Vibrant flowers, lush plants, and exotic trees. Gardens with eye-catching appeal will leave anyone pausing to appreciate its beauty. Plus, gardens are a landscaping project that the whole family can enjoy. Are you interested in starting a garden, but are unsure how to begin? Here are some tips on building and cultivating your own botanical oasis.
Determine the Right Area
The location of your garden makes a huge difference in its success and failure. Take into consideration how much light the area receives. Is it shaded, or does it get direct sunlight? Next, check the moisture conditions; does the soil hold onto the water or does it drain easily? Finally, consider the landscape itself. If your flower garden is on an incline, you may run the risk of mudslides. If located on flat ground, then you need to explore drainage possibilities.
Understand Your Soil
Light and topography can be managed and changed, but your soil’s fertility may be a more difficult obstacle. To understand the health of your soil, perform a soil test by collecting samples. Dig a hole about 1 foot deep and gather a few tablespoons of the soil. Then dig a bit deeper, gathering more soil, continuing until you can fill a quarter-size jar. Next, send your soil to a testing lab and expect results in about a week. Use the results of this test to improve the health of your soil so it supports plants and makes them thrive. Adding more nutrients into the soil can be as simple as mixing in mulch, compost, or adding more organic matter.
Pick Your Flowers
Before you purchase your flowers, enlist the help of a gardening specialist to determine what grows best in your area. Texas heat is unrelenting, but certain hardy, native plants flourish in this environment (e.g., Texas Olive Blossoms and Autumn Sage). Choosing plants that will naturally thrive in your climate can alleviate unnecessary stress and lead to a successful outcome.
Choose the Color Palette
Create unity by picking colors that complement each other, such as red and yellow. Picking colors that have similar hues, such as warm colors, will create a sense of harmony among your blooms. In contrast, pick a hue opposite the color wheel. For example, to contrast warm colors, add a few cool blues to add a nice vibrant punch. If you have a particularly sunny spot, add some orange flowers that will pop nicely.
Create Your Design
After you’ve chosen the color palette, create the shape of your garden. Do you want tall or short plants? A mixture? Don’t let tall plants overwhelm their smaller counterparts. Tiny flowers can get lost in a sea of big, lush plants. Varying heights and colors and repeating patterns create a uniformity that’s pleasing to the eye. As a pro tip, plant your flowers close together to decrease room for weeds and increase the blossoms as your garden matures.
Now … Time to Plant!
With your design and layout mapped, you are ready to grow your blooms. Plant seeds 4-6 weeks before the average frost date to ensure your plants stay healthy and reduce the risk of weeds.
Starting your garden will help bring the whole family together. For help or to add water features, such as a fountain, call the landscaping experts at Landscape By Design. Our attention to detail will help you create a backyard refuge that complements the beauty of the natural Texas landscape and your home. Contact Landscape By Design today for a consultation.