.