This month is for all moms, whether they're in charge of a pack of human kids or a pack of furry kids.
Often, flowers are the theme of Mother's Day celebrations, and our warm spring climate makes plants an ideal gift.
Maybe you've received some this year, or in past years, or you're still thinking about how to use that nursery gift card.
Here are some tips for how to prepare your garden and transform it into a relaxing, restful haven - something every parent can appreciate.
First, look at the bones On a sunny day, take a look at where, and how, the sun falls in your yard.
It might be sunny at 10:00 am, but by 3:00 the neighbor's tree is throwing everything into total shade.
How big is your yard? This will also help shape what kinds of plants, stones, planters, arbors, and other accessories will work in your space.
What about your soil? In most of our area, it's heavy clay.
This can be difficult to work with, but is also rich in nutrients when properly amended.
What's your style? Chances are, you have some favorite flowers that you'd really like to include in your dream garden.
If they're large, like roses or hydrangeas, but your yard is small, all you need is one to serve as the focal point for a new bed, with shorter plants around it.
Tall plants should be at the back of a planting, short plants at the front.
Consider non-plant centerpieces like a large stone, a bird bath, a fountain, or a sculpture.
Think about how organized you'd like it to be, too.
Do you want an orderly, stately look, or do you prefer the casual chaos of a cottage garden? Preparation makes perfect Once you've figure out where you want your new garden bed, how much light the area gets, what plants you'd like to have there, and how they'll be arranged, it's time to prep the area.
Unless work has already been done to clay soil, you'll want to have organic matter, like planting mix or compost, tilled in.
The fine plant material acts as a sponge to get air and the right amount of water to your plant's roots.
Another alternative is to build raised beds and fill them with new topsoil.
This is an especially good option for people who have trouble bending low to the ground.
Restful for the mind and body We're making a haven, so be sure to include some kind of comfortable seating in a shaded area.
From hammocks to gliders to the classic chaise lounge, there are so many options.
If it's permanent or semi-permanent, make sure to check the view before installation, because you want to see your new garden space from the best angle.
If it's easily moved, you have the advantage of being able to shift your perspective with the changing seasons.
Next time, I'll talk a bit more about types of easy-to-grow plants that do well in our area (especially drought-resistant types), how to plan your plantings for a longer bloom season, and ways to add privacy and peace to your new outdoor sanctuary.
Often, flowers are the theme of Mother's Day celebrations, and our warm spring climate makes plants an ideal gift.
Maybe you've received some this year, or in past years, or you're still thinking about how to use that nursery gift card.
Here are some tips for how to prepare your garden and transform it into a relaxing, restful haven - something every parent can appreciate.
First, look at the bones On a sunny day, take a look at where, and how, the sun falls in your yard.
It might be sunny at 10:00 am, but by 3:00 the neighbor's tree is throwing everything into total shade.
How big is your yard? This will also help shape what kinds of plants, stones, planters, arbors, and other accessories will work in your space.
What about your soil? In most of our area, it's heavy clay.
This can be difficult to work with, but is also rich in nutrients when properly amended.
What's your style? Chances are, you have some favorite flowers that you'd really like to include in your dream garden.
If they're large, like roses or hydrangeas, but your yard is small, all you need is one to serve as the focal point for a new bed, with shorter plants around it.
Tall plants should be at the back of a planting, short plants at the front.
Consider non-plant centerpieces like a large stone, a bird bath, a fountain, or a sculpture.
Think about how organized you'd like it to be, too.
Do you want an orderly, stately look, or do you prefer the casual chaos of a cottage garden? Preparation makes perfect Once you've figure out where you want your new garden bed, how much light the area gets, what plants you'd like to have there, and how they'll be arranged, it's time to prep the area.
Unless work has already been done to clay soil, you'll want to have organic matter, like planting mix or compost, tilled in.
The fine plant material acts as a sponge to get air and the right amount of water to your plant's roots.
Another alternative is to build raised beds and fill them with new topsoil.
This is an especially good option for people who have trouble bending low to the ground.
Restful for the mind and body We're making a haven, so be sure to include some kind of comfortable seating in a shaded area.
From hammocks to gliders to the classic chaise lounge, there are so many options.
If it's permanent or semi-permanent, make sure to check the view before installation, because you want to see your new garden space from the best angle.
If it's easily moved, you have the advantage of being able to shift your perspective with the changing seasons.
Next time, I'll talk a bit more about types of easy-to-grow plants that do well in our area (especially drought-resistant types), how to plan your plantings for a longer bloom season, and ways to add privacy and peace to your new outdoor sanctuary.
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