Hello everyone,

I'm sure all of you are busy planning this year's garden look. The weather is warming up so nicely that I can hardly wait. To notch the excitement up this season I have a yard to call my own. So far my garden was restricted to a balcony, where maintaining a garden was much easier. But the plentiful space of a yard and the promise of even more plants is very exciting. Can not wait to start digging the dirt

Now before I forget let me ask a few questions to all of you expert gardeners. I want to plant some flowering perennials in my front yard which faces the north west and is kind of shaded. After doing some research online I decided to buy some astilbe to begin with. I got a bag of 6 dormant plants from Costco.

Now my question is when do I plant them? I thought of doing it now but the I checked the weather forecast and found the night temperature is going to be bellow freezing for the next few days. shall I wait till this freezing phase is over?

Also do I need to mulch heavily after planting to give some protection and/or what special care should I take to give the plants healthy start?

Do you think the plants will start blooming this year itself? The bag says they will but I wanted to hear from someone with first hand experience. Also could you please suggest some companion plants for pink astilbes?

I know these are too many questions. I am a beginner gardener and this year would be my first year working with perennials so I hope you understand.

Much appreciate your valuable input. Happy spring