Having a lovely, well-maintained and established garden enhances many aspects of life. From jealous friends and neighbors, to supporting wildlife, learning about Nature, and bathing yourself with scents and colours every morning before going to work. Picture this: You are walking through your blooming garden in the early morning with a warm cuppa in your hands. The Sun is low, but happiness is high. Nature is waking up, just like you, filling you with positivity and gratitude. You are totally present in the moment, regardless of the weather, taking this beauty in. This is possible and doable, bearing in mind some of the factors/risks listed below.
LOCATION
I put location in the first place for a reason. This will greatly determine the style of garden that you can have. Not all gardens are open and sunny. But don`t let this put you off the idea; even moist and shady locations can look nice if the correct plants are planted.
MICROCLIMATE
This is a very important aspect to look at carefully. How tall are the fences, what is the sunniest part of the garden, is the soil boggy and where does the water come from, is the garden windy and where is it open and south facing, or harsh north oriented? How much frost do you have in the winter and which side is the coldest? All these factors need to be discussed before planning and developing borders/garden.
SOIL
This is another very important factor. We are what we eat- so are the plants. The structure, texture and type of the soil will also determine the quality of the product that we are aiming for- a successful and thriving garden. Most of the houses are built on compressed hardcore and clay, which is fine, if the soil is properly enhanced and quality maintained through seasons. I put a huge emphasis on the soil quality when developing gardens, and I tend to bring lots of compost and well-rotted manure to boost the soil quality.
PLANTS TEMPERAMENT
Now when the landscape is done, the soil is enhanced and ready, but which plants to choose from endless choices on the shelves?
Regardless of your choice, it is important to know that each plant is an individual living being with its own temperament and personality. Not all plants will thrive in each location, despite the theory behind it. Some plants will do very well; they`ll grow big and healthy, and some just won`t make it. This is an inevitable risk, and these plants will have to be replaced (same or different species). Only time will show this, so give it 2, 3 seasons before you finally know the complete floral structure of your garden.
TIME
Plants take time to grow and develop, full results in your garden can be visible within 2-5 years from developing.
MAINTENANCE
Having a garden requires attention and some maintenance throughout the year. However, this doesn`t mean commitments every day. Once the garden is established and up and running, you can simply enjoy all its perfection. Maintenance includeS deadheading, watering when needed, supplying more mulch, controlling weeds, pruning when needed, maintaining paths, feeding plants, pest management, adding compost/manure in early spring, filling gaps with more plants, planting annuals if you have any in the garden (tagetes, zinnias, cosmos, etc), and many more tasks, depending on the location of your garden.
We gardeners enjoy doing all the things mentioned above. Gardening is an art in its form, and creating gardening is certainly creating more beauty in this world. Do I need to list the benefits of having a well-managed garden? If you are reading this paragraph at the end of this blog, then you have probably tried to talk yourself against the garden, but the feeling within is stronger, and you are going ahead. Well done, because you will not regret it!
PLANTING IN STAGES
As I supply plants from a few different suppliers, I will likely have to come a few times to plant available/delivered plants.
If you have any questions, feel free to approach me.