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You don’t have to have a green thumb, or a knowledgeable garden guardian angel like Theodore Teakettle, to create a stunning garden. Just follow some basic landscaping rules and you will look like a pro.
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DO some reading or talk with some garden experts before buying expensive plants. You want to make sure that your plant choices are right for your climate and sun exposure.
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DON’T crowd your plants. A baby garden has space between the perennials to allow them room to grow. Fill in any gaps with annuals if you wish. |
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Mulch Ado about Nothing
- Take some time to sketch out a plan of your garden. Make note of sun and shade areas, some initial ideas and colour preferences.
- Take your plan to a reputable garden centre and consult an expert. If the garden centre doesn’t have knowledgeable staff, go somewhere else! Plants are expensive and you want to make sure you are investing in something that is right for you.
- As Theodore Teakettle says, it’s important for a garden to have “bones.” These are the larger, shapely plants that sit at the back and are the skeleton for the garden. When you choose these plants, consider colour and what time of the season they bloom. Make sure you know how large the plant will become and plan accordingly. Don’t be tempted to crowd your garden! (see fig. A)
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| Fig. A |
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Fig. B |
- Make sure that your plant purchases are suitable for the climate in your area.
- Choose plants that suit the sun exposure or shadiness of your garden. (see fig. B)
- A lattice can also be an attractive “bone” in the garden. Attach a lattice to a wall or fence as a support for a climbing vine. (see fig. C)
- Plant your garden in “drifts.” This means planting masses of a certain kind of flower together, instead of single flowers here and there.
- Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year so that you will always have colour in your garden.
- Smaller plants are like garden “art,” sitting at the front of the garden.
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| Fig. C |
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Fig. D |
- Once you have selected the plants, you want to make sure that the soil they are growing in is just right. A soil with good texture holds its shape but crumbles if touched. Soil that stays hard or clumped has too much clay – you need to add sand or compost. Soil that doesn’t hold its shape at all is too sandy – you need to add compost. When in doubt, add compost. It ensures an excellent soil texture and nourishes the plants.
- When planting, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Throw a handful of bone meal in the hole to feed the plant. Place the plant in the hole, tamp the dirt around it firmly and water thoroughly. (see fig. D)
- When all your plants are in place, cover the whole garden with mulch. Mulching helps to keep moisture in the soil and deters those nasty weeds from flourishing in your garden. Spend a SMALL AMOUNT of time mulching to save you A LOT of time weeding.
- There are many different types of mulch to choose from (cocoa bean shells, cedar, pine) and they all work just fine. Pick the one that gives you the appearance you want for your garden.
- Have fun. Be creative. Don’t be afraid to be bold. If you try a plant and don’t like it or it doesn’t work well in your garden, give it to a friend. If you like a plant in a friend’s garden, ask for a cutting or a clump when they’re dividing.
- Each garden takes the personality of the gardener so let your garden be all that it can be! (see fig. E)
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| Fig. E |
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