
Chris Cordrey of RSC Landscaping and East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro, DE gives us some insider tips on how to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams, just in time to enjoy the spring and summer season.
Your patio provides you with the unique-and fun-opportunity to combine your landscaping with your living space. Plants can create the perfect outdoor oasis while also giving you the chance to get creative, have fun, and maybe even hone in on that green thumb of yours. But don’t dig in just yet. Research plant material, survey your courtyard, and have a loose game plan in place and you’ll be flourishing in no time. Ready. Set. Grow!

“Two of my favorite, go-to flowers that thrive locally are Begonias and Lantana. Both colorful and hardy, these summer staples will bloom for the entire season and provide a real wow factor to your space.” – CHRIS CORDREY
FOOD & DRINK
Without a doubt the key to ensuring your plants will flourish is water and fertilizer. For those of you with drip irrigation in their raised beds, water your plants every Monday, Wednesday & Friday for 45 minutes. Many of the plants you’ll find in raised beds are also heavy feeders, so it’s imperative that you provide them with liquid fertilizer – I suggest at least every other week.
SOIL. SUN. SHADE.
High-quality potting soil, drip irrigation and proper sun exposure – these are the key considerations when planting your courtyard. Once you’ve topped off your beds with high-quality potting soil and installed a drip irrigation system, take note of the amount of sun your beds are getting. Use the level of sun or shade to determine your plant varietals.
BRING ON THE COLOR
Trying to bring more color and variety to your courtyard? Start by introducing a wide variety of plant material that will bloom during the given season and pair it with a collection of plants that have color in the foliage. The result? Unique textures and beautiful design.

At Home with Schell Brothers magazine is published bi-annually to share inspiring stories, local flavors, innovative home designs, and more. From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy each page and look forward to upcoming issues.