A Crash Course in Home
Landscaping:
Planning / Plant Selection / Construction
Please keep in mind that this is
just a brief overview. Do your homework : Read everything you can get your hands on, talk
to anyone and everyone you can about it, and make sure you find out what the zoning laws
in your area are!
Planning : It's important to
start with a well thought out plan on paper before you begin any construction activity.
Start with a brief description of the entire landscape as you would like to see it, total
budget you have to spend, and the time frame you would like to see it completed in.
Assess the natural resources, existing plants and trees, drainage patterns, soil
conditions, natural light conditions throughout the day (and year), and potential problems
- such as underground utilities.
Draw a scaled plot indicating these conditions and showing existing structures and
significant trees. Plant selections will be very dependent on the existing or potential
environmental conditions, and whether you desire formal, informal, or a naturalized
landscape.
Keep in mind the degree of maintenance you are willing to undertake for your new
landscape, as well as what special features you may like to integrate into it - a pond or
fountain, butterfly/hummingbird attractors, fruit trees, decorative containers, bed
bordering materials, etc.
Avoid squared-off looks, use curvature or other angles and shapes to the extent possible.
Often the creation of "Island" beds among trees adds interest and diversity.
Allow for seasonal variations in planting areas - using both permanent and seasonal plant
materials to add variety from year to year. Place taller plants to the rear and add both
vertical, horizontal, and a sense of depth to the planting arrangement.
Plant Selection : Select several suitable alternatives for each
planting area. Get advice from a knowledgeable horticulturist, local master gardeners, or
visit reputable nurseries and listen to their advice.
You want to mix different plant textures, sizes, colors, and growth forms to add
diversity, depth, and visual artistic interest. Consider the landscape from all visual
angles. Avoid lining plants up in a row, and always allow sufficient spacing for the
plants ultimate size - not to achieve an instant effect.
Use predominantly evergreens for frontal or public areas. When using deciduous plants,
surround them with other evergreens to provide interest during dormancy periods. Deciduous
plants can also be effectively used as backdrop plants.
Construction : Area
preparation is the most important key to successful planting of any landscape. Have your
soil assessed and be prepared, if necessary, to amend it. Or consider planting in raised
beds by bordering with landscape timbers, rocks, etc, or by mounding up (6 to 12 inches),
using a recommended soil mixture for your area. Again, seek help from local master
gardeners, or visit reputable nurseries.
In constructing your landscape, be prepared for the long haul and don't expect your
completed job to look "finished" right away. It takes time for plants to become
well established and grow to desired characteristics.
Plan your construction work into easily divided phases so it can be done over time
depending upon time of year, availability of materials, and available personal time.
As a general rule, the best time to plant any tree, hardwood shrub, or hardy perennial is
in fall. This allows the plant to concentrate on strong root development during winter
months before the spring growth spurt. There is ample moisture during these months and a
reduction of stress from the summer heat to allow the new plants to become well
established. Spring planting should focus on tender and seasonal plantings.
The final thought on home landscaping is "an ounce of prevention beats a pound of
cure". Take the time to do it right, thoroughly research your choices of plant
materials, and assess your environmental conditions to match them with the best plants for
those conditions. The time it takes to prepare your beds properly will provide years of
trouble free growing and save you money in the long run.
Also, checkout the general
landscaping tips at : Home
Landscaping - Texas A&M |
