Hey everyone! My wife and I just bought a home in zone 6a, and we're kind of feeling overwhelmed by the garden situation. The previous owners were really into gardening, so there are tons of flowers and bushes around the house, including hydrangeas, rhododendrons, peonies, boxwoods, and even some pear trees.
But things have gotten a bit out of hand—many bushes are overgrown, and we have a variety of weeds like nightshade and crabgrass, plus some others I can't even name. I'm not sure where to begin! Should I focus on weeding by section? When is it best to trim or prune the bushes—now or in the fall? The previous owners left us tools and fertilizer, and we have irrigation set up, which is great for both the plants and the weeds. Any tips or advice would be super helpful. Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
I'd say start with the dangerous stuff first, like getting that creepy nightshade out of there right away—it's toxic, especially with kids or pets around. Work in small areas, maybe about 10x10 feet, so you don’t get burnt out. Avoid pruning major plants now; wait until next spring to see what blooms first—especially for hydrangeas and rhododendrons. Focus on removing obvious weeds and dead plants, then mulch heavily afterward to prevent new weeds from popping up. Oh, and definitely take tons of pictures this season so you can identify what’s there before making big changes.
Honestly, the first year is just about observing and managing the weeds you know. You might mess up along the way, and that's totally fine! I let some bellflower go to seed, and while I regret it, I managed to recover. Look into some plant identification apps—they really help. Pruning is more about our aesthetics than what the plants need, so don't stress it this year. If you're not sure about some trees, consider getting a certified arborist to help out. They can also advise you on diseases, especially for pear trees. Plus, peonies? Find some peony enthusiasts—they're usually more than happy to share info!
It might help to reach out to the previous owners if they're still nearby. They might enjoy assisting you as you get to know the garden. Also, remember this summer and fall to remove the things you definitely don’t want. Take pictures and note which plants you have so you can research them later. In the winter, plan out your pruning schedule for the spring—like when to deal with hydrangeas after they bloom.