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DREAMING OF GARDENS (from HomeOwnerNet.com)

(ARA) - Does walking into a nursery or browsing through plant catalogs give you a headache? Do you agonize over where to start? Do you wonder how can you get your plants to look like, or somewhat like, those in the catalogs?

Planning next season’s garden does not need to be a chore. Getting your plants to respond well is within your ability. Several general steps, some that you are probably already doing, can get you the results you want. Also, Don’t forget to visit your favorite Home Garden Retailer.

Designing

Draw a diagram of your lot. Include your house, drive, walks, patios and other hardscape (permanent) fixtures. Also, include any buried pipes and wires, plus any overhead wires that may interfere with any work you will do. This map of hardscape features will be the backbone of your plan.

Now, add the large shrubs and trees that are permanent fixtures in your yard. Note their height. Note distinctive shady and sunny areas. Mark where shady areas reach, such as on the north side of your house. These features will influence your plant selection.

Now, how do you walk around, enter and view different parts of your landscape? Visit different areas, taking note of the pathways you take and the views from these areas. Go to areas from which you will view your plant beds, including inside your house. How wide is your view? How deep is it? Is it shady (lighten the area with light colored plants) or sunny? Measure the size of these planting beds.

Choosing Plants

Now you are ready to begin selecting plants. Always remember, you are the one who will be looking at these plants. And taking care of them. So pick plants that make you happy!

• Do you want annual plants (generally more color and “pop”) or perennials, which, once planted usually take less maintenance?

• Do you want color, varied leaf sizes (plant texture), height or density to vary your landscape, or do you want a smooth flow of color?

• Consider the specifics of soil type, temperature zone and climate that will dictate what plants do well in your area.

• How much work and money do you want to put into your home’s landscape?

Now you are ready to visit your garden center and look at catalogs for those plants that fill your needs.

Reaching Potential

Make sure your home gardens reach their full potential. To do this, you will always need to water and fertilize on a regular schedule according to each plants’ needs. There are plenty of retailers that sells those.

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