Three Steps in Planning a Garden, Part 2

Garden Preparation

This step in planning a new garden space is not glamorous by any means.  Digging up sod, moving rocks, removing roots from previous plants that called this place home, and preparing the soil is vital to a successful landscape, but definitely isn't glamorous.



Here in our landscape renovation, the soil preparation is tedious.  Beds needed to be removed, which meant transplanting plants to other areas of the yard.  The beds that are being removed had been in place for 18 years, and the roots of plants had woven themselves into the landscape fabric like a coat of armor.

  This bed had been terraced with curved edging and bricks that are shown here.  Complete removal of this ‘debris’ is going to make the new area easier to develop.
Grading of the site is very important.  Grading refers to the slope of the ground. Ideally, the slope should higher at the house, so water flows away from structures.
This is Not the direction water should be flowing.  If water drainage is an issue, some of these solutions are available.


Dry creek


Sometimes this remedy of drainage is larger than the homeowner can manage.  Landscapers can help at this point in the process. If the homeowner is ambitious, a ditch digger can be rented, and the tubing and gravel are supplies that can be purchased at the home improvement store.

Next step to prep the area is to address the soil needs. This is when a soil test is useful.  Depending on the report, organic matter like peat moss and compost should be added.  Organic garden soil will allow water to drain and yet, keep roots of the plants to be installed moist.  We have added bags of top soil, and worked that into the cleared soil.  Organic fertilizers is applied liberally to the future planting bed.
 


The garden preparation is now at the drawing stage.  I have found a rough sketch  is helpful at this point.  The dimensions and permanent structures can be indicated.  Lamp posts, sheds, steps, fences, walkways, driveways, and patios close by should be located on the drawing and help keep the plan on course.



Marking out the new area on the ground is another way to see the future size and shape.  The planning of trees and shrubs, and hard surfaces can eliminate mistakes that will become obvious later on.




Oops!
Lighting and irrigation are on the agenda next.  Again, if electricians and plumbers are needed, plan on the installations during this portion of the garden preparation.



Here we marked out the border of this new area, and then we used a measure stick to give us the length.  This measurement of the garden is to calculate how many border blocks we need . (Here is a tip – take a notebook and pen to the yard with you and note these numbers– memories fade when you get to the supply store).

Marking pathways and patios will be helpful in calculating the materials needs.



Arbors, gazebos, and fences are ready to be installed at this time.


Let’s recap the preparation steps.  1) Clear the space. 2) Grade the site and address drainage problems.  3) Amend the soil. 4) Draw out a plan. 5) Install lighting and irrigation. 6) Purchase and install hard surfaces like retaining walls, sidewalks, pathways and patios. 7) Add architectural elements like arbors and gazebos.
Finally, the Step Three in the process, ‘Choosing and Installing Plant Materials’. This will be discussed in an upcoming article.  Thanks for joining me today.  What plans have you envisioned for your space?  Did everything go as planned?  Let us know. 

Building Blocks of a Landscape

Landscape Ideas to Begin Your Garden Project

One of the first toys we played with as very young children was blocks.  We stacked them, lined them up, knocked them over.  These block were the foundation of our learning, reasoning, and hand/eye coordination. The same foundation is needed in our yards.  Before we get too excited about putting in plant material, we need to set the foundation.

Landscape ideas that include Hardscapes such as patios, walls, walkways, and paths need to be planned and implemented before the plants.  I know!  That is the hard work part; but this step is essential for the future use, convenience, and visual appeal you want in your yard. The process doe not have to be extremely expensive either.

We've used hard wood mulch for paths, with the edges lines with 'found' rocks.    The sitting area can be just a patch of grass that you plan to set a table and chairs on.  The walkways that invite folks through you garden can also be turf shaped between beds that is easy to travel and cool to the eye.

Another easy, inexpensive material  for a path is gravel.  Decomposed granite is a powdery material with a powdery blend to 1/4" in size. This can be tamped into a sturdy surface that will also drain water.  This drainage will allow plant and trees roots to get water that would otherwise be heading for the nearest sewer.

Larger sized gravels can also be an economical option   The gravel we used was tamped down with a tamper. The gravel and tamper were not too pricey and we make the weekly trip to Lowes for these supplies.  I have to say, however, that the larger gravel paths were not comfortable for the dog.  She struggles finding her footing and often resorts to walking in the beds.

Making areas that you want to plant may require you to 'build up' a raised bed.  This will allow you to put in lots of compost, and ensure good drainage.  Whether you are preparing this bed for vegetables, perennials, or shrubbery,  I find building up is easier than having to dig in heavy soil.  In our yard we used stackable blocks just like the good old days!

The stepping stones used here were needed because of the heavy foot traffic in an area that retains water.  Take a good look around your yard for these types of issues too.  Planning ahead will allow you to really enjoy your space.

Of course if you envision a bigger project , it is always wise to consult a professional landscape designer or architect. Depending on your skill level, you  may attempt some of the projects yourself. And a word to the wise, too often the budget can get out of hand quickly! So envision your space, enrich your space, but most of all, enjoy your space.

I've touch on a few items that I'd like to address next time.  The building of 'good soil', and  conserving water.  Hope to see your soon. Thanks for visiting.