Tag: Spring

10 Tips for Hosting a Spring Garden Party

Everyone loves an outdoor party, and springtime is a particularly wonderful season to host one. The garden is bursting with color, the weather is sunny and mild…why not celebrate the season with family and friends and host a gathering that is festive, fun, and oh, so pretty?

Creating a standout spring garden party should be an enjoyable experience, but it does require a bit of planning. So, to guide us through the process, we turned to Mary McCachern to share her best suggestions with us. McCachern creates dozens of tablescapes for her blog, Home Is Where the Boat Is, and after hosting numerous garden parties of her own, she has lots of ideas for how to make them special. Best of all, she believes in keeping it simple.

garden party ideas watering can tablescape
Photo courtesy of Mary McCachern

1. Location

Hot tip: You can throw a garden party even if you don’t have a garden! Select a spot in the backyard that is level and has room for tables and chairs. Define the party area with pots of flowers at each corner, or drape streamers over your patio. Make sure the area is completely dry, with no puddles or mud to mar the day.

2. Theme

Regardless of the occasion, your spring garden party will come together beautifully if you have a theme. “I love to follow a theme for a party, table, or event, whether it’s geared toward a holiday or a season,” McCachern says. She loves a springtime “Alice in Wonderland” tea party, Mad Hatter style, with antique mismatched teacups and odd clocks hung in tree branches or on the fence. Other themes to consider: garden fairies, May Day, English garden, enchanted April (Italian/Mediterranean villa), or your favorite spring garden flower, such as tulips.

Design the invitations according to your theme and consider dropping in a few dried flower petals in the envelope if you are sending via the post office.

3. Comfort

It’s so refreshing to sit outdoors with spring sunshine dappling through the trees. Ensure your guests’ comfort in simple ways they’ll really appreciate. If gnats or other pests want to join the party, set out bug repellent in personal-size bottles. McCachern also suggests citronella candles or tiki torches. “They help with bug control and also create ambiance,” she says.

Set your tables under shade trees; even in spring, the sun can wilt flowers, food, and guests quickly. No trees? Rent a few market umbrellas and a white canopy for the food area.

As the party rolls on, your guests may wish to gather in places away from the tables. McCachern likes to use colorful quilts both as tablecloths and as throws (with a few comfortable pillows) on patio furniture throughout the garden.

4. Light magic

A garden conjures magic in many ways. If your party is set for late afternoon or early evening, consider the visual magic of the glow of candlelight, fairy lights, string lights, and lanterns. Choose candles with fresh fragrance, such as lemongrass or lavender, to capture the essence of the garden. String paper lantern lights in pastel hues around a fence, gazebo, pergola, or porch.

5. Music

Playing your favorite music is one of those ideas that really personalizes your spring garden party. Think about the mood you want to set as well as the enjoyment of your guests and their tastes. Instrumental jazz and big band classics are always good choices, as are vocalists like Judy Garland or Ella Fitzgerald. Want a more artsy feeling? Play contemporary “coffee house”-style music or a mix of indie artists. Spanish guitar or chamber classical music creates a serene, timeless feeling.

6. Food & drink

Continue your theme wherever possible with the food and beverages you serve. A Mad Hatter tea party will, of course, have tea and English-style pastries, such as finger sandwiches and jam-filled cookies. For the fairy or May Day theme, offer up wonderful individual Bundt cakes and top them with miniature maypoles.

garden party ideas friends drinking
garden party ideas cutting pears

For a satisfying main course, pasta salads are ideal. Look for recipes using fresh vegetables and herbs. Combine berries, melon, and pineapple in a cut crystal bowl. Pass around chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert.

For a cocktail party, serve refreshing beverages in mason jars, which have a casual, countryside appeal. Concoct a special mixed drink, such as this grapefruit lime paloma, that is just right for the season. Serve wine in personalized wine glasses with a floral theme, or offer wine glass charms that you can customize with any photos you choose. (These make great party favors, too!)

7. Table settings

From your tablecloth to your centerpiece, the table settings are the most fun. McCachern’s blog is full of whimsical, wonderful tablescape ideas, including this one for a casual garden party that uses decorative watering cans. Bring out smaller ones for individual tables, and cluster larger ones for the food table. Fill with blooms and continue the garden theme with antique flower-sprigged napkin rings and serveware.

garden party ideas tablescape

For the enchanted April theme, look for cotton tablecloths with colorful Mediterranean, Turkish, or Moroccan patterns. Pair napkins with butterfly napkin rings in complementary colors. You can even lay down rugs and poofy pillows, inviting guests to eat picnic-style at a low table.

8. Party decorations

Pick up the colors of your garden in your decorations. These may include garden flags, bunting, balloons, and props. Props can be anything that deepens the theme, from signage to accessories the guests can bring home. For example, a garden fairies party might have flower crowns created for each guest, hanging on the chair backs. For a May Day theme, create a colorful maypole at the center of your party, and top it with a cluster of fresh flowers.

A simple but most appreciated decorating idea is windchimes. Delight your guests’ eyes and ears with these beautiful outdoor musical instruments. The gentle tinkle of windchimes swaying from trees and patio eaves will delight guests and add natural “background music” to the event.

garden party ideas lemon vase arrangement
Photo courtesy of Mary McCachern

9. Floral décor

You can do so many things with fresh flowers! If you have a cutting garden, then by all means incorporate your own daffodils, tulips, and irises into the arrangements. Ferns, eucalyptus, and ivy are great for greenery. Fill in the gaps with purchased flowers and look for creative vessels. “I like to think outside the vase,” McCachern says. She uses vintage holders, such as watering cans, honey tins, and hat boxes, to complement her themes. Another pretty technique is lining a glass vase with cut lemons.

10. Favors

Keep your party favors natural and simple, in keeping with the outdoor joy of your party. Useful and memorable tokens will remind your guests of the lovely spring garden party you hosted. Some suggestions include: small vanilla-scented jar candles, wood personalized coasters, a tiny starter succulent plant, flower crowns, and personalized glassware.

3 Self-Care Ideas for Spring to Help You Feel Refreshed and Reinvigorated

spring self care ideas hero

Spring is the season of awakening, when the warm air invites us to bring our best selves into the light, along with the year’s first blooms. “Spring is synonymous with new beginnings, growth, and flourishment,” says Kate Tunstall, self-improvement expert and founder of Refined Prose, a well-being and journaling blog dedicated to sharing science-backed theories and tips to support mental health and wellness. “Prioritizing holistic self-care is vital to flourishing, and spring is the ideal time for fresh starts — without the pressure associated with ‘resolutions.’ It’s a great time to double down on making self-care a priority, in a positive way.”

So, where should you begin? Ask yourself these three important questions to reflect on the best self-care practices for you and help map your path from where you are now — at the start of the growing season — to where you would like to be when summer’s sunshine begins bathing us in warmth.

1. Do I feel supported and connected?

Making time to connect with friends, family, and loved ones can be difficult if you are already feeling stretched thin, but it is essential for maintaining mental and emotional health. “Humans rely on socializing for more than just companionship,” Tunstall notes. “Studies show that building deep connections with others is fundamental for good mental health and, conversely, their absence is psychologically harmful. With that in mind, forging and reinforcing deep bonds with loved ones is not just a pleasant aspect of self-care — it’s a cornerstone.”

The key is to not wait until you need support to reach out but to be proactive about it. The dawn of spring is the perfect time to put a little extra energy into the relationships that make you feel safe and loved. Instead of sending a quick text, invite your best friend to go for coffee or a walk in the park. Call your parents or siblings on your lunch break or invite a friend you have not seen for a while to meet up somewhere fun over the weekend.

You can also foster connection with a “just because” gift — a little surprise to brighten someone’s day. Show your love with a bright arrangement of flowers, basket of sweet and savory snacks, or handwritten letter in the mail. Then, follow up with a call to make them feel extra cared for. Like the classic children’s book “Fill a Bucket” teaches, when you fill someone else’s bucket with love, you fill yours at the same time.

2. Do I feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful?

spring self care ideas with woman relaxing on blanket

“Relaxation and calm are other vital elements of self-care, helping individuals to recalibrate and decompress,” Tunstall explains. While it may be possible to accept every invitation, show up to every event, and grant every favor, your physical limits prevent you from bringing your best self to each occasion. “Scheduling time for calm is an important way to build resilience for coping with our hectic lives,” Tunstall says.

Additional sleep can help. In addition to practicing good sleep hygiene at night, cat naps can make you feel more rested and sharpen your cognitive abilities. Try using a sleep mask to help stay asleep when it’s bright outside. You can also try restorative practices like meditation and yoga, which can “help strengthen social attachments, reduce stress and relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia,” as well as improve balance and muscle tone.

Finally, Tunstall suggests making space in your life for activities that restore your sense of self and give you more energy. Perhaps you love to read, journal, craft, or make art. “Journaling and spending time in nature are excellent ways to achieve a sense of harmony,” she says. “Journaling is especially good for facilitating increasing self-awareness, making peace with life challenges, and developing a positive outlook.”

Gardening is the perfect hobby for spring, as you can plant and quickly see your hard work pay off in colorful blooms. Even if you live in an apartment, you can grow your own colorful garden in a bag with a seed kit.

3. Do I feel happy and joyful?

At our core, we humans are naturally curious beings who often crave novelty, even within the confines of the stable routines that help us feel secure. But as we get older, it’s easy to lose our natural child-like wonder. Spring is a great time to reconnect with the kid in all of us. “As adults, we tend to neglect play,” Tunstall says, “but it remains an important aspect of self-care. The benefits include stress relief, the release of endorphins, and improved relationships.”

Play doesn’t need to be complex or require a lot of extra energy. “Play can take many forms, but ultimately anything that brings joy and exhilaration counts!” Tunstall exclaims. “That might look like being creative or artistic, baking cookies, or playing a high-octane sport that provides an adrenaline rush.”

Simple pastimes you loved as a kid can often provide new joy as an adult. Joining an adult sports league, taking a dance class, or doing a paint by number kit can provide just the reinvigoration you need.

The practices of spending time with people you love, relaxing your body and mind, and seeking new experiences that bring you joy are enriching all year round, but they are especially timely as self-care ideas for spring. It is the ideal season to ask yourself the three aforementioned questions and answer them honestly, and then take action. After all, no one ever regretted setting aside more time to focus on themselves and their well-being.

As Tunstall says, “Adding a little bit of what you fancy is good for the soul!”

Self-care gift ideas for spring

Quiet the Mind Journal Aromatherapy Gift Set
Quiet the Mind Journal & Aromatherapy Gift Set
Springtime Dipped Strawberries
Springtime Dipped Strawberries
Cheryls Cut Out Cookie Decorating Kit
Cheryl’s Cut-Out Cookie Decorating Kit

Why Spring Birthdays Are the Best

Spring birthdays land at the perfect time for celebrating. We’re leaving the winter behind and welcoming warmer temperatures, blooming gardens, and more sun. Who wouldn’t be in the mood for a party?

“I love spring birthdays so much,” gushes Brittany Young, CEO and founder of Certified Celebrator and author of “Celebrate with Sprinkles: More Than 100 Party Possibilities to Add Joy and Sparkle to Any Occasion.” “Spring makes us feel new; it’s a season with new opportunities. We just all start to feel a little happier when the weather starts to turn.”

Young likes to keep things light, such as serving fresh fruits, chicken and pasta salads, and fun finger foods. She also suggests always being prepared for the notoriously unpredictable spring weather by having backup plans in place for outdoor parties and keeping things easily mobile and ready to relocate in case of spring showers. But, at least they bring us these…

Spring birthday party ideas for all ages

Spring is ideal for outdoor parties, and embracing bright and fresh birthday party themes. Here are a few of our favorites.

Blooming ice cream crawl

Who says you have to wait until summer to welcome back this beloved treat? It’s easy to decorate around this concept, with plenty of fun ice cream-themed decorations and other desserts to choose from. Make it a true “crawl” experience by putting out plenty of flavors to sample, along with toppings like sauces, cookies, nuts, pretzels, and cereals to help guests customize their creations.

spring birthdays with tea party with cake and food

Spring tea social

A spring tea party offers loads of possibilities, Young says. For fans of Jane Austen or “Bridgerton,” you can easily incorporate these elements into the classy theme. Stack tea pots, teacups, antique-styled books, pearls, and vintage tchotchkes to create a look sure to inspire raised pinkies. Take a nod from Young and chill wine bottles in buckets with eatable flower ice cubes. Of course, no spring tea party would be complete without some fancy sweets like petits fours, authentic British scones, and peach galettes.

Kids who love to play dress-up can also enjoy the mystique of bite-sized tea sandwiches, lacy table settings, and tiaras at the table.

Grow your garden party

Spring inspires us to want to celebrate the rebirth of nature around us. Translate that energy into a garden potting party. For little ones, dig into their fascination with bugs and playing in the dirt by serving up the quintessential “worms and dirt” cake along with some delicious chocolate strawberry ladybugs.

Young suggests encouraging guests to collect bits of nature from outside for crafts. “We do a lot of rock painting, finding things from the yard, and gluing them all together lets them use their imagination to create something unique.”

spring birthdays with gardening party
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator
spring birthdays with seed kits
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

She suggests gifting pots with personalized seed packets for grow-at-home party favors. Decorate a table with terracotta pots (which Young uses as cute cupcake holders), sheets of moss, and pretty gardening tools. For adults, offer a variety of plants that they can use to create their own container garden and feature cocktails with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Festive and fruity

Spring is all about vibrant colors, and fruits offer a rainbow of ways to create a unique spring birthday party theme. Whether it’s strawberry, lemon, or pineapple, you can either choose a single fruit to create a birthday party around or mix and match with a variety of flavors.

spring birthdays with guac and salsa
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Southwest fiesta

Combine Tex-Mex fare with Southwest charm for endless party possibilities. A fiesta is one of Young’s favorite themes because it’s suitable for both kids and adults. The latter can enjoy a make-your-own-margarita bar while guests of all ages will love a taco-making station with all the fixings.

For kids, keep these toppings spill-proof in muffin tins to cut down on clean-up. Decorate with Southwest-style plants, papel picado banners — traditional Mexican crafts consisting of intricate designs cut into pieces of tissue paper — and piñatas. Don’t forget to include plenty of cactus-themed accessories, such as these hilarious flower pots and stackable glasses. Add in a fun cacti or succulent potting activity based on the age range of your guests.

Spring birthday party ideas for kids

These ideas may be specifically intended for little ones, but they are still big on fun.

Happy “bee day”

Get the kiddos buzzing with this party theme Young designed to celebrate spring’s beauty. Combine baby’s breath with sunflowers as the centerpiece of your tablescape along with touches like woodsy decor, mason jars, and bottles of bear-shaped honey. Play bee-themed versions of party games and serve up treats like Buzzing Bee Dipped Strawberries.

spring birthdays with a bee party tablescape
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Peter Rabbit vegetable garden party

Let guests experience the magic of Beatrix Potter by recreating the woodland world of this beloved storybook character. Deck out the decor in the classic colors of this mischievous rabbit, including bright baby blues, yellow and brilliant greens. Don’t forget to supply plenty of veggies along with some yummy Buttercream-Frosted Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies.

Spring birthday party ideas for adults

If you’re planning a more grown-up birthday blowout, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

Go big on the blooms

spring birthdays hero

Spring reminds us how much we missed the fragrance of flowers, so celebrate the season in a big way with plenty of fresh blooms. Dot a dinner table with an overabundance of gorgeous spring flowers — but don’t stop there! Offer a flower arranging workshop for guests outside (if the weather’s nice enough) or around a kitchen island. “Everyone is able to make their own bouquet and take it home with them,” Young says. “Doing a project like this together really opens up the door for lots of conversation and deeper connections.”

Pretty in pastels

By March, most of us are ready to ditch the deep dark colors of winter for brighter hues. Create a chic pastel-themed party using plenty of pink, mint, purple, and peach decorations, such as streamers and plates.

“I’m a big believer in balloons,” Young says. “They take up a lot of space and are very affordable.” She adds that a color-themed balloon arch display makes the perfect spot for guest photos. Serve up equally pretty treats in soft, subtle shades, such as irresistible spring truffle cake pops.

Host a luxury picnic

Take full advantage of the season’s mild temps by hosting a picnic. Begin setup by using tarps as a base to protect picnic blankets. Add pillows and poufs to outfit the setting, and combine small folding picnic tables for place settings. Line the table with a complementary table runner and deck out the scene with flowers, candles, and place mats.

spring birthdays with woman eating meat and cheese in kitchen
spring birthdays with wine cheese and meat

For a backyard party, serve a gourmet brunch that includes quiche, lemon poppy seed cake, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and two bottles of wine. If you need more portable delights, a snack-filled picnic basket or bakery tray overflowing with springtime favorites is sure to fit the bill. Add backyard party games, such as cornhole or ladder toss, or make it a “Rosé and Croquet” party for a truly luxe experience.

Add Some Flower Power to Your Spring Salad

One of my favorite things about spring is all the vegetables and flowers available at the farmers markets. One look at all the vibrant colors makes me want to create something beautiful to eat.

This kaleidoscopic spring salad with seasonal produce like tender asparagus, green peas, and eatable flowers is spring on a plate. The entire dish is covered in a simple dressing that will became a salad staple. I wanted to keep it fresh and zesty to complement the sweet peas and tender asparagus, so the dressing is a delightful combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard, fresh herbs, and honey to add sweetness.

The salad is easy to whip up and goes well as a side with your favorite meal or, with the addition of your favorite protein or grain, can be eaten by itself. Fresh sliced avocados are also a great addition to this spring salad.

spring salad hero
Print Pin

Spring Salad with Eatable Flowers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2

Equipment:

  • Mandolin

Ingredients:

Dressing

  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, mint, basil), finely minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Salad

Instructions: 

For the dressing

  • In a glass jar, mix all the ingredients for the dressing together and shake until it is well combined.

For the salad

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Blanch the asparagus for about a minute and transfer them to an ice bath so they stop cooking further.
  • In the same boiling water, blanch the peas for a minute and transfer to the ice bath.
  • Remove the asparagus and peas from the ice bath, and allow them to dry.
  • Slice the radish using a mandolin on its thinnest setting.
  • Remove the flowers from the greens before adding the latter to a large bowl.
  • Add the blanched asparagus, peas, and sliced radish to the greens.
  • Add the dressing and toss to cover everything.
  • Garnish with the eatable flowers and serve immediately.

11 Types of Early Spring Flowers

After enduring months of the cold, dark winter, nothing brings a bigger smile to our faces like the sight of blooming flowers. Whether walking to work or relaxing in the living room, we love seeing budding blooms this time of year — they are the universal symbol that spring has finally sprung!

Here are 11 types of flowers that are commonly seen emerging through the ground or standing upright in vases in the early springtime.

Early spring flowers in the wild

While some wildflowers like to wait until the warmer months to bud, others are so eager to see the sun that they open at the first sign of spring weather (and sometimes even before that!).

Daffodils

early spring flowers with daffodils

Perhaps the earliest flower to bloom, daffodils can sometimes be seen popping up through thin layers of late-season snow. Unlike their cultivated brothers and sisters, wild daffodils tend to be much smaller and more delicate than the ones you’d find in a flower shop.

Snowdrop

early spring flowers with Snowdrop

Named for its shape and ability to bloom as early as December, snowdrops are a welcome sight for those who are not big fans of the winter months.

Early purple orchid

early spring flowers with Early purple orchid

Perhaps the most appropriately named flower, the early purple orchid is the first in its family to bloom. It can be seen (and smelled) as early as April in meadows and alongside country roads.

Primrose

early spring flowers with Primrose

Primrose flowers are a beautiful sight, especially when nestled together. And, unlike other early blooming flowers that wither a month or so after they bloom, primrose can stay open until June.

Early spring flowers for your garden

If you want to look out your window on the first day of spring and see a garden full of flowers, consider these early-blooming perennials and annuals.

Pigsqueak

early spring flowers with Pig squeak

Don’t let the name throw you — these enchanting pink flowers add beauty to any garden they grace. Best of all, they last long into fall, when they turn a splendid, deep red.

Shasta daisies

early spring flowers with shasta daisies

The timeless beauty and hardy flowers of daisies make them a favorite among young gardeners. Not only do they bloom from late winter to fall, but they are quick to multiply and can easily cover large plots of land in delicate white petals.

Virginia bluebells

early spring flowers with Bluebells

It may be hard to believe, but these exotic-looking, trumpet-shaped flowers do not require any special skills to grow and cultivate. Starting out small and pink, these perennials quite literally grow into their name during early spring, when their petals fold together and form a blue bell.

Pansy

early spring flowers with pansy

Popular plants for window boxes, pansies are favored by gardeners because their colorful blooms open even in cooler weather.

Early spring flowers for your home

Even if you don’t have time to visit sprawling meadows or start your own garden, everyone deserves to experience the joy of budding spring flowers. Bring a piece of the great outdoors inside this season with these cut flowers.

Tulips

early spring flowers with tulips

For many, it doesn’t feel like spring is truly here until they’ve seen a strong-standing tulip dancing in the wind — or a bouquet of these colorful blooms prominently displayed on a counter or table.

Sunflowers

early spring flowers with sunflower

Perhaps the only other flower that can challenge tulips for the title of “Most Anticipated Spring Flower” is the sunflower. Its large bloom and cheerful demeanor bring the joy of the outside world straight into your living room.

Mixed bouquets

early spring flowers with mixed bouquet

Featuring different types of flowers in an array of bright hues, a mixed bouquet is the perfect way to enjoy the exquisite splendor of nature right in your home.

Spring banner ad

10 Popular Spring Flowers to Bring Life to Your Home or Garden

Spring is that wonderful time of year when temperatures rise and buds swell and explode in a riot of colorful blooms. It is a time when we are filled with feelings of renewal and optimism and anticipation. And spring is also a time of planning and planting a garden. Bulbs, perennials, and flowering trees and shrubs will reward you year after year with their blooms.

Here are 10 popular spring flowers that you can grow in your garden, in containers, or, in some cases, indoors as houseplants.

1. Daffodils

spring flowers with daffodils

Nothing says “spring” more than jaunty daffodils. These bulbs bloom up to six weeks in the early spring, and come in white, yellow, orange, bicolor, and pink. Most of the 32,000 cultivars have a short, protruding cup in the center of the flower, surrounded by six flat petals. They have strap-like leaves that grow from the bulb, and the plants stand between six and 30 inches high. Daffodils are beautiful in the garden, as cut flowers, and in containers indoors and out.

Daffodil growing tips

The best time to plant daffodils is in the fall. Locate them in the sun to partial shade in holes five inches deep. Plant the bulbs with the pointed end up, six inches away from one another. Cover them with soil, and water the plants in the spring. Give container-grown daffodils plenty of light, and water when the soil is dry an inch down from the top. They are hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8, and are deer resistant but toxic to humans and pets. Most of the hybridized varieties are not good pollinator plants, but native species will attract bees.

2. Tulips

spring flowers with tulips

These pretty spring bulbs have been hybridized extensively, with nearly 4,000 cultivars. The cup- or star-shaped flowers sit individually atop blue-green stems with two to six leaves, and their petals are every color except blue, in solid colors or stripes. Tulips can grow from anywhere from four to 30 inches tall and are categorized as early-blooming, mid-season, or late-blooming types. They can be grown in containers, in the garden, or as beautiful cut flowers.

Tulip growing tips

Plant tulips in the fall in a sunny spot in well-draining soil. Set them with the pointed end up four to eight inches down in the soil and four to six inches away from one another. Cover the bulbs with soil, and water them thoroughly. Container-grown tulips are planted in the fall, but they will need eight to 12 weeks of cold before they will flower in the spring. Tulips are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, but in cold, northern areas, they need to be kept in a garage or basement until they can be set outside when the weather warms. Tulips are toxic to both humans and pets, and, like daffodils, species tulips (meaning ones that are un-hybridized)are better pollinator plants than the highly bred cultivars.

3. Hyacinth

spring flowers with hyacinth

Cheery pink, blue, or white hyacinths lend a spot of color to a spring garden and are often sold as potted indoor plants around Easter. Their highly fragrant, star-shaped flowers grow in clusters along a short stem, with upward-growing leaves.

Hyacinth growing tips

Plant the bulbs outside in the fall, four to six inches deep with their pointed ends up, three to six inches apart. Cover the bulbs with soil, and water thoroughly. Indoors, hyacinths delight with their sweet fragrance. After they bloom, you can plant them outside, and they should bloom the following spring. Hyacinths are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, deer resistant, and toxic to both humans and pets. They are good pollinator plants for bees and butterflies.

4. Crocus

spring flowers with crocus

The spring-blooming crocus is one of the earliest flowers to bloom. Delicate cup-shaped flowers with pointed petals come in pink, blue, purple, yellow, orange, and white, and grass-like leaves grow from the base of their six-inch stems.

Crocus growing tips

Plant crocus corms in the fall, setting them four inches deep in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and four inches apart from one another. Cover them with soil, and water them well. Crocuses are hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8 and are generally left alone by deer, but are toxic to pets. They are loved by bees and butterflies waking up from their winter nap.

5. Lily of the valley

spring flowers with lily of the valley

Beautiful, shade-loving wildflowers, lily of the valley grow six to 12 inches high with small, white, fragrant flowers hanging down like bells in a line up a bare stalk. The flowers bloom for about three weeks in the spring and develop into small reddish berries. One or two broad leaves grow from the bottom of the stalk, and the plant spreads by underground rhizomes.

Lily of the valley growing tips

Locate lily of the valley in a shady spot with good drainage. Plant the rhizomes in the spring or fall with the growing tips pointing upwards about half an inch down in the soil, and water them while they’re getting established. Their rhizomes can be planted in containers in rich potting soil with excellent drainage and watered when the soil is dry an inch down from the top. Lily of the valley is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, deer resistant, pollinated by bees, and highly toxic to people and pets.

6. Iris

spring flowers with iris

These elegant flowers are named for Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. About 300 species of iris exist, and thousands of cultivars that bloom from spring into summer exhibit every color of the spectrum. They range in height from six inches to four feet and grow from either rhizomes or bulbs. The stems are either single or branched with sword-shaped leaves and unique-looking flowers. Three petals curl upward — these are called standards — and three petal-like sepals bend down; these are known as falls.

Iris growing tips

Locate irises in a spot that gets at least six hours of sun a day. Iris rhizomes should be planted on the surface of the soil with the roots extending down, and bulbs are planted four to six inches deep in the soil. Most iris are deer resistant and hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8. They attract bees and hummingbirds, and are toxic to humans and pets.

7. Forsythia

spring flowers with forsythia

The most frequently seen variety of forsythia is the bright, cheerful hybrid Forsythia × intermedia, aka border forsythia, that is hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8. They are deciduous shrubs with four-petalled yellow flowers blooming in the early spring, before the leaves appear. The arching stems can grow up to 10 feet long and root wherever they touch the ground. Forsythia plants grown in a row can be pruned into a hedge or grown as graceful individual bushes. Cut flower stems are beautiful in arrangements as well.

Forsythia growing tips

Forsythia plants are easy to grow and are best planted in the fall. Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade that has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is two times the size of the root ball, and center the plant, filling in the hole. Water it thoroughly until it’s established. Deer tend to leave it alone, and it is only a modest pollinator plant.

8. Azalea

spring flowers with azalea

Azaleas blaze with color in late spring throughout the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 800 species of these shade-loving bushes, with more than 10,000 registered varieties. Most are deciduous, but some are evergreen, and they range in height from two to eight feet. Their flowers cover the bushes with lavender, white, pink, salmon, or red blooms, and they are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.

Azalea growing tips

Plant your azalea in the spring or fall in dappled shade or a spot that gets only morning sun, in well-draining, acidic soil. Azaleas grow easily in containers and are an attractive addition to a porch or patio in bright shade. Choose a pot big enough for good root growth, use a well-draining potting mix formulated for acid-loving plants, and be sure to water it during dry spells. It is an excellent pollinator plant for butterflies and hummingbirds, but, unfortunately, deer find azaleas tasty, too. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, and dogs, cats, and horses.

9. Lilac

spring flowers with lilac

Familiar, fragrant lilacs comprise 12 species of charming shrubs or small trees. The most frequently grown kind in the United States is the common lilac, along with its 400 cultivars. The four-petalled flowers are one-third of an inch across and grow in cone-shaped clusters, or panicles, at the ends of the branches. They range in color from purple to pink or white, bicolor, and even yellow. The blue-green leaves are heart shaped, and the tree is between four and 15 feet tall.

Lilac growing tips

Lilacs are best planted in the fall, in a spot with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Most varieties are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7 and do not do well in the hot, humid areas of the country. They are susceptible to powdery mildew, so it is important to prune them after flowering to allow for good air circulation. Lilacs are fairly deer resistant, and are excellent pollinator flowers for bees in spring.

10. Magnolia

spring flowers with magnolia

These ancient trees are often seen as a symbol of the Deep South. Magnolias are deciduous or evergreen, and they range in size from eight to 100 feet tall. Their large, fragrant, cup- or star-like flowers come in white, pink, purple, or yellow, and distinctive cones with red berries develop in the fall. Their flowers bloom in the spring before the leaves appear on deciduous species, and in the late spring to summer on evergreen trees.

Magnolia growing tips

Magnolias are wide spreading, often reaching 40 feet, so choose a spot with enough space. Plant evergreen varieties in the early spring in full sun, and deciduous varieties in the shade during the fall for southern locations and in the spring in the north. Magnolias are tolerant of various soil types as long as they are acidic and well draining. They are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, and are a favorite food of deer. They are considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Spring banner ad

8 Best Tulip Festivals in the World in 2024

March 20 marks the first day of spring, and that means warmer weather, barbecues, and flowers in full bloom. Cities and towns across the globe (at least those in the Northern Hemisphere) have already started gearing up for festivals honoring spring’s favorite flower — the tulip! This uniquely colored flower only pops up for a few weeks every year, so you’ll want to make the most of this year’s tulip bloom by visiting some of the best tulip festivals in the world.

Best tulip festivals around the world

From Australia to India, these tulip festivals wow visitors with their scale and splendor.

Keukenhof

tulip festivals with keukeuhof

Where: Lisse, Netherlands
When: March 21–May 12

Known as “The most beautiful spring garden in the world,” the Keukenhof holds more than 800 varieties of tulips and 7 million bulbs. Visitors can take in the sights in a variety of ways, including by boat, bike, or foot.

But there’s more to see here than just beautiful flowers: A collection of artwork and a number of restaurants are located throughout the park. If you’re out with the family, the Keukenhof also has a treasure hunt, petting zoo, maze, and playground to keep your little ones entertained for hours.

Canadian Tulip Festival

tulip festivals with Canadian Tulip Festival

Where: Ottawa, Canada
When: May 10–20

Since 1953, the city of Ottawa has honored and celebrated its favorite flower with the Canadian Tulip Festival. Canadians affix special meaning to the tulip, which symbolizes the strong friendship and bond forged between their country and the Netherlands during World War II.

As the world’s largest tulip festival, it’s no surprise you’ll find a lot of colorful tulips — more than 1 million in all! Other attractions of the 11-day festival include food markets, movie showings, ghost tours, and a sound and lights show.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

tulip festivals with Tesselaar

Where: Silvan, Victoria, Australia
When: Sept. 14–Oct. 13

This festival is home to more than 40 nurseries and plant growers, so you’ll find an amazing mixture of both small and large flowers. It also showcases live entertainment, a multicultural food exhibition, and a sculpture display.

And when you leave, you may even be inspired to start your own garden. The festival hosts several interviews, discussions, and lectures with top growers from around the country on how to best care for a variety of flowers and plants, not just tulips. But what really sets this festival apart is that you can pick and purchase some of the flowers on display.

Srinagar Tulip Festival

tulip festivals with Srinagar Tulip Festival

Where: Kashmir, India
When: April 3–20

What started out as a way to boost tourism in a small town in 2007 quickly became a popular and cherished event at Asia’s largest tulip garden. With more than 60 varieties of tulips, visitors have said that it looks like the streets are lined with carpets rather than individual flowers. While you’re there, stop by the many folk dance performances that happen right in the streets. You can also enjoy the different Kashmiri cuisine that is prepared and sold locally.

Best tulip festivals in the U.S.

If you can’t travel to any one of the events outside the U.S., don’t worry. There are plenty of tulip festivals right here at home.

Pella Tulip Time

tulip festivals with Pella Tulip Time

Where: Pella, Iowa
When: May 2–4

For three days every year, citizens of Pella travel back in time and wear traditional Dutch attire, eat Dutch food. and celebrate the history of the tulip. Why not join them in celebrating the 89th anniversary of this most colorful festival?! You can also watch as floats travel down the tulip-lined streets in the annual Parade of Tulips.

Albany Tulip Festival

tulip festivals with albany tulip festival Albanydotcom
Photo courtesy of Albany.com

Where: Albany, New York
When: May 11–12

New York City may be known as the concrete jungle, but it’s all flowers and greenery up in Albany! The Albany Tulip Festival is the city’s signature event in the spring, drawing thousands of people every year. In addition to the more than 100,000 tulips on display, the festival also features vendors selling their wares, an arts show, countless food options, the Kidzone, and two stages of dance and musical entertainment.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

tulip festivals with Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Where: Skagit Valley, Washington
When: April 1–30

Since 1983, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has celebrated the spring and the many flowers that bloom during the season. More than 1 million visitors — from all 50 states and more than 85 countries — come every year for the month-long celebration. The festival doesn’t have one “site” but rather comprises fields of tulips and four tulip gardens scattered throughout the Skagit Valley. Attractions also include a street fair, a parade, art shows, and the Quilt Walk.

Tulip Time

tulip festivals with tulip time holland

Where: Holland, Michigan
When: May 4–12

Every spring, more than 6 million tulips explode out of the ground throughout this quaint town near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. And soon after they do, Holland hosts Tulip Time, a celebration of tulips, Dutch heritage, and the local community. Dating back almost a century, this festival comprises eight days of shows and events, including Dutch dance performances, art showcases, tall ship tours, concerts, and even floral arranging workshops!

Spring banner ad

Get Out Your Gardening Gloves! Follow Our Spring Flower and Fruit Planting Guide Per Region

Spring is the season of renewal and celebration. The world is once again fragrant and green and full of beautiful flowers. Even the occasional rain shower is welcomed — after all, the plants and flowers need water to flourish.

From avid gardeners to people who just like to look at and smell flowers, nurturing a garden carries with it lots of benefits: It brings beauty into the world, can improve your mood, and even provides fresh flowers and food for your enjoyment.

This guide highlights the best plants for your growing region and provides tips on how to care for them.

planting guide with usda plant hardiness zone map

Get in the zone

First, take the time to “get to know your zone” when planting outside, says Renato Cruz Sogueco, vice president of digital strategy and education at BloomNet. If you don’t know your zone, simply ask at your local garden center or input your zip code on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone website. You can also refer to the above map. Knowing your zone is the key to success, as it allows you to select plants that will thrive in your garden and are right for your location.

Zone information will also help you calculate your growing season, and identifies your first and last hard freeze dates. The period in between the freeze dates is your season. For example, in Philadelphia, garden zone 5B shows it is safe to plant between April 15 and Oct. 15.

Location, location, location

Another key to planting success is choosing the right location in your yard. Most flowers and fruit plants are easy to care for when placed in the optimal spot.Regardless of where you live, it is important to always read plant tags and descriptions. Most plants fail not from lack of care but from being placed in the wrong place in your yard. Plants meant for other growing zones should also not be purchased. If the information is not listed, a good rule of thumb is that most flowers and fruit plants require at least six hours of sunshine and good drainage.

Drainage is important, as very few plants like having their roots sitting in water. If you are planting in the ground, an easy test is to dig a hole and fill it with water. If it drains easily, it’s ready to plant in the ground. If it does not, you can either choose a different location or amend your soil with heavy bark or gravel.

For containers, you can drill extra drainage holes with a power drill or add a layer of small gravel to the bottom of your pot. Smaller planted pots can be moved indoors to decorate your home when in bloom.

Planting seeds and plants

As soon as late winter, you can start seeds and small plants indoors or prepare your garden plot for your growing season. Make sure to select seeds that are meant for your growing zone.

Also, when purchasing new plants, choose smaller-sized plants. This will save you time and energy not having to dig larger holes. And, with proper care, your plants will quickly grow and blossom.

Regional planting guide

Want to know what spring flowers and fruit plants to choose based on where you live? Here is a region-by-region listing of some of the more popular spring plants and fruit trees for you to consider, along with gardening tips.

Northeast planting guide

Flowers

When it comes to gorgeous spring blooms, the Northeast has some real showstoppers. Peonies, hellebores, cyclamen, and primroses can all be planted this time of year. Peonies are Ghitelman’s favorite spring flowers. “They come in many varieties and colors, and the scent of these beauties is simply mesmerizing,” she says. Peonies are easily made into beautiful bouquets because not only are their ruffled blooms gorgeous but their greenery is also attractive.

Flowering shrubs are another favorite. These plants have a spring flush, which occurs when flowers in a garden grow quickly and suddenly, giving it beauty and structure. They also re-bloom throughout the season.

planting guide with Classic Budding Rose
Classic Budding Rose
planting guide with Garden Hydrangea
Garden Hydrangea
planting guide pretty pink azalea
Pretty Pink Azalea

Azaleas, spirea, and hydrangeas are steady bloomers, and come in dwarf varieties that are perfect for containers and small space gardens.

Daisies are a popular choice for northeast gardens because they are easy to grow, bright and cheerful, and work well as borders or to fill in a garden space. They also bring life to a yard, attract wildlife and pollinators, and can be brought indoors for short periods if planted in small pots.

Flowers to plant: Peonies, dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias, bachelor buttons, roses, lavender, azaleas, hydrangeas, spirea, pansies, hellebores, primroses

Fruit

Flowering fruit trees, such as plum and cherry, are an easy and beautiful addition to your yard. The tree blossoms are a sure sign of spring and warmer days. Fresh fruit is also a healthy way to enjoy and share your garden with others.

Strawberry plants also are easily grown in the ground or containers. They love to spread and can cover a garden space in a season or two. Make sure to choose “everbearing” varieties so you will have berries well into summer.

Fruit to plant: Rhubarb, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, apples, plums, pears

Southeast planting guide

Flowers

In the Southeast, spring is associated with the scent of its most popular and fragrant flowers. When you think of hyacinth bulbs, gardenias, climbing jasmine vines, and magnolia trees, you instantly picture southern gardens.

planting guide with Magnolia Tree
Magnolia Tree
Heavenly Hyacinth Bulbs in mesh container
Heavenly Hyacinth Bulbs
planting guide with Blooming Gardenia Plant in Basket
Blooming Gardenia Plant

Old-fashioned flowers, such as delphiniums, hollyhocks, snapdragons, and foxgloves, may not have the same aromatic allure, but their interesting shapes and beautiful colors make them popular choices to plant in the Southeast.

Flowers to plant: Flowering bulbs, gardenias, azaleas, bachelor buttons, poppies, lupine, cosmos, camellias, delphinium, hollyhock, snapdragon, foxgloves, begonia

Fruit

Citrus trees are a good addition to a yard or patio in the Southeast. Look for varieties that command higher prices and less availability in your local supermarket, such as kumquats, key limes, pink lemons, and seedless limes. Many of these fruit-bearing trees also come in dwarf varieties, making them ideal container plants and perfect for gift giving. Fruit shrubs, such as blueberries and kiwi fruits, can also be planted in the spring.

Midwest planting guide

Flowers

You can scatter wildflower seeds and start your sunflowers as early as spring in the Midwest. Growing plants and flowers from seed have been done for generations. A fun idea, and a great way to build community, are to host a “seed swap,” where everyone brings extra seeds they have at home and exchanges them with one another. This is also a good way to learn more about local plants.

planting guide with Gift Set Heirloom Seed Packets Herb Clippers and Organic Herbal Soap
Heirloom Seed Packet Gift Set
planting guide with Herb garden trio
Herb Garden Trio
Wildflowers dream bouquet
Wildflower Dreams Bouquet

Succession planting is a popular method that involves planting every two to three weeks to start a new crop of flowers for an ever-blooming garden. Bachelor buttons, cosmos, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias are all easy flowers to start from seed.

Flowers to plant: Sunflowers, wildflowers, zinnias, roses, poppies, snapdragons, bachelor buttons, cosmos, bee balm, lavender, marigolds, rosemary, calendula

Fruit

Spring plants, such as strawberries, blueberries, and fresh herbs, are popular choices in a Midwestern garden. For fresh fruit, apples, peaches, and pears grow well.

The best fruit: Apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, strawberries, blueberries

Northwest planting guide

Flowers

The Pacific Northwest is a versatile region with a growing season from April to November.

planting guide Happy Daisy
Happy Daisy
planting guide with white azalea plant
White Azalea Plant
planting guide Lovely Lavender Rose
Lavish Lavender Rose

Many gardeners in the Northwest favor perennial plants and flowers for their ease of care; varieties such as daisies come back year after year and can fill a space quickly. They also attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden. Planting for pollinators is a hot trend right now, and you will find many of the most popular flowers in the Northwest are done so for this very reason.

Flowers to plant: Dahlias, bachelor buttons, borage, flowering bulbs, poppies, carnations, pansies, primroses, roses, hellebores, cyclamen, lilac, azalea, rhododendron

Fruit

Everyone has their favorite berry, and spring is the time to plant them. Make sure to read the plant labels as some varieties can quickly spread out and cover a space.

People often plant blackberries and raspberries along their borders or to cover a fence. Fruit trees are also a nice addition to your yard. If you have limited space, look for trees that have been grafted with a few different varieties. This is an emerging trend where you can grow two different types of fruit on the same tree!

If you are planning an urban garden, look for fruit plants that do well in small spaces or containers.

Fruit to plant: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apples, pears

Southwest

Flowers

Many gardeners in the Southwest have to start planting their fruit and flowers early in the spring due to the hot summer temperatures. Planting in the spring gives the plants time to get established and develop strong root systems.

Sunflower Bouquet
Sunflower Bouquet
planting guide Sending Sunshine Yellow Rose
Sending Sunshine Yellow Rose
planting guide with Honey Bee Farms Daisy
Honey Bee Farms Daisy

Planting bright flowers, such as angelonia, cosmos, and zinnias, is recommended. All of these thrive in full sun and hot temperatures, and will also attract pollinators to your yard.

“The key to growing flowers in the Southwest is to start your seeds early,” says Callie Works-Leary, founder of the Dallas Garden School. She loves planting marigolds, cape daisies, sunflowers, and gomphrena in her Texas garden.

Flowers to plant: Angelonia, cosmos, zinnias, gomphrena, sunflowers, daisies, marigolds, lavender, salvia, sweet peas, roses, rosemary

Fruit

The Southwest region, with its high temperatures and desert-type climate, is a bit of a challenge when it comes to growing fruit trees. Many types of fruit trees need an extended period of cold to produce fruit, called “chill hours,” so be sure to select ones that can survive without a long stretch of cold weather. Many citruses, avocado, and stone fruits successfully grow in this region. The key is to get new plants in the springtime so they can get established before the hot summer growing season.

Fruit to plant: Citrus, avocado, apricots, peaches, nectarines

Spring banner ad

6 Employee Activities for Spring to Help Re-energize the Workforce

Life at work can get monotonous. Your employees can stand to benefit from a change in their daily routine, especially in the spring. Scheduling employee engagement activities to help coworkers embrace the change in seasons can help boost morale and build camaraderie in the process.

If you want to set aside some time for group bonding but aren’t sure where to start, let these six ideas for employee engagement activities serve as inspiration.

1. Host group yoga sessions

Physical activity is a positive way to break up the work day, and the benefits multiply when you do it with others. Consider hosting group yoga sessions for the office either virtually, in a studio, or in a nearby park.

employee engagement activities with co-workers doing yoga

Sherry Morgan, founder and CEO of Petsolino in Beckley, West Virginia, hosts yoga classes for her employees every two weeks in the spring. “We hire a yoga instructor that could lead a one-hour yoga class for all of us,” she explains. “Since we work remotely, we used to hold the yoga classes via Zoom. This year, however, we plan to do it in a hybrid setting by renting a studio where willing employees can go visit and take the class in person.”

Make the most of the occasion by giving every participant a personalized yoga mat. Then, keep the wellness vibe going after class by ensuring everyone has access to healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit.

2. Take a hike

Spring is a time of change, and nowhere is a better place to appreciate this than the great outdoors. Organize a group hiking session in a nearby nature preserve to help your employees bond while breathing that fresh spring air. You can keep things casual or establish a topic for group discussion; you may find that everyone’s creativity gets supercharged as the endorphins start flowing.

At the end of the excursion, treat the team to a picnic lunch with some spring-themed desserts to top it off.

3. Organize a wine tasting

If your team would rather get together in a less strenuous way, organize a company-wide wine tasting. The event can take place at a local winery, or, if you prefer, you can ship everyone their bottles in a thank you box to enjoy at home during a Zoom session. Wine, cheese, and chocolate always go together, so make sure you have plenty of each on hand. Make sure to also supply non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer not to drink.

employee engagement activities with co-workers at a wine tasting

If your team is up for it, you can upgrade the experience to a “paint and sip” party. Let everyone break out their paintbrushes and tap into their hidden artistic talents. “Paint and sip events are a great way for teams to unwind and reconnect after a long day, or week, of work,” says Dana Case, director of operations at MyCorporation.com, a leading provider of business formation services. “It also allows everyone to relax and share their inner creativity.”

4. Stage a photography competition

The changing seasons are a perfect time to hold a spring photography competition. This can work as either a team or solo activity. Give everyone up to a month to take and submit their favorite photos of spring scenes, and then develop them to display around the office.

On a given day, have everyone vote for their favorites, and then present awards for different categories (best animal shot, best landscape, etc.). The winners can receive gift certificates to local businesses or a congratulatory gift of flowers or food.

5. Volunteer at a local charity

There’s no better way to show how far you’ve come as a company than dedicating a day to giving back. “Springtime is all about new beginnings, and allowing your coworkers to help people in their community is enough to boost anyone’s morale,” says Ouriel Lemmel, CEO and founder of WinIt, an app that helps users challenge parking and traffic tickets.

“It’s even more meaningful if this charity work is somehow related to their jobs,” Lemmel continues. “One great example of this would be a financial institution that encourages their employees to take one day out of the month to teach money-saving skills to the people in their community and help them increase their financial literacy.”

employee engagement activities with co-workers volunteering

Keep the good deeds going by celebrating your hard work with office snacks that support Smile Farms, a nonprofit organization that provides developmentally disabled adults with meaningful work opportunities at farms, urban gardens, greenhouses, and farm stands.

6. Plant new roots

Get everyone outdoors and working on a project you all will benefit from by starting an office garden. Consider setting up some raised beds outdoors, or, if space is a concern, creating mini container gardens along windowsills. You can keep things organized post-planting with custom plant markers for each variety.

“Gardening is a great way to spend a day talking and relaxing together, choosing which flowers to grow, and going through the planting process,” shares Megan Jones, a community outreach manager for NutraSweet Natural, a zero-calorie natural sweetener.

“Our collaborative gardening day is dedicated to planting flowers in a small garden that the team can then enjoy during their break times.” Jones continues. “It’s a lot of fun because the results are seen throughout the year. The garden becomes a constant reminder of what teamwork can achieve and about how everyone in the business has an impact.”

Picture of banner ad for spring bulb event
Exit mobile version