It blooms but grows tall
Spireas usually have a naturally cascading shape. They bloom on new wood so they can be pruned up to two times a year. Pruning may help control and shape your plant. Here's how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/spirea/cutting-back-spirea-shrubs.htm
My plant is about 4 yrs old, it stopped flowering about 1 yr ago.
There are many reasons that a plant will stop flowering, but this can be plant specific, too. Without knowing the exact plant in question I will only be able to give you common reasons that a plant will stop flowering.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plant-not-blooming.htm
It's late July and I beginning to get pods. Is that normal? No photo available.
It really depends on the plant in question, and if you would like to obtain seeds from it or not.
Usually deadheading a plant will keep it producing and healthy, but if you want seeds, then deadheading will prevent this.
This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/deadheading-flowers.htm
Deadheading is a good practice to keep the garden tidy and to encourage another flush of blooms. If you have seed pods, your plants are going to seed and will not bloom much more. Many perennials and annuals benefit from deadheading. Here is how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/deadheading-flowers.htm
Can you recommend a book? Perhaps you sell one? The photo shows the wooden fence which is where I’d like to create my Butterfly Garden...photo was taken at 1:30 p.m. showing full sun. My biggest problem is ALL the tree creating partial shade during parts of the day. Also, as you may have detected, I am a novice at this. So, I have tons of questions. Biggest one is when to start prepping the garden area and germinating my flowers. Thanks so much. Cathy Cole
the University of Florida has you covered. They have several extension publications about attracting butterflies plus a link to a book.
http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/butterfly-gardens.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/attracting-butterflies.htm
I just started working in the garden and I began without covering up the grass with plastic. Is it necessary to get all of the dirt out. And will my grass still survive
I'm sorry... I don't have enough context to go on. I can't look up the zone, as the zip code missing a number, so I'm not really certain about the climate, and weather in your area at this time. It is also best to get a picture during daylight. It is hard to tell what is going on, here.
I'll do the best that I can with what I have- Grass is quite adaptable - most species, anyway. They will survive a beating pretty well. I wouldn't worry about the grass not growing back. If you are asking about the barrier... Yes, you will have to remove the mud, and start over, at least from the spot where it is not installed yet.
For now, I will include an article that will help get you started: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/how-to-build-a-flower-bed-starting-a-flower-bed-from-scratch.htm
How to convert an area of lawn approximately 4 m x 3 m into a flowerbed?So do I need to study more additional details
Basically you outline the new bed, kill the grass, amend the soil, and off you go to buy plants. If the soil is clayey, add compost and peat moss to break it up. It's also helpful to get a soil test done, which will tell you what nutrients need to be added.
Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/how-to-build-a-flower-bed-starting-a-flower-bed-from-scratch.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/double-digging-soil.htm
What are the easiest flowers to grow from seeds in Wildomar, CA in full direct sun. New Gardener, Need help, would like lots of color.
You have quite the selection available to you! These articles will help you to find something for your area: