Basic Landscaping Horticulture 2

All landscaping should begin with a plan. A plan is a detailed map of a yard that includes trees, shrubs, hardscapes (patios, gazebos) beds, and features to be included in the yard.

Why is it important to have a plan? It is important to have a plan because…  It defines different areas of use in the yard. For example: play areas, entertainment areas, utility areas  It is a projection of future placement of landscaping materials. These materials are often expensive and must be done in stages.

There are two types of styles:  Formal- symmetrical. All plantings are done identical on both sides of the yard.

The other style is the more common, informal garden.  This style is asymmetrical. The planting can look natural. With a plan, you can consider the look you want, without the work.

But of course…. You can always mix formal and informal to come up with a planned design of your own.

The functions of landscaping are:  To provide privacy for you and to block ugly neighborhood junk!  For aesthetic beauty  To protect from sun, heat, cold winds

So, now we are ready to start looking at plants.  All plants are rated to their hardiness zone. This means that due to climatic conditions, not all plants can grow here. In Spokane, we are in zone Any good nursery will have the zone hardiness on a tag.

It is always a good idea… To visit lots of different places to get ideas. Go to parks, nurseries, and even the arboretum to see new plants. Now, you are ready to draw your plan.

The most commonly used scale is 1”=8’ or 1/8 scale. This is used by commercial landscape contractors and landscape architects. This scale will require special rulers. Many people that like to do these projects themselves, will use a scale that is 1”=10’ or 1/10. For this scale you can use a common ruler.

These are samples of some of the rulers you might use. They have many different scale on one ruler.

It is a good idea to draw your ideas in pencil, so changes can be made easily. Other tools that can be used are- templates that have the trees. You just trace them in.

So we have made our plan, then… It is time to buy the plants. Remember, the larger the plant, the higher the cost. Most trees are measured in caliper size, which means the width of the trunk. Many nurseries will give discounts if you buy all your plants there. Others will do a design for you if you buy plants from them.

Because the plants you are buying can be heavy and tall, it is a good idea to ask if the nursery will deliver them.  Remember to place them on the north side of the house in the shade to prevent heat damage.  It is a good idea to place them in a location where they can be easily watered.

First step-  Lay out your flower beds.  Use a garden hose to get this job done. It is easier than spray paint, and if you don’t like it you can move it very easily.

Then the hard work… You need to remove the sod. You can rent sod cutters at rental shops. You can get manual…

Or gas powered. Then, remove the sod to another location. Do not put it back in the flower bed, grass will keep coming up!

Once your beds are cut, it is a good idea to add plastic edging. This will slow down the grass creeping into your planting beds. Make the top edge level with the ground. In places where there is lots of freezing and thawing, it might be a good idea to anchor the edging in with long nails. Remember to put the nails deep. At least 4” is a good depth to buy.

You will need to remove all old plant material from the flower bed. Raking is good exercise!!!!! Slope flower beds down away from the house. This will keep water away from the foundation, and out of the house.

Plants can be purchased in 3 ways…  Bare root- these plants come right from the nursery. They are dug, packaged and sent to the customer. They are usually small plants, and shipped in bulk. One thing to watch for is dried roots. Keep them moist.

Next…  Container grown plants. These are the plants you see at most nurseries. Containers can be from 1 to 15 gallon in size. These are priced according to size of the container. Watch for exposed roots and plants that are pot bound. Remove the pots before planting!

The last are B and B, or Balled and burlapped. These trees are more expensive, and usually larger than the other methods. Don’t let these plants dry out!!!!, and remember to remove the burlap and the rope before planting!

Remember- Grass is always good! But, grass does require mowing, water, and pesticides! These all take a lot of time.

So, you are digging in the yard… CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!!! Call 811  Cable  Phone  Electricity  Natural gas These may all be buried in your yard. The locators will indicate where these are so you can stay way from them!!!

So let’s start planting. It is a good idea to get quality plants so you are getting a good start. When we start planting, we need to make sure we are planting well. The holes that are dug need to be deep enough, and wide enough for the plants. Soil should be tested before planting, in case amendments need to be added. If the soil is good, fertilizer is not needed the first year the plants are in. The wrong fertilizer can cause burns to the leaves, and injure or kill the new plants.

This is what a fertilizer burn looks like on turf grass. A starter fertilizer, low in nitrogen, but high in phosphorus and potassium, may be used, but only if directions are followed for application rates.

So, we have planted. Now it is time for a little pruning. Don’t do any major pruning. Wait until the plant has established itself. What you will prune are:  any broken branches  any crossed branches

Well, the landscaping job is almost done. Working on the flower beds, can be hard work. Around the front door, we want to make sure we have highlighted the entrance to the house. It is also a good idea to landscape around the foundation of the house.

To finish off the flower beds, it is a good idea to add mulches. Mulches are used to:  Conserve moisture in the soil  Inhibit the growth of weeds.  Serves as an insulator for plant roots  Mulches will vary from region to region. In the Pacific Northwest, fir bark is a commonly used mulch. Only 2-4 “ should be applied.

We used to believe that … Putting plastic under planting beds would keep weeds from appearing.

But now, plastic has been replaced by landscape fabric.  It lets oxygen into the soil  Allows water to flow into the soil and plant roots.  Will not disintegrate when exposed to sunlight.

Old newspapers will also work as a weed barrier. They are plentiful and inexpensive.

To finish off our flower beds…  Add annuals or perennials to give some color, interest, and variety. they are easy to find and easy to plant.

Remember your plants will need to be watered frequently during the first weeks after planting. To check for water… touch the soil. If the soil is moist, little or no water will need to be added.

So now you have some ideas. It will be hard work, but it will be very rewarding. Remember you may not finish as soon as you would like, and this will take time. Just remember that proper planning will help the project to go a lot easier.

All images: Google Images. 18 May 2006