Key Takeaways:

1. Spring is prime time for planting in Orange County - warm soil and mild weather help plants thrive.
2. Top flower picks for color all season:
   • Sun lovers: Gazanias (yellow), Cosmos (pink), Sweet Alyssum (white)
   • Shade choices: Impatiens, Begonias
3. Drought-tolerant stars save water:
   • California Poppy
   • Lavender
   • Salvia (beautiful blue varieties)
4. Planting schedule matters:
   • Flowers/veggies: Late winter to mid-spring
   • Fruit trees: Before late spring
   • Summer crops: Late spring
5. Prep work pays off:
   • Clear weeds first
   • Boost the soil with compost
   • Use pine needle mulch
6. Fresh ideas to try:
   • Color-block flower groups
   • Mix edible plants with flowers
   • Use pots for flexible designs
7. Avoid common mistakes:
   • Don't plant too deep
   • Watch for snails
   • Water in the morning/evening
8. Need help? Signature Landscaping transforms yards into spring masterpieces - just ask!

Spring in Southern California is like nature's reset button. After our mild winter, everything comes back to life—and your garden should, too. Whether you're planting flower beds, fruit trees, or just adding some potted plants, now's the time to get busy.

Why Spring is Prime Planting Time

Our Mediterranean climate means spring is kind to plants. Here's why:

• The soil warms up after winter but isn't scorching yet
• More daylight helps plants grow fast
• Nurseries are packed with the best flowers for spring

If you've been waiting to plant, mid-spring is your sweet spot.

Best Flowers for Spring in Orange County

Want a color that lasts? These flowers love our spring weather:

For Sunny Spots:

• Yellow flowers: Gazanias (super drought tolerant)
• Pink flowers: Cosmos (grow crazy tall)
• White flowers: Sweet Alyssum (smells amazing)

For Shady Areas:

• Impatiens (bright flower colors)
• Begonias (tough in pots or garden beds)

Pro tip: Mix annual flowers with perennials so color comes back every year.

Top Drought-Tolerant Plants

Water bills got you stressed? Try these:

• California Poppy (our state flower!)
• Lavender (smells great, bees love it)
• Salvia (comes in blue flowers and purple)

These native plants are used to our dry spells—they'll thrive with less care.

When to Plant What

Timing matters! Here's your cheat sheet:

Did you miss early spring? Don't sweat it—many plants do fine through late spring.

Prepping Your Garden for Spring

Good soil = happy plants. Do this first:

1. Clear out weeds (they steal water and nutrients)
2. Add organic matter like compost (helps well-drained soil)
3. Use pine needles as mulch (keeps moisture in)

Skip this step, and your plants will struggle. It's worth the extra hour!

5 Fresh Landscaping Ideas for Spring

Tired of the same old yard? Try these:

• Color blocking: Group flowers by color (all pinks together, etc.)
• Edible landscaping: Mix herbs like rosemary in flower beds
• Succession planting: When one flower fades, another takes its place
• Native plant gardens: Less water, more butterflies
• Potted plants: Move them around for instant changes

Small changes make a big difference—you don't need a full yard makeover.

Common Spring Planting Mistakes

See how many of these you've done:

• Planting too deep (roots can't breathe)
• Forgetting about snails (they love tender new plants)
• Watering at noon (sunburns wet leaves)

Fix these, and your plants will thank you.

Need Help With Your Spring Landscape?

If digging in the dirt isn't your thing, no shame! At Signature Landscaping, we live for this stuff. We'll help pick the right plants, prep your soil, and make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.

Ready for your best yard yet? Visit us at yoursignaturelandscape.com and let's get growing!

There you go—everything you need to know for spring planting in Orange County. Now grab those gloves and make this your most colorful year yet!