Sun Garden Planting insstructions

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Sun Garden Planting insstructions

Plant Layout & Step-by-Step Instructions (Sun Garden)

Step 1: Prepare the Area (Day 1 –Before Planting)

  • 1. Measure and mark your garden space (10 ft x 5 ft or your selected size).
  • 2. Remove all grass and weeds completely.
  • 3. Loosen soil 6–8 inches deep using a shovel or garden fork.
  • 4. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
  • 5. Rake the area smooth and level

Step 2: Lay Out the Plants (Before Digging)

Arrange plants while still in their pots using the layout diagram:

  • Back Row (Tall Plants): Garden Phlox, Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan
  • Middle Layer: Shasta Daisy, Coreopsis, Salvia, Daylily
  • Front Edge (Low Growing / Spreading): Creeping Phlox, Catmint, Stonecrop, Dianthus

Spacing is critical—do not crowd:

  • Large perennials: 18–24 inches apart
  • Medium plants: 12–18 inches apart
  • Groundcovers: 10–12 inches apart

This will feel “too spaced out” on day one—that’s correct.

Step 3: Planting

  • 1. Dig each hole twice as wide as the root ball, same depth.
  • 2. Gently remove plant from container and loosen roots.
  • 3. Place plant so top of root ball is level with soil.
  • 4. Backfill with soil and press lightly to remove air pockets.
  • 5. Water thoroughly after planting.

Step 4: Mulching

  • Apply 2–3 inches of mulch
  • Keep mulch 2 inches away from plant stems
  • Mulch helps retain moisture and prevent weeds

Watering (First Season)

  • Water every 2–3 days for the first 2–3 weeks
  • Then reduce to 1–2 times per week
  • Deep watering is better than light daily watering

Rule: Soil should be moist, not soggy

What to Expect –Year 1

  • Plants will look small and spaced
  • Some may bloom lightly, others focus on root growth
  • Garden may feel “incomplete” → this is normal

This is the “First Year: Sew” phase

Mid-Summer Care

  • Deadhead (remove spent flowers) to encourage more blooms
  • Light trimming of Catmint and Salvia will promote rebloom
  • Watch for weeds and remove early

Fall Care (Critical Section –Most People Miss This)

Do NOT cut everything down immediately

Instead:

Early Fall

  • Continue watering if dry
  • Stop fertilizing
  • Allow plants to begin natural dormancy

Late Fall (After Frost)

You have two options:

Option A (Best for Wildlife & Health)

  • Leave most plants standing through winter
  • Seed heads (Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan) feed birds
  • Stems protect plant crownsfrom cold

Option B (Cleaner Look)

  • Cut back
    1. Phlox
    2. Salvia
    3. Coreopsis
  • Leave
    1. Coneflower
    2. Ornamental structure plants

Mulch for Winter Protection

  • Add light mulch layer (1–2 inches)
  • Helps regulate freeze/thaw cycles

Year 2: Grow

  • Plants double in size
  • More consistent blooms
  • Some filling in, but still defined spacing

Year 3: Show

  • Full, lush garden
  • Plants begin touching and weaving together
  • Maximum color and impact

Long-Term Maintenance (Year 3+)

  • Divide overcrowded plants every 2–3 years:
    1. Shasta Daisy
    2. Coreopsis
    3. Daylily
  • Thin areas where plants compete
  • Refresh mulch annually

The Courville Philosophy

“First year sew, second year grow, third year show.”

Gardening is not instant—it’s a process.
This plan is designed to reward patience with long-term beauty.

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