Experienced gardeners and landscapers have some tricks of the trade that keeps their yards and landscaping looking good throughout the year. We have some landscaping mistakes to avoid when planting along with some tips on how to create your perfect yard.
Landscape Mistakes to Avoid Before Planting
- Don’t buy unhealthy plants. Don’t assume plants are healthy. Look at the leaves and growth. Are the leaves brown, yellow or faded? Does it look dried out? Is there new growth?
- Don’t buy plants for just their flowers. Once the flowers fade and drop off will the plant’s foliage be attractive and interesting?
- Don’t avoid reading labels. Labels tell you where and how your plant will thrive. Read the labels to avoid certain plant death.
- Don’t buy a hodgepodge of plants. Not getting the right quantities of plants will make your garden look haphazard. It also might mean your yard will look boring six to eight months out of the year until those summer blooms are back. Pick plants that will give visual interest in every season.
- Don’t expect too much out of your space. Your small backyard is still. . .well, small. . . expecting to create a beautiful bounty of botanical awesomeness out of your 10×10 yard is destined to fail. Know your space.
- Don’t buy flowers in full bloom. As tempting as it might be to buy those beautiful full flowers, like it or not, they probably don’t have much time left before they begin to brown and fall off. Check to make sure that the flowers you are buying will bloom more than once.
- Don’t overwater. More is not always better. Make sure you know your plants water needs and only water what is needed. Some plants are very sensitive to overwatering. Their roots can rot and become diseased. Plus it can wash away valuable nutrients from the soil.
- Don’t underestimate your climate. Planting plants that are not suited for your climate makes it a certainty that they won’t make it. It is important to think about wind, the amount of sun your space receives and other influences, like a pond or pool that can change your microclimate.
How to Create an Amazing Landscape
- Buy healthy and lush plants. Expect to pay a bit more for well cared for nursery plants that will thrive. Many reputable nurseries guarantee their plants.
- Inspect the foliage. Decide if you can live with the leaves once the flowers die.
- Get your soil tested. This gives you a baseline to understand how to improve and plant. Your yard and garden’s soil will determine what kind of plants you can grow – and if they will thrive. Knowing your soil’s pH, salinity, and texture will help you pick the right plants for your space.
- Read labels and know your garden space. Is it shaded? Full sun? A mix? Knowing what you are planting and the reality of your space will ensure your plants will look their best.
- Buy groupings of plants. in 3s and 5s to create a well-designed area that flows. Consider what will be in bloom and when. Plan your area to mirror the seasons so that as old blooms pass new ones are ready to take their place.
- Know the dimensions of your area. This ensures that you don’t overplant your space. Measure the space and draw up the areas that you want to plant. Be on the lookout for problems that might restrict you – slopes, neighbor’s homes, concrete areas, wet areas, downspouts, and fencing can all be potential opportunities (and problems) that your plan will need to take into account.
- Check the blooms. Look for flowers that have healthy buds on them not full blooms and let them bloom in your own garden rather than at the nursery.
- Water properly. Overwatering will kill your plants just as much as not enough water so read your labels and water accordingly.
- Know your climate. Look for plants that do well in your climate so that the sun or shade or rain won’t kill them off. Microclimates are equally important. Shaded areas, wind, wet areas, sun angle, trees and slopes can all play a roll in how your plants grow. A plant that thrives in your neighbor’s yard might not grow in yours.
- Get educated. Take a class to help you understand how to take care of your plants better. Local
Need Help Creating the Perfect Yard?
We can help you plan your garden, plant your plants and then you can play and enjoy. Contact us to see how we can help you love your yard.