Do you find yourself daydreaming about what your yard could look like someday? When you are looking through gardening magazines filled with beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and beautiful pictures of landscaped yards with all of the lovely ponds and garden statues, do you wonder what is best for your dream yard? Before going overboard with ordering dozens of plants or simply giving up because you are overwhelmed at what to do, here are some things to consider.
A common challenge in landscaping for your dream yard is creating the right environment you want. While fencing can provide privacy, also think of using a buffer strip of shrubbery between your yard and the yard next door. Many shrubs will grow within a couple of years and act as a screen and provide a habitat for a variety of birds. You may want to plant native shrubs because they are usually well adapted to local conditions and may provide the best habitat for local wildlife. Additional things to consider are whether the plants have special characteristics such as flowers or fruits, how large they will eventually be, and how much maintenance they require to maintain healthy and in scale with your yard. You can check with your local nursery or garden center for recommended species.
If you always thought it would be fun to have a pond, give it a try. With so many choices of materials on the market, anyone can have a garden pond, regardless of the size of the yard. If you have lots of room, you can build one right in the ground. You can purchase a pre-formed mold or dig a hole and line it with a plastic pond liner. A simple type of pond consists of a plastic lined barrel or tub. Just add water, plants, a pump, and even fish–and you have a pond for your patio. Be sure to consider your sources of electricity if you need to add a pump. Also, be certain to use caution and take necessary security measures if small children have access to your yard and the pond. Another factor to keep in mind is maintenance. A pond can require a lot of effort to keep it clear of algae, leaves, and debris.
If you do not want to spend your weekends doing yard work, a wildflower garden may be right for you. Depending on where you live, this could be a prairie, desert landscape, or alpine garden. Check on local zoning ordinances to make sure you follow any necessary rules. Some communities have not yet recognized the value of “native landscaping” and may consider this within their landscaping options. If you want a more maintained yard, consider ground covers instead of grass and use mulch to control weeds in foundation plantings and flower beds.
When choosing plants, make sure they are acclimated to your area. Consider both the minimum and maximum temperatures, amount of moisture, amount of sunlight, and soil characteristics. You need to decide if you want an annual that will need replanting annually or a perennial that comes up year after year? Do you want cut flowers for inside your home or to give to friends? All this should play a part in your decision.
Native plants are usually better adapted to local conditions and need less maintenance. Be cautious about introducing new, exotic species that may become invasive or may be prohibited in some areas.
The main thing is, choose what you like for your dream yard. There is an enormous variety of plants that will add beauty to your yard as well food and shelter to a wide variety of wildlife. With a little planning, you can get started on the yard of your dreams. If you need more help with your landscaping, the professional landscapers at Evergreen Landscaping are here for you. Contact us today at 805-773-5395 to get started!