The sparse and weedy grass had to be mowed and the leaves had to be raked and carted off. 2.Do not rake up the leaves in the fall. Up to 5 inches of leaf cover are necessary to keep down unwanted grass and weeds and to provide the proper soil texture and protection for woodland flowers. 3.Map the area you have selected locating existing trees, rocks, and bushes. Draw in a network of trails crossing the area.
Curved trails are usually more esthetic than straight ones.
Paths are important so you do not walk on emerging vegetation and they provide a place to stand or kneel while planting, weeding, or photographing your lowers. 4.Shade tolerant wild flowers and ferns can be planted any time when plants are available, but survival is usually best if planted in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and wetter. Use your map in deciding where to plant. Low growing plants like the hardy wild ginger can be planted bordering the trail while the tall ostrich fern and trillium belong in the background or center positions. Transplants for your garden can be purchased at the Landscape Arboretum plant sale in May or you can ask a friend for some plants from their garden.