Landscaping
Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-118 -- More Projects »
Hosts Pat Simpson and Amanda Rosseter transform a residential landscape from dull to delightful with the help of horticulturist Joe Freeman. Learn how to renovate your own yard using some basic landscape design tips.
Tips:
- Remember that landscaping is a process and there are no quick fixes.
- Gather different ideas of landscaping designs that you like. Look at garden magazines or visit local gardens for inspiration.
- Make a list of what plants you like the best, and identify what plants are currently growing in your yard already.
- Make a note of the conditions of your landscaping space. For example, does the space receive full sun or partial shade? Be sure to take notice of any other potential problems such as drainage issues.
Make a rough sketch of your overall landscape design (figure A). Fine-tune the sketch on graph paper.
For dry and fine soil, add compost to help retain moisture.
Freeman suggests asking the nursery for suggestions of plantings that you may not have thought of. Be sure to ask if the plants require any particular conditions or maintenance.Materials:
Compost
Landscape fabric
Pea gravel
Edging
Stone
Mulch
Plants
Steps:
1. Based on the project site analysis, Freeman suggests adding a pea gravel walkway to connect the driveway to the back door.
2. Stone edging will be placed along the base of the driveway.
3. Freeman recommends filling in the empty space with a moderate to low maintenance planting design featuring plant groups in varying heights and layers to create an interesting visual display.
4. Repair the planting area by raking and tilling the soil, as well as adding nutrient rich potting soil.
5. Use the rotor-tiller to break up the soil about 6" deep, and mix in compost.
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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6. Freeman suggests planting giant border grass to create vertical accents next to the chameleon plant that contrasts in color as well as foliage texture (figure B). Green euonymus offers a vertical, upright element, and holly fern provides moderate texture.
7. Variegated and green hostas work best in shaded areas and are mixed with small leafed confederate jasmine in both green and variegated varieties to brighten the flowerbeds.
8. Lay out the dimensions for the pea-gravel walkway with landscape fabric and lime lines (figure C). Two types of pea-gravel available include granite and river rock. For this project, Freeman uses the river rock.
9. Place the most difficult components first, like the rocks, and plant around them.
10. Dig a shallow trench for the rock edging with a shovel and place the rocks in the ditch (figure D).
11. Place the plants, while still in their original containers, in the desired locations before planting.
12. Once you decide the location is correct, start planting in the center of the flowerbeds with the taller plants. Work out towards the edges to avoid stepping on any plants.
13. When planting, dig a hole at least twice the width of the container. Loosened soil will help your plants grow quicker. Be sure the root ball is level with the top of the existing soil. Planting too deep can kill the plant.
14. Freeman refers to the plants that serve as a backdrop for other flowerbed plants as backbone plants. One such backbone plant includes the variegated holly.
15. Add green foliage plants such as Japanese holly fern and hosta for a casual effect.
16. Freeman plants club moss around the base of the rocks to create a woodland feel.
17. Variegated small leaf confederate jasmine serves as the ground cover.
18. Use a mallet and piece of scrap wood to drive the poly border sections into place along the edge of the pathway (figure E). The border serves the following three purposes: to keep the gravel out of the flowerbed, to keep the mulch out of the pathway, and to prevent the invasive chameleon plant form growing out of control.
19. Rake the pea gravel over the landscaping fabric.
20. Finally, add 2" to 3" of mulch to keep the plant roots insulated from hot and cold temperatures. Make a ring around the base of the plant to create an efficient system for watering. Also, remove any dead seed pods from the hostas to reduce the plant's stress and establish easier.
21. Wait about a month before fertilizing the plants.
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