SUPER DUPER SUCCULENTS. Check out Artysta Boutique in Menomonie for some unique options in succulent plants.

Garden centers are experiencing their busiest time of year, as locals get ready for summer planting. We checked in with a few greenhouse experts for tips on starting the season strong.

1. THINK AHEAD

Because so many people tackled garden projects last year when they were stuck at home, garden centers are backlogged.Be sure to hit local garden centers early, says Patty Marten of Green Oasis in Chippewa Falls.

2. TRY SOMETHING NEW

Climate change is making it a lot harder for plants to survive in our Zone 4 area. Terry Halfen of Halfen Garden Center recommends looking for hardy plants.

3. START SMALL

Melissa Wiltrout, owner of Raintree Garden Center, knows the tricky thing about plants is space. For gardeners who don’t have a lot of room, try trailing tomatoes or cucumbers. Or add herbs to planters of flowers.

4. GET FLOWERY

Popular flowers this year include petunia varieties such as Night Sky and Amore Queen of Hearts. Wiltrout recommends pairing pink and yellow. 

5. START LOCAL

For a complete listing of local garden centers, visit volumeone.org/sites/homegarden.