Creating an inviting and beautiful landscape can seem like a daunting task. While you may need to put in some sweat equity, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Here are some tips to consider before you start selecting plants for your landscape project. 

Start Small

When choosing your trees and shrubs, select ones that are younger to save money. Read tags to determine how large your plants will grow and space them accordingly in your landscape. It is safe to assume they will grow larger than what the tag indicates. Allow enough space for your plant to mature without the need for constant pruning and trimming. 

If the area is looking a little sparse once planted, considering using perennials, annuals or decorative statues or birdbaths to fill in gaps until your trees and shrubs fill out a bit. Annuals will die out each season, and perennials are easy to transplant later on allowing your trees and shrubs to fill the space. 

Right Plant, Right Place

This is the mantra of every successful gardener. Choosing the right plant for the right place in your garden will make all the difference. The right plant can thrive with the right conditions, decreasing its susceptibility to diseases and insects, and increasing its longevity. 

Before you head to the store take a look at your garden’s conditions. How much sun does it get? What time of day does the sun hit your yard? What is your soil condition like? Is it sandy or clay-like? Is your garden sheltered from rainfall or will it get runoff from your roof? These are all things to consider before you select plants. Choosing a plant that meets the conditions of your yard will set the plant up for success, and create less work for you in the long run. 

Foliage First

It’s easy to think about the flowers we want blooming in our yard and forget about what it will look like between blooming cycles. A successful landscape design will start with foliage first, and add blooming plants in second. When flowers aren’t in bloom it is important to have interesting focal points throughout your garden. Select plants with a variety of foliage in different colors, shapes and sizes. Pairing dark red or burgundy foliage with bright green grasses, or blue needled trees will have your garden showing color all season. 

Aim for continuous blooms

When selecting flowering plants, read the tag for bloom times. A great landscape will feature plants that bloom from early spring through late fall. Choose a few of your favorites for each point during the year, and plant throughout your landscape to have blooms all year long.

Mix it up

Use a mixture of deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves each year) and evergreens to create interest all year. Evergreens and garden structures like fences and stone walls are the bones of your garden. Think of the places where snowfall looks the best and use evergreens to create a beautiful landscape even during the winter. 

Make a subtle statement

Use specimen trees like topiaries or weeping trees, or variegated plants to make an impact. However, it is important to use these varieties sparingly. Use one or two to frame a walkway, or as a focal point in your yard, but don’t go overboard. In this case, less is more.   

Plant in groups

With shrubs, plant a few of the same variety in a group. Use a few as specimen plants. Mixing it up throughout your design helps create focal points. 

Plant your perennials in “Puddles”

Perennials or flowering plants look best in groups. Planting several together to form a “puddle” will make them look more naturally occurring and less formal. Planting in rows or lines has a more formal look.

English Gardens has all the resources you need to create a beautiful landscape. Come by any location and speak with an associate to see all the ways we can help. For full-service design and installation to  DIY assistance, we can help make your outdoor space spectacular. 

Watch our video for more ideas to get you started.