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Dream Yard
By Ryan Rhode
Do you ever dream about what your yard could look like some day? As you look through garden catalogs
filled with beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and pictures of beautifully landscaped yards--complete with
ponds and garden sculptures--the choices seem endless. Before ordering hundreds of plants or giving up
because you cannot decide what you really want, here are a few things to consider.
A common issue in landscaping is creating a peaceful, private environment. While fencing can provide
immediate privacy, consider a buffer strip of shrubbery between your yard and the one next door. Many
shrubs will grow quickly--within a couple of years--and act as a screen while providing habitat for a variety
of birds. Consider planting native shrubs because they are usually well adapted to local conditions and
may provide the best habitat for local wildlife. Other considerations: whether the plants have special
characteristics such as flowers or fruits, how large they will eventually become, and how much
maintenance they require to remain healthy and in scale with your yard. Check with a local nursery or
garden center for recommended species.
If you always thought it would be fun to have a pond, try it. With the variety of materials now on the market,
anyone can have a garden pond, regardless of the size of the yard. If you have a lot of space, you can build
one right in the ground. You can purchase a pre-formed mold or dig a hole and line it with a plastic pond
liner. A simple type of pond consists of a plastic lined barrel or tub. Just add water, plants, a pump, and
even fish--and you have a pond for your patio. Be sure to consider sources of electricity if you intend to add
a pump. Also, make sure you use caution and take security measures if small children have access to
your yard and the pond. Another factor to consider is maintenance. A pond can require a lot of effort to keep
it clear of algae, leaves, and debris.
If you do not want to spend your weekends maintaining a yard, turn part of it into a wildflower garden.
Depending on where you live, this could be a prairie, desert landscape, or alpine garden. Check on local
zoning ordinances. Some communities have not yet recognized the value of "native landscaping" and may
consider this a nuisance area. If you want a more maintained yard, consider ground covers instead of
grass and use mulch to control weeds in foundation plantings and flower beds.
When selecting plants, make sure they are adapted to your area. Consider both the minimum and
maximum temperatures, amount of moisture, amount of sunlight, and soil characteristics. Ask yourself:
Do you want an annual that will need replanting every year or a perennial that comes up year after year?
Do you want cut flowers for inside your home or to give to friends?
Consider native plants. They are usually better adapted to local conditions and need little maintenance. Be
cautious about introducing exotic species such as purple loosestrife that will become invasive and is
prohibited in many states.
Above all, choose what you like. There is an enormous variety of plants that will provide food and shelter to
a wide variety of wildlife. With a little planning, you and the local wildlife can both enjoy the yard of your
dreams.
The Brand New “Homeowners Guide To Landscaping” Reveals Time Tested Proven Landscaping
Secrets Showing You Step-By-Step How To Plan Before You Regret Wasting Your Money Like Most People
Do. Discover How To Increase The Value Of Your Home By Up To 27% Or More.
http://www.home-and-garden-decor.net
By Ryan Rhode
Do you ever dream about what your yard could look like some day? As you look through garden catalogs
filled with beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and pictures of beautifully landscaped yards--complete with
ponds and garden sculptures--the choices seem endless. Before ordering hundreds of plants or giving up
because you cannot decide what you really want, here are a few things to consider.
A common issue in landscaping is creating a peaceful, private environment. While fencing can provide
immediate privacy, consider a buffer strip of shrubbery between your yard and the one next door. Many
shrubs will grow quickly--within a couple of years--and act as a screen while providing habitat for a variety
of birds. Consider planting native shrubs because they are usually well adapted to local conditions and
may provide the best habitat for local wildlife. Other considerations: whether the plants have special
characteristics such as flowers or fruits, how large they will eventually become, and how much
maintenance they require to remain healthy and in scale with your yard. Check with a local nursery or
garden center for recommended species.
If you always thought it would be fun to have a pond, try it. With the variety of materials now on the market,
anyone can have a garden pond, regardless of the size of the yard. If you have a lot of space, you can build
one right in the ground. You can purchase a pre-formed mold or dig a hole and line it with a plastic pond
liner. A simple type of pond consists of a plastic lined barrel or tub. Just add water, plants, a pump, and
even fish--and you have a pond for your patio. Be sure to consider sources of electricity if you intend to add
a pump. Also, make sure you use caution and take security measures if small children have access to
your yard and the pond. Another factor to consider is maintenance. A pond can require a lot of effort to keep
it clear of algae, leaves, and debris.
If you do not want to spend your weekends maintaining a yard, turn part of it into a wildflower garden.
Depending on where you live, this could be a prairie, desert landscape, or alpine garden. Check on local
zoning ordinances. Some communities have not yet recognized the value of "native landscaping" and may
consider this a nuisance area. If you want a more maintained yard, consider ground covers instead of
grass and use mulch to control weeds in foundation plantings and flower beds.
When selecting plants, make sure they are adapted to your area. Consider both the minimum and
maximum temperatures, amount of moisture, amount of sunlight, and soil characteristics. Ask yourself:
Do you want an annual that will need replanting every year or a perennial that comes up year after year?
Do you want cut flowers for inside your home or to give to friends?
Consider native plants. They are usually better adapted to local conditions and need little maintenance. Be
cautious about introducing exotic species such as purple loosestrife that will become invasive and is
prohibited in many states.
Above all, choose what you like. There is an enormous variety of plants that will provide food and shelter to
a wide variety of wildlife. With a little planning, you and the local wildlife can both enjoy the yard of your
dreams.
The Brand New “Homeowners Guide To Landscaping” Reveals Time Tested Proven Landscaping
Secrets Showing You Step-By-Step How To Plan Before You Regret Wasting Your Money Like Most People
Do. Discover How To Increase The Value Of Your Home By Up To 27% Or More.
http://www.home-and-garden-decor.net
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