Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Cut back perennials in March-April
- Plant container natives after last frost (April)
- Apply compost or mulch to beds
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs after bloom
- Remove spring weeds
- Enjoy trilliums, dogwoods, and spring ephemerals
- Water new plantings during establishment
- Mulch heavily to conserve moisture in heat
- Deadhead for extended bloom
- Monitor for pests (rare on natives)
- Collect seeds from favorite plants
- Enjoy peak butterfly activity
- September-November ideal for planting
- Collect seeds for propagation
- Leave perennials standing for winter
- Refresh mulch in beds
- Enjoy fall color in mountains, asters statewide
- Protect from deer if needed
- Minimal maintenance required
- Enjoy evergreen ferns and structural elements
- Observe birds using native plants
- Plan garden improvements
- Order plants from Tennessee nurseries
- Prune deciduous shrubs if needed