This is the perfect time of year for gardeners to assess their yardscape. We all take pictures, or we should, when our gardens are in bloom and looking their best. A good planning tool is a picture of the garden area when it's not at its best. That time is likely now, in the dead of winter.
Those beautiful native ferns that are lush and that fill in all the nooks and crannies of the landscape are now brown and shriveled. The hydrangeas, the crepe myrtles, and the other summer-blooming plants are stark sticks, not particularly attractive. Just look around and you'll see many other examples.
Therefore, it is a perfect time to consider alternate plantings, additional plantings, or perhaps rearrangement of existing plantings to improve your garden picture all year long.
Also, get in your car or walk the neighborhood, taking a camera, to find examples of good plantings that look good all year round. Then plan ways to incorporate those into your own landscape.
This spring, when the urge to work in the garden comes upon you, you will have a plan.
Mary Claire Rowe, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
The colder months when you cannot do much outdoors offer an excellent opportunity for making some landscape plans, especially if you have a new home or want to redo your current place.
Using a copy of your lot plan, make a drawing of the house and other structures. Draw in the existing trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds, driveway, and walks. Locate and mark water, sewer, gas lines, and any other items that may become a problem or could be damaged. Note the usual wind direction and where the sun is relative to the placement of the house.
If a fence is to be constructed, do it first. You may decide to use shrubs as a fence or as a part of the fence. Use the lot or site plan to locate your flower plantings or your plan for a small garden for herbs or vegetables. Do you want to camouflage or hide parts of the yard or house? You may want to change the elevation of a portion of the property. If changing the yard elevation, check with the planning department for any permits needed.
Now for the fun and work of turning the plan into the yard you want. Lay out the edges of the flowerbeds to increase the curb appeal of the house. Build up the flowerbeds with the compost from your compost area. (Composting is the best way to aid your plants, your yard, and yourself. Choose a location that offers easy access and is partially isolated for the composting bins.) Select the plants that are adapted to your part of the state. Adapted plants will require less attention and will thrive best. With attention now to plant selection, you will increase the value of the property and reduce your yard workload. It is better to enjoy the yard and plantings rather than not have the time because of the high maintenance. Choose plants that do not require large amounts of water. We homeowners expend about 60% of our water use on the yard.
Plant the trees to aid in reducing the heat load of the house. Shade for the hot part of the day will also help some plants. Evergreen trees can form a windbreak and be useful even in the winter. Shrubs, even rose bushes, may work as a border to restrict the view into your yard and home.
Plan the construction to be completed in stages. This way, you can enjoy the changes, and your friends will be impressed with your ability and gardening savvy.
Andy Andrews, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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