Despite what the thermometer may say, it’s getting to that time of year when you need to start planning your flower garden. From prepping existing beds, to making room for new ones, to figuring out what you would like to grow this year, getting started now will make spring planting easier and more fruitful.

If you want to start new beds this year, now is the time to begin paying close attention to your yard. Before you plant anything, you’ll want to ensure that the area you choose receives the right amount of sunlight for the plants you want to grow. After all, if you’re dreaming of a field of lilies, you don’t want to dig out a bed in an area pounded by the sun all day. Stalking your yard in this manner, and taking notes, will help you best plan out where you can start your prep work once the ground thaws. You can also take a close look at your existing beds to determine what plants will go best in them.

February is also a good time to choose plants you want to grow this year. Due to the ongoing drought in Charlotte, a safe bet will likely be drought-tolerant wildflowers. These will be able to withstand the hot, dry summers while still giving you the color and fragrance you’re looking for in a flower garden. To attract butterflies, try planting purple coneflower. For fall color, climbing aster will sprinkle your yard with lilac colored beauties while heart’s-a-bustin’ will bloom with pink, strawberry-shaped flowers.

When in doubt, or if you’re a beginner, talking to a knowledgeable employee at your local garden center concerning the best plants for your lifestyle and the area is a fantastic idea. In Charlotte, Campbell’s Greenhouses on McDonald Avenue and Oakdale Greenhouses on Statesville Road are both good places to start.