You don’t need a big backyard or a fancy greenhouse to start gardening! Whether you’re working with a garden bed, a few containers, or a sunny windowsill, planting by season is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success.

Across The Greenway, our horticulture team plans plantings carefully throughout the year to keep beds colorful, resilient, and welcoming to pollinators and people alike. This beginner-friendly guide highlights seasonal favorites you’ll spot on The Greenway, and can also grow at home.

Be sure to download our printable Seasonal Planting Guide PDF to keep handy as you plan your garden.

 

Spring Planting Picks

Early spring is all about plants that don’t mind chilly nights and cool soil. These picks are hardy, cheerful, and a great way to kick off the growing season.

Pansies & Violas

Cold-tolerant and colorful, pansies and violas are some of the earliest seasonal bloomers. They’re perfect for containers, window boxes, and garden borders.
Beginner tip: Deadhead (remove spent blooms) to extend the blooming season.

Allium

These architectural flowering bulbs add height, structure, and a little drama to spring gardens. Their globe-shaped blooms stand out and are loved by pollinators.
Beginner tip: Plant bulbs in fall for spring blooms — but purchase potted alliums in spring if you missed the bulb window.

Peas (Edible)

Peas are one of the easiest cool-weather edibles to grow from seed. They sprout quickly and are great for kids and first-time gardeners.
Beginner tip: Give peas something to climb, like a small trellis or fence.

 

Summer Planting Picks

Summer gardens thrive with plants that love sunshine and warmer temperatures. Many of these are long-blooming and support bees and butterflies.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

A staple in Greenway plantings, coneflowers are drought-tolerant, sturdy, and a favorite of pollinators. Their bold blooms last for weeks, and their seed heads feed birds in the winter!
Beginner tip: They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Bright, resilient, and dependable, these golden flowers bring strong color to mid- and late-summer beds, and late season interest with their seed heads.
Beginner tip: Cut back lightly after the first flush of blooms to encourage more flowers.

Zinnias

Zinnias are one of the easiest annuals to grow from seed and bloom all summer long in a wide range of colors.
Beginner tip: Sow directly in warm soil and harvest often for bouquets — cutting blooms throughout the summer encourages more blossoms throughout the season. 

Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Oregano)

Herbs are beautiful and useful — a win-win. You’ll often see them featured in display beds and edible plantings.
Beginner tip: Most herbs prefer sun and lighter watering than flowering annuals. Harvest regularly to keep plants full.

 

Fall Planting Picks

Fall is an underrated planting season! Warm soil and cooler air help plants establish strong roots with less stress.

Asters

These late-season bloomers provide critical nectar for pollinators preparing for winter and add fresh color when other flowers fade.
Beginner tip: Choose a sunny location for best flowering.

Switchgrass (Panicum)

A native ornamental grass used on The Greenway for texture and movement. It adds structure and looks beautiful through fall and winter.
Beginner tip: Leave grasses standing through winter for visual interest and habitat value.

Garlic (Edible)

Garlic is planted in the fall and harvested the following summer — one of the simplest edible crops to grow.
Beginner tip: Plant individual cloves point-up, a few inches deep, before the ground freezes.

 

Winter / Late Fall Planting Picks (For Next Season)

Late-fall and early-winter planting focuses on long-term structure and early-spring rewards.

Winterberry Holly

A native shrub known for its bright red berries that persist through winter, adding bold seasonal color.
Beginner tip: Plant both male and female plants (a nursery will be able to tell you which is which) to ensure berries form.

Juniper

Juniper is a native evergreen that is found throughout the greenway, with many different varieties that and many shades of green
Beginner tip: Protect from harsh winter wind when newly planted by wrapping with burlap or other shub coverings.

Red Twig Dogwood

Known for its vibrant red stems that stand out in stark snowy landscapes. A strong choice for winter interest.
Beginner tip: Prune older stems every few years to make sure the colors stay bright 

Crocus Bulbs

One of the very first flowers to appear in late winter or early spring, often popping up through the last patches of snow.
Beginner tip: Plant bulbs in fall months and group them in clusters for the best visual impact.

Start Small, Grow with the Seasons

If you’re new to gardening, start with just a few plants each season. Beautiful gardens are  sown one plant at a time, and every season gives you an opportunity to try something new.

To make planning even easier, download our Seasonal Planting Guide PDF for a quick-reference version of these picks and tips. Happy planting! 🌱🌸