Here’s a Seasonal Care Calendar for Sunny Border Perennials, broken down by season to help keep your garden looking its best all year round. It’s easy to follow and can be printed or pinned to a garden shed wall for reference.

🌱 Spring (March–May)

Goal: Wake up the garden and set the stage for healthy growth.

Clean up: Cut back dead foliage left from winter (unless you left seed heads for birds).
Divide and transplant: Early spring is ideal for dividing summer- and fall-blooming perennials like daylilies, coneflowers, and hostas.
Soil prep: Top-dress with compost or aged manure to boost nutrients.
Mulch: Refresh mulch layer (2–3 inches) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant: Add new perennials or fill gaps with sun-lovers like coreopsis, yarrow, or blanket flower.
Fertilize: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (optional if compost was added).
Stake early: Install supports for tall perennials like delphinium or hollyhocks before they flop.

🌞 Summer (June–August)

Goal: Maintain health, encourage blooming, and manage growth.

Water: Water deeply during dry spells—once a week is often enough for established plants.
Deadhead: Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage reblooming and neatness.
Weed: Stay on top of weeds to reduce competition and pests.
Prune lightly: Shear back leggy or spent early-bloomers like catmint or salvia to encourage fresh foliage and second blooms.
Monitor pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, or mildew. Remove affected foliage or treat organically if needed.
Pinch or cut back: Consider the “Chelsea chop” (late May/early June) for some perennials like asters and sedums to promote bushier growth and staggered blooms.

🍂 Fall (September–November)

Goal: Prepare for dormancy and protect plants for winter.

Cut back: Trim perennials after the first frost unless you’re leaving seed heads for wildlife or winter interest.
Divide: Early fall is another good time to divide spring- and early summer-blooming perennials.
Plant: Fall is great for planting new perennials—cooler temps mean less stress and better root establishment.
Mulch again: Reapply mulch to insulate roots and protect from freeze/thaw cycles.
Collect seeds: Save seeds from your favorite plants for next year’s garden or to share.