Gardening and Design Advice

Whether you have an existing yard or you are planning to landscape your new property, there are certain tips that will make your garden maintenance easier. The key is to choose plants that are suited to the climate and soil of your area. You can also use mulch to help protect your soil and make the garden more healthy. You can also add evergreen plants to create an attractive landscape. These plants provide both color and texture and are easy to grow.

Mulch boosts garden health

Whether you want to enhance the health of your plants or simply improve the look of your lawn, mulching is an effective way to achieve your gardening goals. By using a layer of organic material to protect your soil, you can increase your plants’ moisture retention, prevent weeds from sprouting, and reduce the need for watering.

Mulching can also boost garden health by preventing the spread of bacterial diseases. In addition, it can help prevent the spreading of fungal diseases.

There are several types of mulch, including organic and inorganic materials. The best type to use for your garden depends on the condition of your soil.

Bark mulch is a great way to improve the health of your plants. However, be careful about spreading it too thickly. A too-thick layer of bark may actually make it harder for rainwater to penetrate the ground.

Another mulch that boosts plant health is straw. It contains nutrients that will nourish your plants’ roots. It can be used around acid-loving plants, such as tomatoes and potatoes. Grass clippings are also good mulch for flower beds.

Evergreen plants add texture

Adding evergreen plants to your garden is an easy way to provide color and texture in your landscape. They also help to define a landscape’s structure. They can be used to enclose a private space or to create a backdrop for flower beds.

Evergreens are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes. If you have a small space, there are dwarf varieties that can be grown in containers. They are also ideal for use in rock gardens or in mass plantings.

The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a compact conical evergreen. It was selected in a deep forest understory near Lake Louise. It’s very hardy and will not need pruning. Its dense foliage and blunt leaves make it an excellent choice for a small area.

A classic example of how to use evergreens is in an evergreen parterre garden. Using different shapes and textures together can produce a stunning effect.

Native plants are easy to grow and have natural defenses against local pests

Unlike non-native plants, native plants are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. They also have the ability to stabilize and enhance the landscape. They require less maintenance than non-native plants, are greener for the environment, and reduce air pollution.

When planting native plants, you should check the USDA PLANTS Database for information on the native range of plants in your area. This will help you decide which plants are the right fit for your landscape.

Some plants require specific moisture conditions. Others require supplemental irrigation. Before you plant, it’s important to test the soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Compost can also be added to the soil to help replenish nutrients.

Some native plants may be too slow growing to be suitable for your landscape. However, there are several native plants that can be quite vigorous, including Virginia sweetspire, red maple, and hardy ageratum.

Plants that thrive in your region can be low-maintenance

Choosing low-maintenance plants for your landscape can make your yard more attractive and save you time. By choosing a few different types of plants you can achieve a variety of colors and textures.

For the most part, plants that require the least maintenance are perennials. These plants return each year to offer flowers. They also thrive in wet or dry soils.

Shrubs are another type of low-maintenance plants. These can be planted on slopes, providing structure without requiring much care.

Vines can provide a quick screen or enhance a garden’s sophistication. However, vines can be high-maintenance if they aren’t sited properly. You should give them adequate support, and prune them regularly to keep them in shape.

There are also many pest-resistant varieties available today. If you have problems with ants or other pests, you can spray the plants with soapy water to kill them. In addition, you should remove leaves from the ground each fall to prevent disease.