When winter finally releases us, it can be tempting to grab the closest gardening tool and get busy outside. However, without a little planning, you may do a lot of work for little reward. Below are four tips for landscape changes that will make your yard more beautiful and easier to care for.
Invest in Edging
With the right edging, you can make your flower beds more beautiful and easier to mow around. Stones make great edging material and are easy to string trim along for a very neat look.
Pavers also provide a clean edge. Properly placed, you might even be able to place one side of the mower’s wheels on the pavers and quickly clean up between lawn and flower garden.
Fertilize
Your lawn, garden soil and trees may need a boost of fertilizer after a tough winter. Take care to study the product you use and time the application so that watering, rain or morning dew don’t negatively impact your fertilizer application.
Study the condition of your trees. Do you need to fertilize more or is it time to bring in a tree removal specialist? Fruit trees and many ornamentals have a limited life. Be sure to have the trunks and roots checked for disease.
Add Some Architecture
If your yard is new, consider adding some variety with a structure or eye-catching old tool. Simple features such as an old ladder provide a great spot to mount pots for a waterfall of vining flowers. You could also add a water feature and place a solar fountain in it to keep the water circulating.
Another option is to add a privacy screen to your yard. This could be as simple as training a clematis up a chain link fence or as involved as adding steel panels to your fencing layout for security.
Such a change could also increase the shade near your home and give you a cool spot to sit out and enjoy your yard. Many vining plants will happily grow over a pergola and provide flowers or even grapes to your patio!
Don’t Forget The Lights
There are a number of solar lights that offer great visual interest to your garden even when nothing is blooming. These are particularly helpful in spots that get a punishing amount of rain run-off or are harried by strong winds.
Your yard can become another room to enjoy during warm weather. Make sure you have a spot to sit and relax at the end of your workday.