(Courtesy: gardenbuilders.co.uk)
Are you really serious about a garden? It will take a lot of time, some money, getting dirty, and sticking to a maintenance schedule if you want to create a garden you can be proud of.
Do you really want to invest all that time and hard work? If the answer is yes, then let’s get down to work.
Of course, there are some people who just take a quick survey of their property, quickly decide what area would be nice for a garden, and then dig out the turf to the dirt and plant flora. However, if you are truly serious about the endeavor, then you know it is going to take some planning.
The initial planning process should help to unleash your creative juices. Support your own ideas with pictures of garden designs you like from gardening magazines. Not only will the images assist in creating a layout of the garden, it can also help you select the flora and shrubs you want to include. You should also take time to research the climate of the region in which you live and consult with gardening experts about the flora that will flourish best there.
Once you have a general idea of what you want to do, develop more detail. Get a hold of graph paper and draw plans for your garden. After you have tapped yourself out of ideas, look at the schematics you have developed and choose one that really knocks your socks off. Now develop more detail and draw out where the garden is to be in relationship to other things on your property and draw the diagram to scale. Use a tape measure to get approximate dimensions. Ascertain the areas of sun and shade and add the information to your plan. Sketch in the locations of the plants you intend to use.
As you plan things out keep in mind that there are four major components to the garden –- the floor, meaning the lawn, ground cover, pavement, and soil; walls, meaning a wall of your house, a fence, a hedge, shrubs, etc.; a ceiling, like the sky, an umbrella, large tree with overhanging branches; and furniture, meaning tables, chairs, benches, containers, ornaments, etc.
Now it’s time to select a nursery from which you will buy the flora. Consult with neighbors who have impressive gardens about reputable nurseries in your area. Take your schematic with you when you go to the nursery and don’t hesitate to ask for advice concerning your flora selections.
Finally, there are things to keep in mind as you execute your plan. For example, make certain that pathways are wide, steps or inclines rise gently, and footing is secure. A garden is also a great environment for an outdoor party, so be certain that there is enough room for people to mingle. Plants that are more than 30-inches to 36-inches tall should be about 2-feet to 3-feet back from the walkway or garden’s edge to make sure things don’t appear too crowded. Include foliage and bark that can provide color and texture during the fall after the flowering plants have bloomed and allow room in which plants can grow.
