The City of Calgary’s YardSmart program offers free, local gardening advice from local experts – Calgary Horticultural Society. Here are three ways to get your yard summer-ready:
- Have good soil – and lots of it. Add a base of at least eight inches of good quality soil for a healthy garden or lawn. You can also improve your soil by adding compost.
- Add a garden bed. Replacing a small part of your lawn helps your yard stay beautiful longer and use water wisely. Follow these YardSmart Basic steps for success:
- Start with lots of good soil. “Soil is the foundation of a sustainable garden. It plays a vital role in supporting plant growth, improving water retention, and enhancing over all landscape sustainability,” says Kath Smythe, Calgary Horticultural Society.
- Design your garden to save water. Direct your downspouts to tree wells or garden beds, and group plants with similar water needs together.
- Put the right plant in the right place. Explore YardSmart’s plant lists for plants that thrive in Calgary and where to plant them.
- Add mulch to garden beds to prevent evaporation and keep weeds in check.
- Water wisely. New plants need lots of water to get established, consult plant tags for specific directions and consider installing a rain barrel.
- Get local gardening advice to help your yard thrive. Local experts know what works in Calgary’s climate – saving you time, water, and effort.
Visit calgary.ca/yardsmart to explore YardSmart’s free plant lists, design layouts, how-to videos. and yard care tips.
