Controlled chaos is the expression I would use to describe the atmosphere at the local nurseries this past Mother's Day. Experienced and inexperienced gardeners alike marched enthusiastically to their cars with plants in hand, with visions of gardens worthy of magazine covers in their minds.

Now I would never want to discourage such optimism. I am happy to say I have witnessed a decided increase in the number of gardeners in Bloomington over the last 20 years. There are, however, some recurring habits that certain people exhibit each spring that set my teeth on edge.

Rather than emphasizing the negative, I thought I might share some of these pet peeves of mine so readers can avoid mishaps and be more successful in the garden this year.

Mulching incorrectly is at the top of my list of behaviors that I wish I could change. I often witness people mounding mulch like a volcano around the bases of trees. With good intentions, they believe this will protect the trees during the growing season.

This "volcano" mulching can cause root suffocation, inner bark death, rodent/insect chewing, fungal and bacterial diseases and excessive heat (much like composting).

Now don't get me wrong, as an organic gardener, I know mulching is a key element for successful gardening. In addition to keeping weeds at bay, it also keeps plant roots cool and retains moisture in the soil. The good news is that just two to three inches of mulch around trees, shrubs and plants is plenty to accomplish the job.

Just remember that when you mulch around trees and shrubs, keep the area around the root flare zone above ground level and free of mulch. An easier way to remember would be to think "bagel" instead of "volcano," and you will be fine.

Another grievance I have is against those who purchase the fullest, most flowery plants at the nursery or home improvement store. Understandably, the showiest plant catches the eye, but that should really be a warning sign not to purchase that particular item.

A plant that has placed all of its energy into producing blooms has not developed a strong root structure. Without a good root system, the plant will have a difficult time getting established in your garden.

So while the plant may look good for the first few days, people often wonder why it didn't survive.

A better strategy is to look for a compact but full specimen with good healthy leaves and a few buds. While it will take some patience to achieve the look you want, the plant will establish itself more successfully and reward you with a long season of color.

Accommodate one final complaint, and then I shall cease and desist.

The placement of plants, shrubs and trees is critical to their long-term success. When faced with an empty garden space, it is tempting to want to fill it with all of the plants you love for instant gratification. How large a plant may grow is often ignored.

While it is counterintuitive to place a shrub several feet from your home when it is small, this placement will be critical to its survival as it matures. This principle holds true for all plantings.

Here's an example: Purchasing a prized blue spruce when it is five feet tall and 3 feet wide might prompt one to place it about three to five feet from the home when used as an anchor plant. Since it grows slowly, this placement almost seems appropriate. However, the mature spread of this tree can be 20 feet.

In reality, one must leave 10 feet from the placement of the trunk and then add on a few feet for distance from the house. That's right, difficult as it might be, a newly planted spruce should be placed approximately 13 feet from the house. Always keep the final size of the plant in mind before planting, and you can't go wrong.

I could go on listing other landscaping stumbles I have witnessed, but the editor would give me the hook. Hopefully the above-mentioned mistakes will help guide you to a more successful gardening season.

Please forgive these grumblings of a seasoned gardener and go forth into your yards with continued enthusiasm and optimism!

Kristin Rust can be reached at kristin@newleafconsult.com.