Now that it’s March, spring and summer are finally within reach and believe it or not, there’s no better time to get to work on your garden.
By choosing the right, quick-blooming plants, you can achieve an Instagram-worthy front yard by Memorial Day weekend.
And if you plan to sell or refinance this summer, you’ll be pleased to learn that your yard may also work as a value-add for your home.
“Flowers and plants make a home’s landscaping look more intentional, cared-for, and valuable. They have a big impact particularly on curb appeal and home value,” says Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love in Austin.
Why March is the ‘Goldilocks’ month
Plant experts refer to March as the “Goldilocks” month.
That’s because in many regions, the harshest winter conditions have passed yet temperatures remain cool enough to encourage strong root development, which is essential for plant growth.
Waiting until April or early May often means plants have to focus on surviving in the heat rather than building a resilient root base. By planting in March, blooms actually get the chance to settle in, ensuring Memorial Day displays look mature and well-established rather than freshly installed.
An added bonus of March gardening? You get access to a wider selection of plants as many homeowners don’t even think about visiting their local garden center until the summer hits.
Plus, Angi estimates that landscaping investments can boost a home’s value by 10% to 30%, so making the most out of Goldilocks month is well worth it—especially if you hope to list your home or refinance once summer rolls around.
Top blooms that will thrive from March planting
To ensure a gorgeous front yard by May 25, planting the right varieties is key. Here are several recommendations from the pros:
1. Redbud trees
Redbud trees stand out for their tiny, pinkish purple flowers that come straight out of the bark and can begin to bloom come May.
“These look like confetti and would boost curb appeal in a front or side yard. They’re especially striking because they aren’t your typical spring-time Magnolia tree,” explains Catherine Trudeau of The Outside Design Studio in Chicago.
Plus, redbud trees can last 20 to 30 years so they can be enjoyed long after Memorial Day weekend ends.
2. Daffodils
“Daffodils are considered perennial bulbs, meaning they neutralize and come back as stronger plants every year,” says Trudeau.
They’re ideal for Memorial Day as they take only 6 to 8 weeks to bloom and can easily add vibrant pops of color to your front yard.
3. Muscari
Similar to daffodils, muscari bulbs return every year and continue to display their beautiful purple or blue flowers.
Since these plants are small and you have to plant them only a few inches deep, they’re a particularly good option if you have limited space in your front yard.
These varieties also take about 6 to 8 weeks to bloom.
4. Casa Blanca lilies
Corcoran suggests Casa Blanca lilies for their large, white blooms that look like trumpets. These are elegant plants that give off a sweet fragrance.
If you plant them in March, they’ll likely bloom around the end of May or early June, depending on your climate and spring weather conditions.
Since the lilies typically last for several weeks after they bloom, you can thoroughly enjoy them well into June.
5. Allium flowers
Also known as ornamental onions, allium flowers feature large heads that look like globes, adding a dramatic element to any garden.
These plants usually take a few months to bloom so if you set them in March, they should be at their peak by Memorial Day.