After a long, cold winter, it’s finally time to step outside and refresh your garden with vibrant color and seasonal beauty. Whether you’re enhancing garden beds, containers, or walkways, early spring is the perfect time to plant. These three flowering plants thrive in cooler temperatures and are ideal for Long Island gardens this time of year.
1. Pansies: Cool-Weather Favorites
Spring flowering pansies are a go-to choice for brightening up your landscape in early spring. Thanks to their ability to thrive in cool temperatures, they’re one of the first flowers you can safely plant outdoors. Available in a wide range of cheerful colors—from deep purples and blues to soft yellows and whites—pansies are ideal for entryway planters, window boxes, walkways and garden beds. Moreover, their charming “faces” add personality and curb appeal to any outdoor space.
For best results, plant pansies in well-drained soil and choose a sunny or partially shaded location. Be sure to deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
2. Hellebores: A Late-Winter to Spring Bloomer
Also known as Lenten Rose, hellebores begin blooming in late winter and continue well into spring—making them a must-have for early-season interest. These hardy perennials feature elegant, nodding blooms in shades of white, pink, plum, and green. Because hellebores are shade tolerant and deer resistant, they are especially useful for underplanting trees or adding color to shady areas of the garden.
In addition to their striking flowers, hellebores have attractive, evergreen foliage that looks good year-round. Once established, they require little maintenance and will return each spring, providing years of enjoyment.
3. Spring Blooming Heather: Low-Growing and Colorful
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that blooms early in the season, consider spring blooming heather. This plant produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. Because it stays compact and thrives in well-drained soil, heather is an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and sunny walkways.
To encourage healthy growth, plant heather in full sun and avoid overly wet areas. As it matures, it will form a beautiful carpet of blooms, attracting early-season pollinators to your garden.
Add Color to Your Garden Now
Now is a great time to get outside and start planting. Whether you’re filling in garden beds or refreshing your containers, pansies, hellebores and heather are perfect for early spring color. These cool-season favorites are available now at Hicks Nurseries, ready to brighten your landscape and lift your spirits.
Stop by today and choose from our wide selection of healthy, vibrant spring-blooming plants. With a little planning and the right plants, you’ll enjoy a garden full of color well before the rest of the neighborhood catches up.