Posted: Thursday, October 31, 2013 6:30 am
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Updated: 10:39 am, Wed Nov 6, 2013.
Burlington County Times
Designing a garden and dreaming go together. Few of us are professional master gardeners, but here’s how to plan the garden that is perfectly suited to you and your property.
You know what you want — beautifully landscaped flower gardens, bountiful vegetables, eye-catching window boxes, or a plot with a variety of herbs.
But how do you get from point “A” to “D”? Step-by-step planning starts now so your dream design can emerge next spring!
Step 1: Grab a large spiral notebook and draw an aerial view of your home, and then outline existing gardens. Don’t worry about scale — this will be your “garden map.” Mark north, south, east and west. In the future, we will discuss how exposure makes a difference.
Step 2: Walk around your property and fill in the spots on your drawing where your perennials and flowering shrubs currently are, naming each plant. Note on a separate page what did well and what needs to be relocated, replaced or filled in with a different plant.
Step 3: Also make a list of the plants you dream of having to make your garden more colorful and/or bountiful. Perennials are on sale, and right now is an ideal time to get them in the ground. Your perennials will fill out, get taller and wider, so give them a few years to mature.
Step 4: Figure out a budget. Consider perennials an investment. Highlight the areas you want to fill in and make your favorite dream plants from Step 3 your priority.
Step 5: Take your notebook to an established garden center or nursery and show them your “garden map” along with your dream list. If you have photos of your gardens, that will be a big help. Add some spring-flowering bulbs to your shopping cart, too.
Have you spotted a plant or shrub while driving around that you love? Don’t be shy — stop by that home and find out what it is! Gardeners are friendly folks, so they will often divide established plants to share.
Or trade some of your overgrown perennials with them.
Your dream garden will always be a work
in progress, every season and every year. Enjoy the journey!
Deborah Krusen learned early how to garden from her mother. Today she grows flowers, herbs and vegetables in spite of visiting deer and an intruding woodchuck in her Burlington County backyard. Contact her with questions or comments at dreamgarden@sent.com
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Thursday, October 31, 2013 6:30 am.
Updated: 10:39 am.
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