At Land Design Associates in Walpole, MA, we believe spring is the season of possibilities. From planting vibrant blooms to refreshing your garden design, May offers the perfect conditions to prepare your landscape for months of enjoyment. Whether you want to honor mom with a fresh garden, visit the Arboretum, or upgrade your own outdoor living space, we’re here to inspire you.

Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum

Where: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA
When: Sunday, May 11
What to Expect: A dazzling display of lilacs along Bussey Hill Road, horticultural talks, walking tours, and family-friendly activities.

Lilac Sunday isn’t just about viewing flowers—it’s about connecting with history, culture, and community. Since 1908, families have made it a tradition to walk the Arboretum grounds, picnic under blooming trees, and admire the diversity of lilac cultivars.

If you’re considering adding lilacs to your own yard, take inspiration from the Arboretum’s collection. With careful selection and proper care, lilacs can provide fragrance and beauty for decades.

Why May is the Perfect Time to Plant

May in New England is unique:

• Soil is warm enough to encourage root growth.

• Temperatures are mild, reducing stress on young plants.

• Rainfall is balanced, giving new plantings the moisture they need.

This month is also the unofficial kickoff to gardening season, with Memorial Day weekend marking the transition into high summer. Stock up now on annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs so your garden thrives all season long.

Plant Spotlight: Peonies

Peonies are among the most cherished spring perennials. Known for their massive blooms and rich fragrance, they can thrive for generations with minimal care.

Peony Planting & Care Tips:

• Stake early: Heavy flowers need support.

• Choose full sun: More light equals more blooms.

• Space properly: Good air circulation prevents mildew.

• Don’t transplant: Once established, peonies prefer to stay put.

Pro Tip: Buy a blooming peony at the nursery to guarantee the color and form you want.

Salvias: The Heat-Loving Powerhouse

For season-long performance, few perennials compete with salvias. These hardy, deer-resistant plants produce bold spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.

Why Salvias Belong in Your Garden:

• Attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

• Tolerate heat and drought once established.

• Keep blooming when deadheaded and trimmed in midsummer.

Plant them near patios or walkways where their color and vertical form can shine.

Lilacs: Fragrant & Timeless

Lilacs aren’t just for Arboretums—they’re a timeless addition to New England gardens. With over 1,000 named varieties, lilacs offer countless options for fragrance, size, and bloom time.

Top Picks for Massachusetts Gardens

• Beauty of Moscow: Pink buds open into double-white flowers.

• President Grevy: A light blue cultivar with unmatched fragrance.

• Palibin Lilac: Compact and perfect for small spaces; available in shrub or tree form.

Lilac Care Tip: Prune immediately after blooming to set buds for next year. Deadhead spent blooms to keep shrubs looking fresh.

Designing with Seasonal Color

Spring landscapes come alive when color is layered thoughtfully. Our team at Land Design Associates specializes in creating planting designs that extend bloom time, mix textures, and integrate perennials with shrubs and annuals.

Design Strategies We Use:

• Pairing spring bloomers (like lilacs and peonies) with summer stars (such as hydrangeas and daylilies).

• Incorporating evergreens for year-round structure.

• Adding ornamental grasses for texture and movement.

• Creating pollinator-friendly plantings to support local ecosystems.

See how we bring seasonal beauty to life: See our work.

Mother’s Day Garden Gift Ideas

Looking for a memorable Mother’s Day gift? Skip the generic bouquet and give something that will bloom year after year:

• A flowering tree: Crabapples, dogwoods, or ornamental cherries.

• A perennial border: Mix peonies, irises, and salvias for continuous color.

• Custom planters: Seasonal containers designed to match your home’s style.

• Garden consultation: Schedule a design meeting with Land Design Associates for a tailored planting plan.

Landscape Enhancements for Spring 

Beyond flowers, spring is the time to consider upgrades that transform how you use your outdoor space.

Popular Projects in May:

• Outdoor kitchens for summer entertaining.

• Patio expansions for family gatherings.

• Landscape lighting to extend evening enjoyment.

• Irrigation systems to protect your investment.

Whether you’re in Walpole, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Westwood, or Dover, our team has decades of experience bringing these visions to life.

Why Choose Land Design Associates?

At Land Design Associates, we’re more than gardeners—we’re certified landscape professionals who take pride in designing and maintaining landscapes that last.

• We are Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professionals (MCLP): Learn more here.

• We combine artistic design with horticultural science.

• Our team offers a full-service approach: design, build, and maintenance.

• We specialize in both residential and commercial properties across Greater Boston.

Ready to Transform Your Landscape?

This Mother’s Day, celebrate with flowers that last a lifetime. Whether it’s planting a new lilac, refreshing your perennial garden, or building an entirely new outdoor living space, Land Design Associates is here to help.

📞 Call us today or schedule your consultation online. Let us create a landscape your family will enjoy for years to come.

See our work

1. Assess Your Garden Space Before you rush to the nearest nursery, take a good look at your garden space. Evaluate its size, shape, and the amount of sunlight it receives. Note any shady spots, sunny areas, or locations with partial sunlight. Understanding your garden’s conditions is the first step in choosing plants that will thrive there.
2. Know Your Hardiness Zone Every region has a hardiness zone, which defines the average minimum winter temperature. Understanding your hardiness zone is essential, as it helps you select plants that can withstand the winter conditions in your area. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a useful hardiness zone map that you can refer to.
3. Consider Soil Type The type of soil in your garden plays a significant role in plant selection. Test your soil to determine its pH level, texture, and nutrient content. Most plants prefer well-drained soil with a pH level around 6.5, but some may thrive in more acidic or alkaline soils. Knowing your soil type will help you choose plants that can adapt to these conditions.
4. Choose Native Plants Native plants are well-suited to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. They require less maintenance and are more likely to flourish in your garden. Additionally, native plants can provide a habitat for local wildlife, such as birds and pollinators, which can enhance the ecological value of your garden.
5. Consider Your Garden’s Purpose What do you want your garden to be? A serene retreat, a vegetable haven, a riot of colors, or a mix of all these? Determine the primary purpose of your garden and choose plants accordingly. For instance, if you want a peaceful retreat, opt for soothing, low-maintenance plants. If you’re keen on fresh produce, prioritize vegetables and herbs.
6. Plan for Seasonal Interest A well-designed garden provides year-round visual interest. Choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. This ensures that your garden remains vibrant and engaging, even in the depths of winter. Consider plants with attractive foliage, interesting bark, and colorful berries to extend the visual appeal.
7. Understand Plant Maintenance Different plants require varying levels of care and attention. If you have limited time for gardening, opt for low-maintenance plants that won’t demand constant pruning, watering, or fertilizing. However, if you love the act of gardening and are willing to invest more time, high-maintenance plants may be a good choice.
8. Budget Wisely Gardening can be as budget-friendly or as extravagant as you make it. Consider your budget when selecting plants. Some plants, like annuals, may require frequent replacement, while perennials can provide long-lasting beauty. Keep in mind the cost of soil amendments, tools, and other gardening supplies as well.
9. Consult with Experts If you’re unsure about plant choices, seek advice from local nurseries, horticulturists, or gardening organizations. They can provide valuable insights into which plants are best suited for your specific area and conditions.

Selecting the right plants for your garden is a vital step in creating a thriving and visually appealing outdoor space. By assessing your garden’s characteristics, understanding your local climate, and considering factors like soil type, maintenance requirements, and your garden’s purpose, you can make informed choices that lead to a garden that you’ll love and enjoy for years to come. Happy gardening!

Star Magnolia

Large, white fragrant flowers emerges before its foliage, engulfing this small tree like a cloud. Fat fuzzy buds on the tree in winter. The flower buds and flowers are susceptible to frost so plant in a somewhat sheltered location.Densely branched, it’s great for a small yard as it remains compact for many years. Star Magnolia flowers before the larger saucer magnolias.

Yoshino Cherry

This is the cherry famous for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. Considered one of the most beautiful flowering trees, the blooms have a slight almond fragrance. Fairly fast growth rate, reaches 20-30 feet tall so give it space to grow. Lots of sun leads to very showy, generous pale pink to white flowers.

This cherry yields a small fruit that is a source of food for many birds. Try to avoid the weeping varieties sold at big box stores because they are grafted on inferior root stock and are weak stemmed.

Shadblow

Amelanchier also known as shadblow and serviceberry is a large, native shrub or small tree 15-30 feet tall.  Its lightly fragrant star-shaped, flat to saucer shaped flowers are white to pink. Leaves turn a bright yellow-orange in fall and are supplemented by red fruit that ripens in summer and is edible. Birds will feast on the berries if not picked soon after ripening. Try ‘Rainbow Pillar’ for a small garden.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is one of the first shrubs to flower here in New England even if snow is still on the ground. The blooms appear anytime the temperatures go above 40 degrees making this plant a true harbinger of spring.  The blooms have a spidery appearance and are lightly fragrant. ‘Jelena’ has copper colored flowers and ‘Arnold’s Promise’ has yellow. They like full sun to part shade but do not thrive in a too dry location. They are also native and can be found in woodlands. The plant also has many uses besides its ornamental qualities.

Kerria

If you like vibrant yellow try Kerria. It’s commonly called Easter Rose because it typically blooms around Easter and resemble roses. It has a loose branching habit that grows to about 8 feet tall and wide. Branches stay bright green throughout the year offering radiant winter interest. Kerria appreciates a shady spot and does well where it has the space to branch out. ‘Pleniflora’ is a double flowered variety readily available at garden centers in spring.

Flowering Quince

Hardy, long lasting and easy to grow. Branches are covered in apple blossom-like flowers before their leaves emerge. It can get twiggy and irregular looking so place it in the back of the planting bed or keep it pruned. Used in a shrub border, it creates a nice dark green background for later blooming shrubs. Many varieties are available that also produce fruits for birds to enjoy. Newer types are more compact  ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ has large flowers that open in coral-pink and white on a single plant  ‘Pink Storm’ has dramatic hot-coral blooms with a pleasant fragrance.

No matter what you’re looking for in a landscape for your home, the experts at Land Design Associates can help. Contact us today to learn more or give us a call at 781-769-3286

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