RI Pros Share How to Make Your Garden Grow

Advice on soil, sun, and species from Providence, Smithfield, and Block Island

Photo courtesy of Mimi Arnold

City & Estate Gardener

Photo courtesy of City & Estate Gardener

The Farmer’s Daughter

Photo by Elyse Major

Posted Wednesday, April 1, 2026 9:00 am

By Elyse Major

Once nurseries begin displaying flats of colorful blooms, who among us can resist wanting to try our thumbs at gardening? Achieving lasting success requires starting with a good foundation, according to Rhode Island experts Tom Bennett, owner and horticulturist at City and Estate Gardener, LLC, in Providence, Mimi Arnold, The Farmer Florist in Block Island, and John Francisco, owner of Hilltop Garden Center in Smithfield.

Follow the Sun

“The three factors that determine success in any planting – whether flowers, shrubs, or trees – are sun exposure, water availability, and choosing the right specimen for the right spot,” says Bennett. Before installing anything, observe how many hours of direct sunlight the area receives and, just as importantly, how it will be watered. “Consistent, reliable watering dramatically improves plant performance. When water is predictable, plants establish more quickly and remain healthier throughout the season,” he says. Francisco agrees, “Selecting plants suited to your specific light conditions is vital for their growth and survival.” Light is a major factor in care, as plantings in full sun typically need more water because they dry out faster, while shade-loving varieties generally require less maintenance.

Build Healthy Soil

“Most local soils are workable but benefit from improvement,” advises Bennett. “Loosen the soil, remove weeds, and incorporate organic compost before planting. Strong roots are the foundation of strong performance.” Arnold agrees, noting that a key to healthy flowers is good, nourished soil to promote root growth and maintain a balance of water retention and absorption. This is done with added nutrients called amendments. “Amendments can get pricey, so use what’s available around you. I like to use what’s abundant to me on Block Island, like seaweed, fallen leaves, and horse manure,” says Arnold. Francisco cautions that your soil may require amending if it is heavy clay, sandy, rocky, or full of existing roots before you put anything in the ground. After planting, Bennett recommends applying one to two inches of mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and create a finished appearance. “Whether planting flowers or shrubs, soil preparation and mulch make the difference between short-term color and lasting vitality,” says Bennett.

Act Naturally

Arnold emphasizes the importance of avoiding chemicals in the garden. “Not only do you want to stay safe in the outdoor space, but think of those that also spend time among the flowers: children, dogs and cats, bees and butterflies.” To keep destructive insects and mildew away from her crops, Arnold leans towards natural solutions like diatomaceous earth (a rock powder), neem oil, and milky spore. If weeds are an issue along your patio or driveway, she suggests using high-grade vinegar combined with dish soap and water.

Revisit the Landscape

“Many residential landscapes were installed when the home was built. Twenty to 30 years later, those shrubbery/trees may have simply outgrown their original design,” says Bennett. As trees mature and light patterns shift, selective updates help restore balance and proportion. “A landscape should evolve. The goal is always the same – healthy specimens in the right place, scaled appropriately to the home.”

Plan for Color

To achieve immediate visual impact, Bennett suggests focusing on the front entrance. “Five to 10 square feet of well-designed seasonal color on each side of a walkway can transform a home’s feel.” This space can later host spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils for layered, year-round interest. He notes that “concentrated, intentional plantings create more impact than scattering flowers.” Before visiting a garden center, Francisco advises taking pictures and measurements of your space for accurate staff advice. He also recommends buying a “what grows in New England” book to learn hardiness zones and avoid wasting money on unsuitable plants. He also suggests an initial, pressure-free trip to just look at available plants. Arnold agrees, cautioning against overbuying, comparing it to a “kid in the candy store.” She advises against experimenting with difficult varieties, reminding people, “This is supposed to be fun!”