Do you ever dream about what your yard could look
like some day? As you look through garden catalogs filled with beautiful trees,
shrubs, flowers and pictures of beautifully landscaped yards--complete with
ponds and garden sculptures--the choices seem endless. Before ordering hundreds
of plants or giving up because you cannot decide what you really want, here are
a few things to consider.
Pick a style, while you decide the main purpose for your yard, such as lots of cookouts, children or just a retreat area. Then pick a focal point, such as a fountain, outdoor fireplace, or an interesting statue. Then begin to work on the overall theme of your yard.
A common issue in landscaping is creating a peaceful,
private environment. While fencing can provide immediate privacy, consider a
buffer strip of shrubbery between your yard and the one next door. Many shrubs
will grow quickly--within a couple of years--and act as a screen while
providing habitat for a variety of birds. Consider planting native shrubs
because they are usually well adapted to local conditions and may provide the
best habitat for local wildlife. Other considerations: whether the plants have
special characteristics such as flowers or fruits, how large they will
eventually become, and how much maintenance they require to remain healthy and
in scale with your yard. Check with a local nursery or garden center for
recommended species.
If you do not want to spend your weekends maintaining
a yard, turn part of it into a wildflower garden. Depending on where you live,
this could be a prairie, desert landscape, or alpine garden. Check on local
zoning ordinances. Some communities have not yet recognized the value of
"native landscaping" and may consider this a nuisance area. If you
want a more maintained yard, consider ground covers instead of grass and use
mulch to control weeds in foundation plantings and flower beds.
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| Look at how the mix of deep reds and rust stand out against the greenery. |
When selecting plants, make sure they are adapted to
your area. Consider both the minimum and maximum temperatures, amount of
moisture, amount of sunlight, and soil characteristics. Ask yourself: Do you
want an annual that will need replanting every year or a perennial that comes
up year after year? Do you want cut flowers for inside your home or to give to
friends?
Consider native plants. They are usually better
adapted to local conditions and need little maintenance. Be cautious about
introducing exotic species such as purple loosestrife that will become invasive
and is prohibited in many states.
Start with small combinations of plants to see how they complement each other. Look at books and garden websites for ideas, this may be one of the best tools for seeing how full-grown plants look. See a design you really like try contacting them for details on their design. Keep in mind plants in pots at the nursery rarely look the same when planted into a garden, what may look not so good in a pot can become a beautiful plant once planted and the same thing works the other way around what looks good in a pot may not look as good when placed in your garden.
Start with small combinations of plants to see how they complement each other. Look at books and garden websites for ideas, this may be one of the best tools for seeing how full-grown plants look. See a design you really like try contacting them for details on their design. Keep in mind plants in pots at the nursery rarely look the same when planted into a garden, what may look not so good in a pot can become a beautiful plant once planted and the same thing works the other way around what looks good in a pot may not look as good when placed in your garden.
Above all, choose what you like. There is an enormous
variety of plants that will provide food and shelter to a wide variety of
wildlife. With a little planning, you and the local wildlife can both enjoy the
yard of your dreams.
