The last two years (almost) of the pandemic have shown us how important it is to get out in the fresh air. But many of us don’t make the most of our backyards, and it’s easy to let things fall into disrepair. A pleasant garden brings with it a multitude of benefits, especially if you set yourself some projects. Physical health, mental wellbeing, having a great place to relax with family or socialize with friends. Decorating your backyard the way nature intended – with plants – is a great way to get some healthy outdoor time and make your garden the envy of the neighbors. But whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie there are plenty of things to consider before planting. Here are some tips to get you started.
Planning and Choosing
Any project in the backyard – big or small – should start with thorough planning. Think about what you want, what kind of plants you like, how much of the space will be dedicated to flowerbeds. One question most people overlook – how much work do you want to put in? Some species require much more TLC than others. If you can’t see yourself outside working in the cold or the rain then choose plants that pretty much take care of themselves. And make sure you assess your backyard – soil quality, amount of sunlight, access to water, and the general climate. Talk to your garden center or look online for more tips on choosing plants.
Beds and Containers
To make a truly beautiful garden you must think of every element as adding to the aesthetic. That means making the beds and containers for the plants shine. Raised beds made from rustic wood (check builders’ yards or salvage for old house joists etc) look fantastic and cut down on digging and soil maintenance. There are pots and containers of all shapes and sizes, to suit any size garden, design concept, and budget. If you’re going for traditional beds, make sure they are neatly dug with borders.
No Shade?
We touched on climate, but it’s impossible to overstate how important it is to get it right. If you live in a hot and sunny climate and lack shady areas you’ll need plants that can deal with full sun. Such plants as aloe vera can deal with full sunlight and don’t need much water to thrive. Flowers like tropical milkweed, bergenia, agave, and salvia love the sun and provide bright, vibrant colors, as well as attract butterflies to the backyard. Many sun-loving plants are low maintenance – check resources online or ask at your local garden center for more information.
Inside Out
Continuity between your home and garden is important – if you live in a minimalistic, contemporary house then a country-style flower garden won’t work. Plants, flowers, tables, chairs, statues, and lighting should reflect the decor within and the exterior of your home to add flow to the aesthetic. Flowers and plants don’t have to adhere to the color scheme in your home, but the style and atmosphere should correspond.
Around the Edges
Fences, gates, and entranceways are all places that can be enhanced with flowers and plants to become more than the sum of their parts. Climbers on the fence and over the gate in an arch can have a striking effect and make the backyard feel like a private, secluded and immersive sanctuary. If you have a large garden with pathways to different areas you can also use plants to divide the zones effectively as well as beautifully.
Compact Gardens
Backyard a little on the small side? There are plenty of ways to maximize the space you have, depending on how you plan to use the garden. If you want a patio with space to sit it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flowers and plants – hanging baskets can look elegant and rustic, and potted trees, plants or flowers add to the atmosphere. A common complaint from those with smaller gardens is that they don’t get enough sunlight. If this is the case it’s important to choose plants that can thrive in shady conditions, such as coral bells or foxgloves.
Garden Maintenance
A major part of keeping your garden looking great is putting in the work. A healthy garden is a beautiful garden, so make sure you keep control of weeds, clear up fallen leaves and mow the lawn properly – not too short. How much you water depends on climate and shade, as well as species of plants, so do some research depending on your choices. Sustainable practices such as collecting rainwater and composting vegetable peelings and other food waste save you money and add to good karma. Read up on winter maintenance – far from being the season to sit back and relax, it’s time to prepare for next spring.
A glorious backyard is something all gardeners strive for – and with a bit of work, research, and a few helpful tips, you can start planning yours today.
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