Winter months are great for garden planning. If you plan to add a bed, re-do a border or landscape your new backyard, there are a few fundamentals to consider.
The first step is giving thought to how you will use the space. If you have children or grandchildren, you may want to consider play space and open areas. If you have children or pets, you’ll want to steer clear of poisonous plants, or fine edges that may get trampled.
Once you’ve identified a space to be landscaped, consider whether you will enjoy the view from a distance or up close. Do you want to observe it from a window or move through it? Will you add a bench, chairs or a table? Does a sitting area need shelter?
Are you landscaping for privacy? If you want a green fence or screening to block a view in your yard (or your neighbor’s), add trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials that are tall enough to do so. If the view is from a second-story window, even a six foot fence would be inadequate. For narrow spaces, consider growing vines on trellises, which can be as tall as structurally prudent.
Once you’ve considered how you’ll use the space, you can begin the real analysis: site evaluation.
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Next week: Garden styles and elements of good design
