Purpose
The first step in planning a garden is probably determining what kind of garden you would like to have. Gardens range in style and purpose so it is important to have a clear idea of the kind of garden you are trying to grow. Some main types of residential gardens include: flower gardens, vegetable gardens, zen gardens, herb gardens and formal gardens. Some of these are best suited to specific climates and locations. In order to make a good decision about the kind of garden you want to have it is important to know a few things about the space your garden is going to be taking up and the weather conditions that may help or hinder your garden’s growth.
Climate
Where you live will greatly influence what you are able to do in your garden. It will probably be almost impossible to grow a tropical garden in Canada and rather silly to grow a cactus garden in a rainforest. You will achieve the most pleasing results in your garden if you make sure to grow elements that are native to your area; easy to grow; or simple to replace. If many of the elements in your garden are fairly uncomplicated, it will leave time to maintain your more precious orchids and roses.
Maintenance
While every gardener had the best intentions, it is important to know how much time is going to be spent maintaining the garden. Annuals must be replanted every year which allows you to recreate a new garden every year. However, the drawback of annual flowers is the need for constant upkeep. Annuals are comparably thirsty plants and need to be well-watered (but not over-watered). Many annuals require “pinching” or “deadheading” for better flowering. For many of us, the value of perennials, which will leave behind seeds that re-grow the next season, can be appreciated for the lack of tending needed.
Soil
Make sure your garden’s soil is healthy. Healthy soil grows stronger plants and attracts fewer pests that might damage your plants. There are some simple ways to test your own soil. Ideal soil for growing veggies in your own garden will crumble easily when you attempt to form a shape from it. If it holds shape to easily, it may be too moist and overworking wet soil can damage the soil structure for several growing seasons, seriously reducing the likelihood of healthy plants. If you soil seems dusty, it is probably too dry for many plants and will most likely be harder to work.
Space
Take a look at the space of your garden. This will help decide what should be planted and where. Think out the logistics of your garden. Where are faucets located in relation to your various plants? Are there any areas where the ground is uneven and unlikely to drain properly? How do sun and shade play across the area? Are there places that are unlikely get sunlight? It may be a good idea to sketch your area. The more time you spend planning your garden the more pleasing your final result will probably be.
Aesthetic
A garden should also have a visual composition. The plants, flowers and/or various statuary pieces should work together in the given space to create something aesthetically pleasing. Think of how your garden looks from different angles and vantages, like from house windows and doors. Great looking garden fountains are available at http://www.garden-fountains.com/Categories.bok?category=Garden+Fountains.
Color palettes
Pay attention to your color palette. There are many ways to choose the colors of your garden. While there is neither right nor wrong in color selection if you’ve contemplated your palette ahead of time you will have greater control over the final appearance. Some of the most simple color schemes select from either warm or cool tones, while others rely on a single color for a striking monochromatic effect. While for an interesting and dramatic look you might select several analogous colors like shades of red and red violet and then use a complementary color, like golden yellow as an accent. Depending on the kind of garden you are planning you may want a wide variety of colors. Try to create grouped plantings when using many different colors to create a design and visual flow. Many single colored flowers will look dull from a distance.
Composing your garden
Appreciate the space you are using. If your garden is going to be planted along a fence or against a house wall use a vine to add height and shape to your garden. Examine textures and shapes. To keep balance in your garden, make sure to use not just long stemmed flowers but also groundcovers and low plants with a variety of leave sizes and shapes.
Add focal points
By using a fountain, birdbath or other piece of statuary, you can add year round ornamentation as well as a focal point for you garden. If you plan your garden carefully it can be beautiful year-round and not just at the height of the growing season. By using many planters and pieces of statuary in your garden you are have the advantage of complete control over your garden’s shape. Take a look at some garden planter options. A garden consisting of planters can be arranged and rearranged to suit different moods, and different seasons to create something that provides visual interest year round. So if your having trouble deciding on a permanent look, using planters can give you design flexibility. Planters also provide shape and allow for greater control over plant growth.
Tips
When using planters it is still important to think about the heights and textures of every flower and plant and the containers that hold them.
Use ornamental rocks and small pieces of garden statuary to compliment taller planters. Place something tall and with an interesting texture and bright color in the center of your planter and surround it with lower, more simple textures for balance.
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Garden Design Tips for Beginners in Scottsdale, Arizona
Are you thinking about garden design in Scottsdale for the first time? Finding some free, novice-friendly garden design tips isnt always easy. This article will provide you with the Top 4 garden design tips for beginners in Scottsdale. Whether you’re looking to go low maintenance or use native plants that do well in the desert, the following information will be beneficial to you.
Top 4 Garden Design Tips for Beginners in Scottsdale:
1. Make sure your garden design has enough drainage. This is the most important garden design tip we’ll be addressing in this article. Gardens do not have an endless amount of soil that will absorb any amount of water you’re give your plants or flowers. Even the smallest amount of water over the limit that your plants can absorb will surely drown them, and this can be fatal to the plants you’re thinking about cultivating. Make sure your garden design incorporates the use of trenches or openings that will drain excess water in the soil away from the roots of your plants.
2. Consider the use of synthetic soil in your garden design. Many gardeners often complain about the odor emitted by the soil and how it can make the outdoor environment less enjoyable. The soil has to be kept healthy! This usually means that you must regularly apply fertilizer (compost or manure) and the smell can linger for days, if not weeks. Artificial soil provides all of the same benefits of healthy soil without the smell. Artificial soil is composed of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite, all of which provide essential nutrients for vegetation.
3. Water! We’ve already talked about the importance of proper drainage in your garden design. But how are you going to water your garden? Keep in mind that gardens are outdoors and in the desert sun. Your plants are going to require a lot of water. Garden plants in the desert are often deprived of water given the amount of evaporation they will experience and this deficiency translates into a greater demand for water. Make sure your garden design is located close to a good water source!
4. Choose the appropriate spot for each of your plants. Of all the garden design tips we have mentioned, this one should take a top priority. Your plants should have enough space, sun and water to grow. The size of your location is dependent on the plants you can choose. On average, most popular garden plants will require an 8- to 10-inch diameter.
Here’s some information about a popular desert plant that will make a great addition to your garden design in Scottsdale.
The Red Bird of Paradise, also called the Mexican Bird of Paradise or Caesalpinia Pulcherrima, is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial. They are relatively drought resistant, easy to find, cheap to buy and provide lovely color during different points of the year.
The Red Bird of Paradise is an evergreen shrub that enjoys full sun and has bright yellow flowers with orange and red centers that grow out of long, thin stalks. They leaves are fern-like and grow very quickly.
If you are still unsure about what will work in your garden design and landscaping in Scottsdale, there are plenty of online resources that can help you. For instance, many local landscaping companies have expertise in garden design and plants that thrive in the area. Hiring a professional garden design and landscaping company in Scottsdale, Arizona might just be your best bet. They can work with you to pick out the best plants that fit your taste, lifestyle and budget – and they can even help you maintain it!
John Waters is Principal of Creative Environments Design Landscape, the largest and most respected landscape design company in Arizona. Let our team work with you to develop a garden design in Scottsdale that will fit your style and budget. Visit our website to request a free consultation.