If you’ve noticed more problems than pleasures in your landscape, it might be time for a re-do.
It’s not uncommon for people to become less enthused about their yard when the yews have grown too large for their space and constantly need to be pruned. Or, the crabapple tree drops fruit on the deck, sidewalk or driveway.
Or maybe the landscape just looks tired. Perhaps you have a new house and the contract only provided for landscaping in the front and you’d like to finish back.
Before. Photo courtesy holemanlandscape.com
Landscape re-do: What you like
Rich Blankenship, President, Mark M. Holeman.
Make notes about what you like in your landscape. Maybe you like the way a bed curves, certain plants or the garden during a particular season, such a spring.
“Most people don’t hate everything,” said Rich Blankenship, president of Mark M. Holeman. Some plants may have sentimental significance or have value because of the type of tree, shrub or perennial it is.
“If a plant has some significance, we’ll try to identify how it can be repurposed,” such as moving it elsewhere in the landscape. Sometimes the homeowners don’t know the value of certain plants, such as a collection of hosta or hellebores. Holman professionals may recommend these be moved or worked into the new design, if the customer approves, he said.
Landscape re-do: What you don’t like
Makes notes on what you don’t like. Are there plants that have never flourished and thrived, but take up a lot of space? Is there a tree or shrub that’s now too big for the bed it is in? Does the bed need to be expanded a bit to accommodate the larger plants or should the plants be pulled out and replaced?
Sometimes there are plants or designs that you hate. Designs can become intrusive when trying to figure out where to put the kids’ swing set or expand the deck or patio.
“Sometimes it’s a good plant that’s used the wrong way,” Rich said.
After. Photo courtesy holemanlandscape.com
Landscape Re-do: What To Do
Improvement may be as simple as pulling out a plant you don’t like and replacing it with one you do like, such as removing burning bush and replacing with a viburnum.
Or, it could be refreshing or changing the bed line, adding seasonal color or shifting plants around to give them more room, or add some to give the landscape a fuller look.
“It’s amazing what a few things like that do with the old tired landscape a fresh look,” Rich said.
Landscape Re-do: Other Tips
- Snip out articles from gardening magazines with photos of landscapes that have the look and feel of what you like. Walk various neighborhoods or go on garden tours and take photos of landscapes you like. Share with your Holman professional.
- Visit websites that feature plants to see what catches your eye, such as Proven Winners ColorChoice Plants, Bailey Nurseries, First Editions Plants, Bloomin’ Easy Plants, Rozanne and Friends, Perennial Resource.
- Your Holeman professional also can make recommendations. Or check out previous blogs. Topics include hydrangeas and native spring blooming trees.
- Keep in mind Right Plant-Right Place. Note the mature height and width of a plant and how your space will accommodate that.
- Remember to talk to your contractor about any important deadlines and other concerns.