Winter time is the time to dream about what to do next year in gardens and landscapes. Do you have a spot in your yard that is just not up to par? Now is the time to plan for renovation.
The first question you should address is not what your favorite plants are or what type of materials you want to use, but what lifestyle is it that you would like to accommodate. Do you have busy children in and out of the area? Do you prefer a peaceful corner to read and meditate? Do you like to host parties with multiple guests? Or, do you want to attract birds and other wildlife? All are important factors when determining your landscape.
If the area you are renovating is in the front of your home, it not only needs to complement the architecture, but it needs to reflect your personality. Are you a person that likes bright, flashy colors? Then, incorporate that aspect into your landscape. Do you prefer a more sedate palate with symmetry and uniformity? Then, a classical style of landscape would be more to your liking.
One exercise that is helpful as you ponder your renovation is to think about where you would take your dream vacation. If it would be a cabin up north, Hawaiian beach, or a quaint English village you can bring aspects of that place into your landscape. Although you will not be able to completely duplicate the environment, you can bring in elements that will fit you, your personality, and your needs. While it might be tempting to plant something exotic, be sure to also keep it practical.
There are multiple aspects to a landscape plan. Certainly the vegetation is a large part; trees, bushes, perennials, and annuals. However, don’t neglect to incorporate hardscapes, lighting, and even water features. Hardscapes can include patios, pergolas, or even a stone path through a garden. Water features can be as simple as a bird bath or something more sophisticated such as a koi pond or a bubbling fountain.
While you are still in the studying phase, start a file to save photos from magazines and newspapers. Scour the internet for additional ideas. Go to the library and check out some books. Take a trip to public gardens and arboretums to see what ideas you can glean. In most cases those plants will be specific to our area and climate.
As spring approaches, walk around your neighborhood. Check out trees, perennials, and bushes your neighbors have that are flourishing and those that aren’t doing as well. Look for situations that closely mirror yours and see what designs you like and don’t like. What hardscapes have they used that perhaps you hadn’t considered? How does their design flow? Is it functional? And, importantly, how much maintenance does it require?
Once you have established a master plan, it may be larger than your budget can handle in one effort. The plan can easily be divided into phases or steps that can be complete over time, allowing for saving between each step. It can be divided by areas of the home such as the front yard first and the back yard later. Alternatively, it can be divided by doing the landscape beds first and installing the hardscapes at a later date, and water features last. Any way you divide it, it will all be worth it when your dream is fully realized.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener
