SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - For many homeowners, spring is the season that sparks the urge to refresh a yard, add color to flower beds or finally start that vegetable garden they have been thinking about all winter.

According to Julia Oldfield, owner and grower at Big Oak Nursery (10071 Grant Line Road in Elk Grove), creating a beautiful garden does not have to mean complicated landscaping projects or high-maintenance plants. Often, she explained, a few thoughtful changes can make all the difference.

Oldfield, whose family-owned nursery has deep roots in Elk Grove dating back to 1972, encourages resident gardeners to focus on plants that already thrive naturally in the region that benefit the local wildlife.

“Adding natives or drought-tolerant plants is a good way to start changing your garden and making it more eco-friendly to our pollinators and our friendly beneficials (insects),” Oldfield said.

One of the biggest tips she shares with beginners is to avoid filling a yard with only one type of plant. Instead, Oldfield recommends adding a variety of flowers, shrubs and greenery to create a healthier environment for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

“I think the wider plant population you have in your yard, instead of having a whole bunch of the same, and having many different plants in your yard really helps our beneficials,” she said.

For homeowners looking to add vibrant seasonal color without taking on a lot of maintenance, Oldfield recommends drought-tolerant blooms and pollinator-friendly plants. Flowers such as Gaillardia, blanket flower and Fuchsia can provide visual appeal while also helping to attract those much-needed pollinators. 

“Anything that is low maintenance and drought tolerant is easy, that’s what I go for,” said Oldfield.

While many gardeners focus on what to plant, Oldfield said one of the most common mistakes she sees actually involves watering.

“Definitely overwatering,” she said.

According to Oldfield, plants such as trees thrive with deep, infrequent watering. Rather than lightly watering every day, she recommends allowing a hose to slowly drip into the soil overnight so the water can soak deeply before letting the area dry out.

One simple trick she also recommends is using a long screwdriver or chopstick to test the moisture level underground.

“You can kind of dig down in the soil without having to use a shovel,” Oldfield said. “If the chopstick comes up wet, then you know it’s still moist down there. If it’s completely bone dry, then it’s time to water again.”

For newly planted trees, Oldfield added that gardeners can use a creative irrigation method using a PVC pipe. By drilling holes into a three-foot section of pipe and placing it vertically into the soil near the tree, homeowners can direct water deeper underground where roots need it most.

When designing flower beds or container arrangements to make a garden more cohesive and visually appealing, Oldfield follows what she calls the “thriller, filler and spiller” method.

The “thriller” is the tall, eye-catching plant that creates height. The “filler” is a medium-sized plant that fills empty spaces, while the “spiller” trails outward or hangs over the edge of containers to soften the overall look.

This approach helps gardens feel balanced without requiring professional landscaping experience.

For residents gardening on a budget, Oldfield said there are still plenty of affordable ways to create an attractive outdoor space. Perennials are often inexpensive and return year after year, while vegetable gardening offers both beauty and practicality.

“A four-inch tomato plant is like $3,” she said. “It’s a pretty inexpensive way to get your hands dirty and enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

Beyond affordability, Oldfield said vegetable gardening can also feel especially rewarding for beginners.

“With a tomato, you’re like, ‘I did that. I got fruit!’” she said.

Even homeowners with limited outdoor space can still create thriving gardens. Oldfield said patios, porches and small yards can benefit from potted plants, hanging baskets and trellises that allow greenery to grow vertically instead of spreading outward.

Compact vegetable varieties designed specifically for small spaces are also becoming increasingly popular. One example Oldfield highlighted was the “patio tomato,” a compact tomato plant that still produces full-sized fruit.

Herbs such as mint, oregano or thyme are another ideal option for smaller gardens because they require little room and can continue producing throughout the season with regular trimming.

To keep gardens visually appealing year-round, Oldfield encourages homeowners to think beyond spring blooms and plan for all four seasons.

“If you have a lot of spring blooms, then maybe you want something that’s a summer bloomer or a fall bloomer or a winter bloomer,” she said. “That adds interest in the off seasons.”

At Big Oak Nursery, Oldfield said many of the plants are grown directly on-site rather than shipped in from other climates. Because the plants are already acclimated to Elk Grove’s weather conditions, they are often better prepared for the region’s hot summers and cooler winters. She noted that the nursery offers a variety of lower-cost plants for gardeners to grow.

The nursery also offers more than just plants, including eggs, honey, jam and locally raised beef.

“We’re very local,” Oldfield said. “Everyone we have working here is local and grew up here. We try to keep it Elk Grove-centered.”

For homeowners looking to refresh their gardens this spring, Oldfield said the key is to start simple, experiment with different plants and create spaces that are both enjoyable and sustainable.