Chris Lambton is a judge on Discovery Plus’ “Clipped,” host of DIY Network’s “Lawn and Order” and “Yard Crashers,” and appears with his wife Peyton on HGTV’s “Going Yard.” Chris will be presenting “Landscape Secrets: Tips and Tricks from TV to Real Life,“ March 1-2 at the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show at the Timonium Fairgrounds.
We asked Chris for suggestions for how Maryland homeowners can prepare for spring.
Spring is approaching. What’s the first thing that a homeowner can do to get their yard ready for the warm weather?
To get your yard ready for spring, you have to first clean up from the winter. Pick up all the sticks and debris and thatch your lawn. This removes the clumps of dead grass, leaves and build up (this material is great for your compost bin if you have one … and if you don’t, you should start one!) and prevents any damage to your mower before its first mow. Now is also the time to get your mower blades sharpened and the mower tuned so you will have it back long before it’s needed. If you wait until the grass is growing, when every homeowner brings in their mowers, there will be a backlog and it could take weeks to get back in working condition.
What’s a “must do” for getting a garden ready for warm weather?
To get your garden ready for spring, start by turning it over and adding compost or manure to get those added nutrients in the soil and ready for spring planting. Every year that you grow flowers or veggies in your garden, it takes nutrients out of the soil. If you want to continue to have lush flowers and abundant crops, you have to make sure you add nutrients back into the soil. This will enable you to cut back or eliminate harmful fertilizers (and if you want to use a fertilizer in the garden, use all-natural ones like liquid seaweed).
What are current hot trends in landscape design?
The popular trends in landscaping are native planting and edible gardening. When you plant native, you’re not introducing harmful invasive species into your yard. Planting native also means that the plants are accustomed to the weather and water conditions in your climate.
This allows less need for irrigation and fertilization. When you plant native it is also better for pollinators, including bees.
Edible gardening is also catching on in front and backyards. People are realizing that a green lawn costs a lot of money and is also harmful to the environment. Adding a garden to your yard allows you to eat your own produce grown without harmful chemicals. There is nothing like the taste of a tomato fresh from the garden. And if you have kids, it’s a fun way to get them outside and to eat healthy.
What flowers, plants or shrubs are increasing in popularity?
Cutting flower gardens are becoming popular, with plants like dahlias. They were considered tough to manage due to the fact that you should dig up the tubers (their root system) every fall and store them during the winter before planting again in the spring. The beauty of the flowers, however, makes them worth the extra effort. When you add daisies and coneflowers, you’ve got the makings of a beautiful cutting flower garden.
Reds, oranges and yellows are trending in outdoor gardens. These colors help attract butter bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Planting flowers with these colors by your veggie garden will ensure that the buds on your veggie plants will get pollinated, thus ensuring a better crop of veggies.
What are some environmentally friendly tips for outdoor space?
I like to plant mint, rosemary, lavender and basil (to name a few) in pots or around my outdoor patio and dining table. These plants naturally repel insects, reducing the need for harmful chemicals or sprays around the yard or on your body. If you plant some of these in pots, they’re easier to move around if necessary or even bring inside during the winter.
What are some basic questions that homeowners should ask when planning outdoor living space?
What do you like doing outside? If you don’t like gardening, don’t have a garden installed. If you don’t like cooking, don’t install an outdoor kitchen. Tailor your yard to you and your family just as you do inside your house. If you make your yard an extension of your home, then you will use it and enjoy it more.
What are some ways to rejuvenate an aging landscape?
Just like your home, plants and trees need to be taken care of as they get older. Some plants, like a hydrangea or privet shrub, can be cut way back if they get too leggy or out of control. Some plants overgrow an area and need to be transplanted and some need to be taken out and gotten rid of. Plants have a life span and sometimes you need to start with a new plant or different type of plant.
Get more great advice from Chris Lambton when he’s onstage March 1-2 at the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show. Information: https://www.mdhomeandgarden.com/.
