EMBRACING BLOOMS

On most weekends, April and Gary spend at least five hours at work in the yard. They tend numerous flower beds in addition to their vegetable garden, where they grow corn and repurpose its dried stalks for fall decor. “I love to work in the garden,” April says, “but I don’t want it to control my weekend.” Spend more time enjoying the scenery by following some of her time-tested gardening shortcuts on display by the barn:

Put potted plants in galvanized buckets rather than planting them directly in the ground. This will shorten tending time and make it easier to switch out seasonal blooms.

Spread several inches of chunky, thick-cut mulch—she likes bark chips—over the ground for long-term weed prevention.

Mix living plants with faux foliage for a fuller, lower-maintenance look. “It’s OK to add splashes of color with things that aren’t real,” she encourages.

Research which plants produce seeds that can be harvested to sow later. This will save time and money and help you get a jump start on your garden next growing season.