Landscaping is easy–right? Plant a few seeds and flowers and mow the lawn. Not so fast. Successful landscaping takes planning, knowledge, and lots of work–or money to hire professional landscapers and yard maintenance companies. These tips make the job easier, less expensive, and more successful.
Plan and Research
Well-planned and attractive landscaping improves curb appeal and property value. Too many people buy a bunch of plants and flowers without having a definite plan. Make a list of what you would like. Then have a plan for their location.
Do your research online and at garden stores. Not all plants get along. Your preferred choices may require different types of soil. Plants start small but could take up significant space when mature.
Even trees start small but could cause problems later. Too much shade kills grass and surrounding plants. Roots growing into sewer lines or disturbing patios. Bushels of leaves to rake. Make sure you understand what the future may hold.
Use Native Plants
Native flowers, shrubs, trees, and grass have evolved to thrive in your environment. Maintaining flower beds and gardens is much easier using native plants. Local nurseries are very helpful and knowledgeable. Use their expertise.
Regardless of your local climate, choose as many drought-resistant plants as possible. They save on water and time. They continue to look good even without constant watering. Perennial drought-resistant plants overwinter and start growing early.
Use Flower Pots
Don’t plant all your flowers in beds. Put some in pots. Potted plants can be inserted into flower beds to fill empty spots and add color. Move them from place to place to change the look of your yard. Depending on the variety of plants, the pots can be moved inside for the winter. You can also use the pots to start plants early in spring and get a jump on the outdoor growing season.
Smaller plastic and foam pots are easier to carry. Pottery pots full of dirt–especially one-gallon size and larger–are heavy and difficult to move around. Use some types of pots–like half barrels or antique cream cans–as permanent features of your garden.
Use Ground Cover
Ground cover plants are good choices for sloped lots. Mowing slopes is difficult and the soil erodes without plant cover. Many species of ground cover flower year-round and require little to no maintenance once established. Be aware that some are difficult to control and may take over the entire yard. Some of the best choices include:
- Hens and Chicks.
- Lily of the Valley.
- Creeping Juniper.
- Wild Violets.
Start Small
Some plants grow to take up quite a bit of space. Don’t crowd them. You’ll end up having to remove some as they grow.
Yard maintenance can take a lot of time. Some people don’t know if they enjoy it. Start by building a small garden or flower bed. After one growing season you know if you want to expand, keep what you have, or hire a gardener.
Don’t Over-Fertilize
Over-fertilizing is a common occurrence. You want to see quick results. More is better–right? Not with fertilizer. Plants grow too fast and fertilizer burn–caused by too much nitrogen and salts–can kill them. Read and follow the user directions. Have patience and faith in nature.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
If you don’t want your yard to take up all of your spare time, consider low-maintenance landscaping. Perennial plants. Flowering shrubs and hedges. Mulching. Hardscaping–like rocks or gravel, concrete or paving stones, decks or pergolas.
Borders
Install a border around your garden area. Inexpensive plastic is a good start. (It can be replaced in the future if desired.) All borders–brick, stone, plastic, or wood–act as retainers. Dirt and flowers stay on one side and the grass stays on the other–reducing extra work and providing clean defined gardens.
Boiling Water
Boiling water poured on plants kills them instantly–without chemicals. This is particularly effective on weeds growing through driveways, sidewalk cracks, and hard landscaping because there is little chance of killing or damaging adjacent plants.
