If June has a season, it’s weddings. No matter when the wedding or other special event is scheduled for your garden, you need to plan, plan, plan.
Start with color selection. A fall setting will have a different color scheme than one in spring or summer. What are the colors of the wedding? What are the graduate’s school colors? Does the guest of honor have a favorite color? Does the wedding anniversary have a color or plant? The 20th anniversary colors are emerald green and white and the flower is the aster, in case you were wondering.
Pot the flowers
The easiest way to achieve the color palette is with annuals in containers. Once the colors are decided, figure out which annuals will fill the need. Annuals also will probably be available with a shorter lead-time. Shopping in late spring or early summer should yield the widest selection.
If a color is hard to find, consider using a container with the desired hue to fill the gap. Place the pots along walkways to guide guests, as spots of color among perennials, trees or shrubs, or use them to decorate key areas of the landscape.
Plant the containers a few weeks before the event so the annuals will have a chance to grow and fill the pots.
Let there be light
Solar lamps are an inexpensive way to light pathways at night. The lights can be reassigned to landscape beds or to highlight trees and shrubs after the party. Candles, battery candles and torches are other ways to light the way.
String LED lights among trees and shrubs, along a clothesline, awning, deck railing or other areas for a festive scene.
Smooth and safe
Make sure paths are clearly marked and are free of rocks, mud, garden hoses, dog poop or other debris. Remember that some guests may be wearing high heels or sandals, and some of the little kids might be running.
Stairs and stepping-stones should be firm, not wobbly. Make sure they are not slick with moss or other slippery substances.
Reality hits
Expect rain and have a Plan B. Should you order a tent or can you accommodate the party in your home or maybe the garage? Anticipate that something could go wrong.
Lastly, one family I know did all the planning a year ahead for a late May wedding. And when I checked on the delivery of plants for their containers, I learned the wedding couple had eloped a few weeks earlier.