Few things are more frustrating than a messy front yard. In addition to disrupting your curb appeal, overgrown, messy landscaping can also harbor pests and make it look like you don't care about your property. Fortunately, tidying up your yard doesn't have to be difficult. I have spent years learning more about landscaping, and this blog is all about how to become a landscaping enthusiast. Check out these articles about fun topics like planting flowers, perfecting pruned trees, and decorating your yard with whimsical additions. After you know more about landscaping, your yard might become the talk of the town.
A cottage garden evokes charming images of a profusion of plants. The combination of traditional flowers and leafy greenery creates a romantic atmosphere. You don't have to transform your whole yard into a cottage garden – you could get the same effect with a pretty planting bed. Develop a quaint cottage mini garden that makes guests feel right at home.
Choose the Location
A cottage garden typically features plants that require at least some sun. Look for a location in your yard with relatively consistent sun exposure. Likewise, you want a spot that's large enough to create a feeling of growth. Additionally, you may need to check your soil's pH and even type. For instance, plants will have difficulty growing in soil with too much clay. Even if your soil isn't quite right, you can buy the supplies to amend it accordingly.
Select the Plants and Supplies
Next comes the fun part – choosing the plants for your mini garden. The most important consideration is choosing plants that grow well in your area. However, you also want to choose plants that evoke that cottage charm. For flowers, hollyhocks, foxgloves, catmint, delphinium and garden phlox are traditional. Lady's mantle and lamb's ear are common greenery plants. If you have room for a tree or bush, consider wisteria or smokebush.
You'll also need the proper landscape supplies to create your cottage garden. Keep the following implements on hand:
Naturally, you need a water hose for watering the plants. Get one with an adjustable nozzle for adapting the spray. You may also need a wheelbarrow to transport the plants, soil or compost.
Create the Bed
To create the bed, set the plants in your target location to get an idea of layout and space requirement. Use the hose to wet an area around the bed as the outline. Sprinkle flour over the wet outline to make it more visible. Next, break out your spade and hand trowel to dig along the outline and overturn the soil. If you need to amend the soil with fertilizer, this is the time. Otherwise, mix in an organic compound, such as compost, to feed your garden. Finally, water the whole area, and wait a few days to let the soil settle.
Once you've prepared your bed, plant your beautiful garden. Add a little mulch, and keep the garden moist to promote growth. For assistance, talk to a professional like Lones Stone & Landscape Supply.
Share