My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view. - H. Fred Ale |
After several decades as an obsessive home gardener that eventually led me into the design and landscaping industry I have learned and continue to learn new things with every plant and every new site. I humbly offer you my experience and knowledge gained from gardening in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. At the Beginning Soil: I know...you want to go buy plants for your garden...but before you do picture your garden as a giant container. Does it drain well? Do you have clay? Does it drain too well? In the Pacific Northwest we have clay, clay and more clay. To dig a hole and stuff a plant into the ground is the equivalent of planting in a container without drainage. Your plants & tress might look nice for a year...maybe even a few years but will eventually suffer without the proper soil preparation. So before you buy that gorgeous tree start with grading your soil properly away from your house, installing drain lines to lead water away from the house and bringing in composts that are rototilled into the existing soil. Add a good organc fertilizer. Shaping the garden: Determine HOW you plan to use your garden. Ask yoursef some of the following questions. Do you want sod? A play area for the kids? A veggie garden? Do you need Privacy? Do you need shade? Protection from Winter storms? Advance planning will help you avoid expensive mistakes later like having to remove trees that are blocking your view or growing too big for your site. |
Illusions Created There are a few tricks to the trade that can make ANY garden more beautiful. Whether you have 20 plants or 200, whether your garden is brand new or 40 years old a neat & tidy garden will give the appearance of a garden that is loved. Edging to your lawn Once a year get out your flat edge shovel and cut a distinct vertical edge to your sod. Your lawn is like a frame to your garden beds. If your lawn looks tidy...so do the garden beds. Weed, weed...weed The prettiest perennial, the most gorgeous Japanese Maple will get lost is the shuffle...or...ummm weed patch. Keeping your garden weeded allows the plants to stand out and prevents more weeds from seeding It also reduces your watering requirements when your plants don't have to compete with the weeds for water. Adding the 'Fluff' I find it impossible to resist the tempation to mulch the garden beds. Mulching adds needed organic matter to improve the soils, reduces weeds and retains the mosture in the soil. While I use these reasons to justify the mountain of mulch in my driveway every year the real reason is that the rich dark color of a good mulch is the most beautiful background for your plants. It simple makes the garden look gorgeous! Pruning & Trimming Another hint for a gorgeous garden is to keep your plants staked, deadhead the spent blooms and remove dead branches & yellowing leaves. This prevents the spread of diseases, encouranges new blooms and your plants appear more lush. Blow off your hardscapes Whether you like to use a blower or a good straw broom your garden will be prettier if your patios, decks, driveway and entryways are kept free of fallen leaves and debris. I know this sounds like a lot of work...but many of the tasks only need to be done once a year and some only take seconds as you slurp a cup of coffee and stroll through your garden. I guarantee you will be amazed at the overall effect! |
Who loves a garden Finds within his soul Life's whole; He hears the anthem of the soil While ingrates toil; And sees beyond his little sphere The waving fronds of heaven, clear. - Louise Seymour Jones |
Need help? Have a question or comment? I welcome your e-mails. |
