Landscaping
Ornamental plants and lawn care for a beautiful outdoor space.
Landscape Design Principles
Basic Design Elements
| Element | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Line | Guides the eye | Paths, edges, plant rows |
| Form | Shape of plants/structures | Round shrubs, upright trees |
| Color | Visual interest | Flower colors, foliage |
| Texture | Surface quality | Fine grasses, coarse leaves |
| Scale | Size relationships | Proportional to house/yard |
Design Principles
| Principle | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unity | Consistent theme throughout |
| Balance | Visual equilibrium (symmetrical or asymmetrical) |
| Proportion | Elements sized appropriately |
| Rhythm | Repetition creates flow |
| Focalization | Focal points draw attention |
Planning Steps
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Assess site | Sun, drainage, existing features |
| 2. Define goals | Privacy, beauty, low maintenance |
| 3. Create zones | Outdoor rooms for different uses |
| 4. Draw base map | To scale, with existing features |
| 5. Design on paper | Before buying plants |
| 6. Start with hardscape | Paths, patios first |
| 7. Plant trees first | Largest elements first |
| 8. Add shrubs and perennials | Layer in smaller plants |
Lawn Care
Grass Types
| Type | Climate | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Cool | Fine texture, high maintenance |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Cool | Fast germination, traffic tolerant |
| Tall Fescue | Cool/Transition | Drought tolerant, coarser |
| Bermuda | Warm | Aggressive, sun-loving |
| Zoysia | Warm/Transition | Dense, slow growing |
| St. Augustine | Warm | Shade tolerant, coarse |
Mowing
| Practice | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Height | Cut no more than 1/3 of blade |
| Cool-season height | 3-4 inches |
| Warm-season height | 1-2 inches |
| Frequency | Weekly during growth |
| Blade sharpness | Sharp for clean cut |
| Clippings | Leave on lawn (nutrients) |
Watering
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | 1-1.5 inches per week |
| Frequency | Deep and infrequent (2-3x/week) |
| Time | Early morning |
| Signs of stress | Footprints remain, bluish color |
Fertilizing
| Timing | Cool-Season | Warm-Season |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Light | Heavy |
| Summer | Avoid | Moderate |
| Fall | Heavy | Light |
| Winter | None | None |
Soil test first - Don't guess at fertilizer needs.
Common Lawn Problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Thin/sparse | Shade, compaction | Aerate, overseed, reduce shade |
| Brown patches | Fungus, drought, grubs | Proper watering, treat if needed |
| Weeds | Thin lawn, poor soil | Improve lawn health, spot treat |
| Thatch buildup | Over-fertilizing | Dethatch, reduce nitrogen |
| Compaction | Traffic | Core aerate |
Lawn Renovation
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Core aeration | Fall (cool-season), Summer (warm-season) |
| Overseeding | Fall (cool-season) |
| Dethatching | When thatch > 1/2 inch |
| Topdressing | With aeration or overseeding |
Trees
Choosing Trees
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Mature size | Will it fit the space? |
| Growth rate | Fast = weaker wood often |
| Purpose | Shade, ornamental, privacy |
| Maintenance | Leaf drop, pruning needs |
| Local suitability | Native often best |
Planting Trees
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Dig hole | 2-3x root ball width, same depth |
| 2. Remove packaging | Burlap, wire, container |
| 3. Place tree | Trunk flare at soil level |
| 4. Backfill | Native soil, no amendments |
| 5. Water | Deep soak |
| 6. Mulch | 2-4" donut (not volcano) |
| 7. Stake if needed | Remove after 1 year |
Tree Care
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Watering (new) | Weekly for 1-2 years |
| Watering (established) | Only in drought |
| Mulching | Refresh annually |
| Pruning | Young trees: structural; Mature: as needed |
| Fertilizing | Rarely needed if mulched |
Common Tree Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| Planting too deep | Root rot, decline |
| Volcano mulching | Rot, pest habitat |
| Topping | Destroys structure, invites disease |
| Staking too long | Weak trunk development |
| Wrong tree for space | Outgrows location |
Shrubs
Categories
| Type | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen | Year-round foliage | Boxwood, holly, yew |
| Deciduous | Drops leaves | Hydrangea, viburnum, forsythia |
| Flowering | Ornamental blooms | Lilac, azalea, rose |
| Foundation | Around house base | Low-growing, tidy |
Planting Shrubs
Similar to trees:
- Hole 2x width of root ball
- Same depth as root ball
- Root flare at soil level
- Mulch 2-3 inches, not touching stems
Pruning Shrubs
| Shrub Type | When to Prune | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring flowering | After bloom | Flower buds form on old wood |
| Summer flowering | Late winter/early spring | Flowers on new growth |
| Evergreen | Early spring or after growth flush | Minimal pruning usually |
| Hedges | Several times during growing season | Maintain shape |
Popular Shrubs
| Shrub | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrangea | Large blooms, shade tolerant | Moderate |
| Boxwood | Evergreen, formal | Regular shearing |
| Azalea/Rhododendron | Spring flowers, shade tolerant | Low |
| Lilac | Fragrant flowers | Low |
| Butterfly bush | Attracts pollinators | Cut back annually |
| Holly | Evergreen, berries | Low |
Perennials
Understanding Perennials
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Return year after year |
| Blooming | Usually specific season |
| Spread | May need dividing |
| Dormancy | Many die back in winter |
Designing with Perennials
| Layer | Height | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Back/Tall | 3-6+ feet | Coneflower, Joe Pye weed, ornamental grasses |
| Middle | 1-3 feet | Black-eyed Susan, catmint, daylily |
| Front/Edge | Under 1 foot | Sedum, creeping phlox, coral bells |
Easy Perennials
| Plant | Sun | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Coneflower (Echinacea) | Full | Native, drought tolerant, pollinators |
| Black-eyed Susan | Full | Long bloom, wildlife value |
| Hosta | Shade | Foliage plant, many varieties |
| Daylily | Full-Part | Tough, many colors |
| Sedum | Full | Drought tolerant, fall interest |
| Catmint | Full | Long bloom, deer resistant |
| Ornamental grasses | Full | Movement, winter interest |
Perennial Care
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Dividing | Spring or fall, every 3-5 years |
| Deadheading | During bloom for more flowers |
| Cutting back | Fall or spring (leave for winter interest/wildlife) |
| Mulching | 2-3 inches |
| Fertilizing | Spring, usually light |
Annuals
Annual Uses
| Use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Color spots | Petunias, marigolds, zinnias |
| Containers | Anything that won't winter over |
| Filling gaps | While perennials establish |
| Seasonal interest | Summer color, fall mums |
Annual Categories
| Type | Temperature | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cool-season | Spring/fall | Pansies, snapdragons |
| Warm-season | Summer | Petunias, marigolds, impatiens |
Low-Maintenance Annuals
| Annual | Sun | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zinnia | Full | Heat lover, pollinators |
| Marigold | Full | Pest deterrent, easy |
| Petunia | Full | Prolific bloomer |
| Impatiens | Shade | Shade color |
| Coleus | Shade-Part | Foliage interest |
| Cosmos | Full | Self-sowing |
Native Plants
Benefits of Natives
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Adapted | Evolved for local conditions |
| Low maintenance | Less water, fertilizer |
| Wildlife support | Food and habitat |
| Disease resistant | Fewer pest problems |
| Ecological value | Support local ecosystem |
Finding Natives
- Local native plant societies
- Extension office recommendations
- Native plant nurseries
- Regional field guides
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Strategies
| Strategy | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Right plant, right place | Match conditions to needs |
| Native plants | Less maintenance required |
| Mulch | Reduce weeding, watering |
| Groundcovers vs. lawn | Less mowing |
| Drip irrigation | Efficient watering |
| Perennials over annuals | Plant once |
Groundcovers
| Groundcover | Sun | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Creeping thyme | Full | Fragrant, walkable |
| Creeping phlox | Full | Spring flowers |
| Vinca | Shade | Aggressive, evergreen |
| Pachysandra | Shade | Evergreen |
| Sedum | Full | Drought tolerant |
Reducing Lawn
| Alternative | Use |
|---|---|
| Native meadow | Large areas, low traffic |
| Groundcovers | Shade, slopes |
| Mulched beds | Plant areas |
| Patios/paths | Hardscape |
| Ornamental grasses | Movement, texture |
Container Gardening
Container Basics
| Element | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Drainage | Essential - holes in bottom |
| Soil | Potting mix, not garden soil |
| Size | Larger = less watering |
| Material | Affects watering frequency |
Container Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Terracotta | Attractive, breathable | Heavy, breaks, dries fast |
| Plastic | Light, retains moisture | Less attractive, UV damage |
| Fiberglass | Lightweight, durable | Expensive |
| Wood | Natural look | Rots eventually |
| Ceramic | Decorative | Heavy, can crack in freeze |
Container Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Watering | When top inch dry (may be daily) |
| Fertilizing | Every 2-4 weeks (nutrients leach) |
| Deadheading | Regularly for flowers |
| Refresh soil | Annually |
Key Takeaways
- Plan before planting - Design on paper first
- Right plant, right place - Match conditions to plant needs
- Start with hardscape - Paths and patios first
- Layer your plantings - Trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers
- Consider maintenance - Be realistic about time commitment
- Include natives - Better for wildlife and easier to grow
- Lawn isn't everything - Consider alternatives