After a few years in a home, the residents may begin to see new problems arise with an old landscaping design. The way the property is laid out may not conveniently match the family’s needs. Certain plants may under-perform or require too much maintenance. To improve on any problems, first consider what needs work and which trees, shrubs and flowers would perform well and be easy to manage
Assess the Landscaping Needs
To begin to visualize a new yard, walk the area and see what obviously needs improvement. Think about how water, shade or foot traffic may affect the plans. Observe the garden during a hard rain to see if water collects or runs heavily over an area as water may wash away plants with delicate roots. Watch to see if a downspout nearby regularly washes out vegetation. Redirect downspouts, grade slopes, or add a French drain to help pull away excess water. Consider shady areas or areas with too much southern exposure and plan plants that will fit that area. Foot traffic can impact an area so plan to add paths in logical places. Slope the paths so they are more pleasing access to plants and trees, especially those that need frequent care. If the flower and vegetable beds are hard to work, make them smaller. The home gardener should be able to reach across beds without walking on the soil.
How much lawn is necessary and would a patio, ground cover, or other alternative work better? Ground cover, such as low maintenance pachysandra, shrubs and trees will soften the hard lines of the house and geometric lawn. Yet, beware of creating oddball shapes and angles in the lawn that will make mowing difficult. Adding mowing strips (a line of concrete or brick) as a buffer between the beds and garden make it easier to mow the lawn without harming the bed. They also help grass and weeds from growing in the beds.
Plant Choice
A garden redesign is a great time to remove under-performing plants. Consider plants which are more appropriate to the local climate. Ask neighbors what is doing well in their gardens and use them in the new beds. If diseases regularly strike, remove those plants that are susceptible and try more resistant varieties. Consider sun and soil conditions and also trees and shrubs that may need more water at the expense of the plants around them.
think about all seasons when planning new plants. Fall and spring color are great for color as well as summer. Plants for winter include trees and shrubs with bright berries, evergreens, interesting bark and ornamental grasses. Also, think of seasonal transition periods. If there are lots of bulbs and the foliage dies back, select annuals and perennials to compliment this. Also, carefully research the eventual size of the plants. Avoid crowding the beds or selecting plants that will need an unmanageable amount of maintenance.
Preparation and Care
After all new plants are selected and the landscape ideas are thought out, think about how much care the garden will need. Make a list of daily, weekly and monthly landscape chores to see how much care and time needs to be invested. For example, is it practical to water a large number of container plants during the hot days of summer? If the list of chores goes beyond what is practical, consider different plants. To help with the final overall vision, draw a plan or consider using some of the design software on the market.
After all of these steps are taken it is time to get the landscape ready for the new plantings. Remove unwanted plants or elements and then enrich the soil. Have the soil tested and see what nutrients need to be incorporated. At the very least, dig well-rotted compost into the beds a few weeks before adding the new plants.Careful planning will help improve the home landscape and make the area more useful to the family.
Resources
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Home Landscaping Design by David Beaulieu
Editors of Sunset Books. Easy Care Gardening. Menlo Park, California: Land Publishing Company, 1989.
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