Hydrangeas have a way of stopping gardeners in their tracks—those full, dreamy blooms that shift from creamy whites to rosy pinks or cool blues. Summer Rayne Oakes @flockfingerlakes takes us through her upstate New York garden to explore five types of hydrangeas and how to help them flourish year after year.
Throughout her tour, Summer highlights two of her go-to Espoma Organicproducts:
Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier – for achieving those iconic blue blooms naturally
Espoma Organic Potting Mix – for building strong, healthy roots in containers
Each supports her eco-friendly approach to gardening—feeding the soil, not just the plant—while keeping the process safe for people, pets, and the planet.
From planning to planting, follow along as Laura from Garden Answer transforms her front flower beds with beautiful Fire Light Hydrangeas and New Gen Boxwoods! With the help of an auger, she navigates tough soil to get everything in place. To promote strong root growth and long-term plant health, Laura uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus and installs a drip irrigation setup to keep these new blooms watered and thriving all season long.
Tips from Laura
1. Use a High-Quality Organic Starter Fertilizer
When planting new shrubs like hydrangeas and boxwoods, apply a starter fertilizer such as Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. It reduces transplant shock, encourages strong, healthy root growth, and helps plants establish successfully for long-term thriving. 🌿
2. Take Time to Measure and Space Plants Carefully
Laura measured from consistent points (pillars, driveway edges) to ensure hydrangeas and boxwoods were evenly placed on both sides of the entry. Even small adjustments matter for symmetry and a polished final look. 📏
3. Adapt to Tough Soil Conditions
Hard or compacted soil can make digging difficult. Laura and Aaron used both hand tools and a tractor with an auger to create planting holes, showing the importance of being flexible with the tools and methods you use depending on site conditions. 💪
4. Choose Low-Maintenance Plants for Structure & Beauty
Fire Light Hydrangeas, boxwoods, and arborvitae provide year-round structure, seasonal interest, and require minimal maintenance—no deadheading, no heavy cleanup, and they even look pretty through the winter. 🌸🌲
5. Use Simple Tools for Consistent Spacing
Instead of guessing, Laura cut a branch to use as a measuring stick when spacing boxwoods (around 14–15 inches apart). This simple trick ensured consistency when replicating the layout on both sides. 🌿
6. Install Drip Irrigation for Long-Term Success
Drip lines were set up with rings around each hydrangea and evergreen, ensuring consistent moisture at the roots. This helps plants get established and reduces stress during hot weather. 💧
Summer Rayne Oakes @FlockFingerLakes takes us on a tour of her garden packed with edible plants. From fruit trees and berry bushes to roses and kale, Summer shows how beauty and function can grow side by side. Along the way, she nourishes her plants with Espoma Organic products to build strong roots, vibrant blooms, and thriving harvests.
Espoma Products Summer Uses in Her Edible Landscape:
Bio-tone Starter Plus Summer uses Bio-tone Starter Plus when planting apple trees and preparing new beds. With mycorrhizae and beneficial microbes, it jumpstarts root growth and helps plants establish quickly—like “planting insurance” for long-term success.
Espoma Organic Potting Soils To build the foundation of her new garden beds, Summer used a mix of Espoma Organic Soils, including Raised Bed Mix, Potting Mix, Land & Sea Compost, and others. These mixes improve soil structure, boost microbial life, and provide the organic matter plants need for healthy growth.
Rose-tone For her roses, Summer sprinkles Espoma Organic Rose-tone around the root zone. With its 4-3-2 blend, it encourages lush foliage and beautiful blooms while being safe for the soil and pollinators.
Soil Acidifier Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, and Summer keeps them happy with Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier. Made from elemental sulfur and gypsum, it naturally lowers pH to match the needs of acid-loving plants.
Tomato! Liquid Fertilizer Summer gives her tomato plants a boost with Espoma Organic Tomato! This easy-to-use liquid concentrate provides balanced nutrition and added calcium to prevent blossom end rot, ensuring plump, juicy fruits all season long.
Bringing It All Together
Summer’s edible landscape is proof that food gardens can be as beautiful as they are bountiful—with the right soil, thoughtful plant choices, and natural care. Ready to start your own edible landscape? Explore Espoma Organic products and discover how to feed your garden naturally. 🌱
From planning to petals, follow along as Laura from Garden Answer plants ten Rugosa roses in three beautiful varieties: the classic single pink Rosa rugosa, the crisp white Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’, and the fluffier double white ‘Blanc Double de Coubert.’ These own-root roses (no grafts here!) were chosen for their strength, fragrance, and show-stopping hips that carry color from summer into winter.
Laura’s #1 Planting Tip:
Always plant with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus!
When Laura plants, she reaches for Espoma Organic Bio-tone® Starter Plus. It’s her go-to because it:
Builds stronger roots fast.Bio-tone is packed with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae that help new plantings establish quickly.
Reduces transplant stress. Healthier roots mean better water and nutrient uptake—so plants settle in and start growing.
Feeds gently and naturally. An organic, starter-grade fertilizer that supports early growth without pushy top growth.
Works for everything you plant. Ideal for shrubs, perennials, trees, veggies, and roses of all kinds. If it’s going in the ground, mix in Bio-tone.
How Laura uses it: At planting time, she mixes Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plusinto the backfill soil and sets each rose at its current soil level (since these are own-root roses). Then she waters in well to activate the microbes and help eliminate air pockets.
Planting Pro Tip: Always backfill, then water deeply to settle soil around roots. Consistent moisture after planting helps Bio-tone’s microbes go to work.
Rugosa Roses: Tough, textural, and full of seasonal interest
Laura is planting Rugosas for their resilience and beauty:
Cold-hardy and adaptable. Depending on variety, Rugosas can thrive from roughly Zones 2–10, making them a great choice for many climates.
Size & presence. Expect a medium to tall shrub—often 5–7+ feet at maturity—so give them room to show off.
Sun & low maintenance. They love full sun and don’t need deadheading. Occasional shaping and removal of dead wood keeps them tidy.
Iconic hips. Big, colorful hips provide long-lasting interest—and look gorgeous against evergreens and conifers, just like Laura’s pairings.
Own-root reliability. Because these roses are grown on their own roots, if they die back and regrow, they’ll still return true to variety.
No matter what you’re planting, success starts below the soil line. Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plussets roots up to thrive—from shrubs like Rugosas to perennials, edibles, and young trees—so your garden establishes faster, stays healthier, and looks better, sooner.
Summer Rayne Oakes of Flock Finger Lakes turns three massive terracotta planters—rescued from a second-hand store —into statement containers for the garden. Because the pots are deep and heavy, she creates a lightweight false bottom with Espoma Organic Perlite, then tops it with Espoma Organic Potting Mix before planting a mix of ornamental grasses, pollinator favorites, and trailing accents.
Why Espoma Organic Potting Mix? Espoma Organic Potting Mix is crafted for container success—indoors or out. It’s rich and fluffy for easy root growth, holds moisture without getting waterlogged, and drains well to keep roots happy. The blend includes organic ingredients and Myco-tone, a proprietary blend of mycorrhizae that supports strong root systems and helps plants use water and nutrients more efficiently. In large planters where every inch counts, that balance of aeration, structure, and organic nutrition is exactly what new plantings need to establish quickly.
Tips & Takeaways from Summer’s Container Build
Use Perlite as a False Bottom. A layer of Espoma Organic Perlite can work beautifully as a false bottom in oversized containers for shallower-rooted plants when you don’t need the full depth of soil. It also reduces the planter’s weight. But for deep tap-rooted or tree-like plantings, it’s best to skip this method.
Choose Plants for Season-Long Interest. Summer anchors the pot with Pennisetum ‘Ginger Love’ for structure and gorgeous backlit plumes into fall and winter, then layers in Verbena bonariensis ‘Meteor Shower’ (pollinator magnet), sneezeweed ‘Morheim Beauty’ for warm tones, Beautyberry ‘Pearl Glam’ for three-season appeal, ornamental oregano (Oregon Kent beauties) for texture, and a trailing annual morning glory to spill over the rim.
Design for the View. Think about the angle most people will see. Summer places taller plants toward the back and lets trailers cascade in the foreground to create depth and a “finished” look from the main viewpoint.
Shop Smart in Mid-Summer. July–August can be slim pickings at local nurseries. If inventory looks tired, consider ordering online, mixing annuals with perennials, or planting what you can now and editing later. Containers are wonderfully changeable.
Plant for Pollinators and Wildlife. By mixing grasses, flowering perennials, and nectar-rich annuals, Summer builds a container that feeds bees, butterflies, and other pollinators—bringing life and movement to her garden space.
Share your container build with us using #EspomaOrganic on IG—we’d love to see what you create!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Title-22.jpg7201280Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-09-17 15:39:232025-09-17 15:54:10VIDEO: Planting in BIG Reused Planters 🪴🌿 with Summer Rayne Oakes
In this Wyse Guide project, Kaleb refreshes the entry to his mom’s driveway with smooth hydrangeas and a Captain yew for four-season structure. He plants each shrub with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to jump-start strong root growth and reduce transplant stress, then adds Espoma Organic Holly-tone because hydrangeas and most yews thrive in slightly acidic soil. Bio-tone delivers beneficial microbes and gentle nutrition right where roots need it; Holly-tone provides a slow, steady feed tailored for acid-loving plants so they establish beautifully in his neutral Iowa soil.
Tips from Wyse Guide:
Plant when you have the window. If the soil is workable and you can water, spring through fall is fair game—plants are often better off in the ground than in pots.
Match plants to the site. Kaleb chose upright, weather-tough, smooth hydrangeas for bloom and a rugged Captain yew for year-round form in part shade with occasional dry spells.
Call before you dig. Always locate underground utilities before starting holes. Safety first.
Plant slightly high. Set the root ball a touch above grade to allow for settling and better oxygen at the crown, especially near thirsty maples.
Prep the roots. Loosen or lightly score tight root balls so roots can spread into native soil. Then, pre-soak the root ball before backfilling.
Feed and mulch smart. Mix Bio-tone and Holly-tone into the planting hole for establishment and acid-loving nutrition. Finish with a 2–3″ layer of compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compostmulch to add organic matter to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
A simple, well-chosen pairing—hydrangeas for flowers and yew for structure—turned this entry into a welcoming focal point. Take your time, let inspiration strike at the nursery, and set new plants up for success with Bio-tone and Holly-ton
Has your garden started to feel like a tedious task on your never-ending to-do list? Here are 10 ways to avoid garden burnout by making gardening more efficient and simple, so you can enjoy it without feeling weighed down.
One of Kim’s foundational philosophies is to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones (3-, 5-, 8-, 10-, or 30-minute jobs), which is the basis of her book. The 10 Minute Gardener also organizes these by season (early, mid, late, dormant), so you can adapt them no matter where you garden.
Practical Time-Saving Tactics You Can Try Today
3-Minute Gardening Tasks
Fertilizer Fridays – Every Friday, while your tea kettle is boiling or you’re sipping coffee, take 3 minutes to fertilize your plants with an organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma Organic Indoor! Houseplant Food. You can also water them or pick off brown leaves.
Swift Growth Seed Sowing – Keep a small basket of seeds handy by your back door or in your pocket. During a quick break, pop a few pea seeds along a trellis or lettuce seeds into a container to keep succession planting going.
Three-Minute Tool Tidy – Clean and oil a few garden tools, like pruners, that may be getting rusty or sticky.
5-Minute Gardening Tasks
Tie-Up Tuesday (and Thursday!) – Dedicate a few minutes twice a week to trellis plants like cucumbers. Keep tie tape or twine in your pocket so you can do this quickly while walking through the garden.
Shade Cloth Oasis – Pre-clip shade cloth to trellises so you can dash out and cover plants when the sun is blazing.
End-of-Season Cleanups – Pull out dead plants and toss them into nearby trash bins or pop-up bins to keep your garden tidy.
8- & 10-Minute Gardening Tasks
Summer Salad Station – Plant a container with salad greens, a tomato or cucumber, and herbs for a quick, ready-to-harvest dinner garden.
Compost Pile Refresh – Toss together kitchen scraps and yard waste to build your compost pile. Give it a splash of water, then walk away and let nature do the work.
Tree Branch Trellis – Gather a few sturdy sticks and lash them together to create a simple, rustic trellis for climbing plants.
Be Consistent and Keep Things Within Reach
The key is to keep everything handy and accessible. You don’t need complicated strategies to make gardening easier. Keep a basket of seeds by the door, stash pruners in multiple spots, and have tie tape at the ready. Making tools and supplies accessible ensures you stay consistent and efficient.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Time-Saving-1.jpg10801080Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-09-11 16:15:582025-09-11 16:15:5810 Time-Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden | Growing Joy with Maria
Spend an early morning with Laura from Garden Answeras she plants hibiscus and silverthorn, adding vibrant blooms and silvery foliage for fresh contrast in her garden. To give these new shrubs the best start, she uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, ensuring strong roots and healthy growth from day one.
Later, Laura moves to the vegetable garden to harvest onions—planted with Bio-tone and later fed with Espoma OrganicGarden-tone—while sharing her favorite tips for growing, curing, and storing a successful harvest.
4 Key Takeaways from Laura’s Garden Day
Start with a high-quality starter fertilizer Using a starter fertilizer like Espoma OrganicBio-tone Starter Plus at planting gives shrubs and perennials a strong foundation. It promotes quick root establishment, reduces transplant shock, and sets the stage for healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
Planting shrubs: water, spacing, and layout matter Place shrubs where they’ll have room to grow to full size, then step back to check balance and flow in the garden. After planting, create a shallow watering basin around the root zone to ensure deep, even moisture while they establish.
Feed onions consistently through the season Laura planted her onions with Bio-tone, then followed up with Garden-tone to keep them growing strong. A steady supply of organic nutrients helps onions size up properly and develop great flavor.
Harvest onions at the right stage Onions are ready when their necks soften and the tops flop over. Gently pull them, then cure in a shaded, airy space for 7–10 days to allow skins to dry and harden for better storage.
From thoughtful planting to a plentiful harvest, Laura shows how preparation and care lead to success. A starter fertilizer like Bio-toneStarter Plus sets new plants up for stronger roots, while follow-up feedings with Garden-tonekeep vegetables productive and delicious.
Ready to put these tips into action? Try Espoma OrganicBio-tone Starter Plus on your next planting day, and don’t forget to keep edibles thriving with Espoma Organic Garden-tone. Share your garden moments with us @EspomaOrganic on IG—let’s grow together! 🌱
Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide brings his nephew, Kyan, into the garden to plant new perennials and share the joy of hands-on learning. To give their young plants the best start, Kaleb sprinkles Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus into each hole. This organic fertilizer acts like “planting insurance”—reducing transplant shock, stimulating stronger root growth, and improving soil health so perennials establish quickly and thrive for years.
Kaleb’s Planting Tips
Plant in Masses
Fill in open spaces with groups of perennials. Their foliage shades soil, suppresses weeds, and helps create a full, finished look.
Loosen Roots Before Planting
Tightly bound roots need a little teasing apart. This helps them spread into native soil and soak up water and nutrients more efficiently.
Dig Smart
Make your hole twice the size of the rootball. In tough soils, dig wider and mix in compost. Always set plants at the same depth they were in the pot.
Feed with a high-quality Organic Starter Fertilizer
Kaleb always plants with a good organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Sprinkle a handful in every hole. With beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae, Bio-tone promotes bigger roots, healthier soil, and faster establishment.
Amend with Compost
Kaleb recommends improving planting holes with a good organic compost. Try Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, which blends lobster and crab shells with rich compost to boost soil fertility, structure, and microbial life.
Watching Kaleb and Kyan plant together is a reminder that gardens grow best with patience, care, and a little teamwork. With Bio-tone by your side, you’ll help every planting thrive from day one.
Ready to get growing? Grab your perennials, a bag of Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Then share your garden journey with us @EspomaOrganic on IG.
Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide shows us that with the right care, you can plant trees and perennials with confidence. In this video, Kaleb is adding an Afterburner black gum tree and fresh perennials to his backyard. To give his new plantings the strongest foundation, Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. This trusted starter fertilizer helps reduce transplant shock, stimulates strong root growth, and enriches the soil—so plants establish quickly and thrive for years to come.
Featured Tips from Kaleb’s Planting Process
Plant year-round when conditions allow
Don’t wait for the “perfect” season. If you have the time, energy, and right weather, get plants in the ground. They’ll be happier growing in your soil than sitting in containers at a nursery.
Choose the site carefully
Take time to visualize how a tree or plant will look from multiple angles of your yard and home. Think ahead about how it will grow into the landscape.
Prepare the site well
Dig a wide hole—wider than the root ball—to give roots room to spread into the native soil. Remove rocks and other large debris.
Prep the roots before planting
Inspect roots for tight circling, then gently loosen or scarify them to encourage outward growth. Be sure to expose the root flare so the tree can breathe properly.
Always plant with a quality organic starter fertilizer
Using a starter like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus helps reduce transplant shock and promotes strong, lasting roots. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, Bio-tone is gentle, organic, and builds long-term soil health.
Water, stake, and mulch for success
Give trees a deep initial watering—Kaleb used 10 gallons for his black gum—and continue watering consistently, especially in summer heat. Stake young trees for support and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Kaleb finished his project by planting Phantom Joe Pyeweed and Kerodonis Salvia, filling in garden beds with color and texture. His approach shows that planting is less about waiting for the “right” season and more about giving your plants what they need: thoughtful placement, healthy roots, good soil, and consistent care.
Ready to Plant?
For all your plantings, give your plants the best start with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Build stronger roots, reduce transplant stress, and set your garden up for long-term success.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Title-19.jpg7201280Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-09-03 15:58:012025-09-03 15:58:01VIDEO: Planting Trees and Perennials 🌳🌺 with Wyse Guide
