There's no question that home landscapes amp up your curb appeal and bring you joy. Until they don't and you want a refresh! The question is where do you start and then what's your plan? Talking with our Experts, they offered their Top Ten Landscaping Tips to get you started:
- Document your whole landscape with photos of what you have currently including the areas you love.
- Note sun/shade conditions and the direction. Western sun is the hottest.
- What TYPE of plants do you want? Easy-care perennials? Natives? Shrubs? Trees? A raised bed? A vegetable garden?
- Sketch out your ideas - even if you don't draw, then just name it.
- Consider how you and your family move through the area(s) you want to transform.
- Walkways or paths help define spaces. Do you prefer hardscape or natural elements? Seating areas? Room for kids to play?
- Get a soil test to understandwhat you're working with such as clay soil and what nutrients may need adjusting.
- Research the plants you're considering. Talk with our Experts. Seek out information related to your climate zone. Here at Gertens we are Zone 4b/5a.
- Plan for the mature size of your intended plants.
- Work with quality tools. It makes a huge difference in ease of implementation.
A garden is always evolving, don't be afraid to change what you don't like and/or add more of what you do! Work in soil is good for the soul!