Simple Landscaping Tips: Getting the Most from Your Flower Beds

When you set out to design a look for your yard, it's best to have a plan in mind. Taking a moment to ask yourself these questions before you sketch out your design. What kind of look do I want to create? How much time do I have to care and maintain? What are the best types of plants for the region I live in?

Landscape Design

Look at the layout of the area and draw a simple map of the area you'd like to landscape. Look at the area in the morning, afternoon and midday to determine what areas get the least and most sun. Once you have planned and observed the amount of light the area receives, selection will be much easier and more cost effective.

Plant Selections

Taking time to research the types of plants that are native to your region is consumer savvy. Native plants balance the ecosystem, provide beauty and support the natural wildlife that thrives in the region. Native plants also require less manual watering which is good for the environment. Buying locally ensures that the selection you make is tempered to the climate of the region and can stay hardy in the colder months. Evergreens are a great choice especially for the colder months and don't require replanting in the spring and can be low maintenance.

Soil Types

If the soil is grey and powdery you will have to invest in top soil. Once you have determined the types of plants you are using a safe choice for fertilizers include post humus and cow manure as it is not harmful to the indigenous plant and wildlife. If you are unsure of the PH levels and the quality, most counties have a soil testing kit so that you may determine the need for fertilizers. It is best to not over fertilize as it is damaging to the environment and the water table.

Preparing the area

Starting with a bare area having no grass or weeds is easiest. Depending on the size of the area you can till the dirt with a shovel or hoe, for larger areas you may need to rent a tiller. When you have tilled the earth make certain that all roots from weeds and grass are removed to be certain that your bed will not be choked out buy weeds and grass it is best to remove debris by hand. Once the dirt is clear of debris and loosened, add top soil and any fertilizer you will need. Turn the dirt together until it is well mixed. Depending on your preferences you can apply weed paper before planting.

Spacing Plants

Directions for spacing plants can be found on the pots you purchase the plants in; a good rule is usually 2 or 3 inches apart. Cut an "X" in the weeding paper if you're using it and dig a hole 2 inches larger than the pot your plant came in. The hole should be deep enough for the roots too fit into with plenty of room to spread out in accordance to the size of the root system.

Planting

Gently roll the sides of the pot in your hands, for smaller plants you may lightly squeeze them from the planter, loosen the soil from the roots gently. Fill the hole with water and add the plant. The base of the plant should be at or above the opening of the hole. Fill hole with dirt and lightly tamp the soil make a trough and water once more. Once you have planted, top off with mulch or rocks depending on the look you want.