Creating a garden that thrives in your space is part science, part art, and part working with what’s already there. Recently, we decided to transform a heart-shaped section of our yard, adding a perennial called a Hummingbird Clethra, also known as Summersweet. Here’s a step-by-step guide from our planting experience, using Coast of Maine’s Penobscot Blend Planting Mix for trees and shrubs, known for its organic, nutrient-rich composition.
Step 1: Preparing the Area
Our garden spot was challenging—it had a few large roots from old trees, so we had to adapt our plans around these natural obstacles. After some research and a trip to a local garden center, we chose The Hummingbird Clethra perennial as it was suitable for our shaded area.
Step 2: Digging and Preparing the Hole
Using Coast of Maine’s planting instructions, we dug a hole about twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the depth was sufficient to support our new plant. We left some of the roots intact, as they added character to the space. To position the plant correctly, we centered it so that its crown (the point where the stem meets the roots) sat slightly above the hole’s rim.
Step 3: Planting Techniques with Penobscot Blend
The Penobscot Blend is packed with rich compost and mycorrhizae, a beneficial fungus that connects with the plant’s root system, helping it absorb nutrients and water. The mix also contains oyster shells, which aerate the soil and encourage healthy root growth even in compact spaces. By blending some of our local soil with the Penobscot mix, we created a rich, diverse environment for the new plant to flourish.
Step 4: Building a “Micro-Culture”
Mixing our soil with the compost brought together local bacteria and fungi with the new organic nutrients from the Coast of Maine mix. This blend creates a "micro-culture" in the soil, where native organisms and new additions work together to foster plant growth. Think of it as the soil’s own community party!
Step 5: Watering and Final Touches
We’ve had plenty of rain lately here in Maine, so the soil was already moist. However, I added a bit more water to give the plant a strong start. Usually, trenching around the plant helps to retain water, but in this case, the Penobscot Blend's soil structure and the existing root system should keep things stable.
Final Thoughts
Gardening is a learning experience filled with trial, error, and small victories. Just like raising kids, plants need care, patience, and a touch of creativity to thrive. This heart-shaped garden will hopefully bring beauty and life to our backyard, showcasing how a healthy, diverse soil culture can nurture resilient, happy plants.
Happy planting!
