How to keep a Calgary garden blooming all summer?

Black Eyed Susan Image by Judy Richardson from Pixabay

Creating a garden in Calgary that blooms all summer long is a smart way to make the most of Alberta’s short growing season. While our USDA Hardiness Zone 3 climate poses some challenges, proper planning, plant selection, and sustainable practices can help you enjoy continuous color from late spring through early fall. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your landscape, Evergreen LTD can help you design a garden that thrives in our local conditions.

Why Understanding Calgary’s Climate Matters

Calgary’s growing season typically runs from late May to early September, with risk of frost even in late spring or early fall. That means choosing hardy, zone-appropriate plants is key. Native and drought-tolerant plants are especially effective for creating a resilient and low-maintenance garden.

Plan for Continuous Blooms by Staggering Flowering Times

To keep your garden blooming all summer, select plants that flower at different times. This approach—known as succession planting—ensures you always have something in bloom.

Wild Blue Flax

Early Summer Bloomers (Late Spring to Early Summer)

Kick off your garden with hardy early-season plants:

• Wild Blue Flax – Blue flowers, thrives in full sun and well-drained soil

• Canada Anemone – White blooms, prefers partial shade and moist soil

Image by beauty_of_nature from Pixabay

Mid-Summer Bloomers (June to August)

Maintain the momentum with these summer stars:

• Black-Eyed Susan – Bright yellow, drought-tolerant, long bloom period

• Bee Balm – Lavender blooms, attracts pollinators

• Delphinium – Tall spikes of color, adds height and elegance

Image by Monoar Rahman Rony from Pixabay

Late Summer to Fall Bloomers (August to Frost)

Extend your garden’s beauty with:

• New England Aster – Purple flowers into fall, pollinator favorite

• Sunflowers – Varieties like ‘Ruby Eclipse’ add color and drama

Why Native Plants Are a Smart Choice

Native plants like Prairie Crocus and Bee Balm are adapted to Calgary’s conditions and support local pollinators. These plants often require less water, fewer chemicals, and less maintenance overall. Evergreen LTD encourages the use of native species for their ecological benefits and long-term garden health.

Go Drought-Tolerant for Water Efficiency

Calgary’s rainfall can be inconsistent. Selecting drought-tolerant plants such as False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) ensures your garden stays vibrant without over-reliance on watering. Incorporate mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.

Design Tips to Maximize Bloom Impact

Want a garden that looks great from every angle? Use these strategies:

• Layering – Position taller plants like Delphinium at the back, medium plants in the middle, and shorter varieties at the front.

• Color Coordination – Use complementary colors for contrast or stick to a single palette for a more unified look.

• Succession Planting – Select overlapping bloom periods for a seamless transition of color.

Need help visualizing your layout? Evergreen LTD offers design consultations to bring your garden vision to life.

Essential Maintenance for a Healthy, Blooming Garden

Routine care is just as important as good planning. Here’s what to focus on:

• Soil Health – Start with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Add compost as needed.

• Mulching – Helps control weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.

• Pruning & Deadheading – Remove dead blooms regularly to encourage new ones.

• Monitor for Pests & Diseases – Catch issues early to keep your plants thriving.

If you’re unsure about what your garden needs, our team at Evergreen LTD can help with seasonal maintenance and plant health assessments.

Start Your Summer Garden with Evergreen LTD

A Calgary garden that blooms from May to September is well within reach with thoughtful design and plant selection. Incorporate native, drought-tolerant species and stagger bloom times to maintain continuous color throughout the season. For expert help with planning, planting, and maintaining a stunning summer landscape, trust the ISA-certified arborists and horticulture experts at Evergreen LTD.

Ready to bring your garden to life?

Contact Evergreen LTD today to schedule a consultation and start planning your summer-blooming oasis.