- 1). Take a slow walk around your yard. Note any natural landmarks, such as large boulders, slopes and hills and large trees. Think about just where you'd like to install your ornamental gardens.
- 2). Create the basic shape of the area to be landscaped on a piece of paper--even if you're not a great artist, sketching the general shape will give you an idea of where to position your gardens and plants. Try to keep your drawing proportional. Mark any natural features of your yard in the outline. Experiment with where you'd like to install your elements by including them on your drawing.
- 3). Decide exactly where you will build your new gardens. Limit your garden areas to three or four initially. Remember that symmetry is not the ultimate goal, but rather natural beauty. Consider building small gardens around lamp posts or mailboxes in addition to the featured ornamental gardens you'll create.
- 4). Choose the plants you will use in your gardens. Invest in quality perennials that are sure to bring life to your gardens year after year. Consider colors and the height of the plants you use--layering different sizes of plants can give a garden depth, using colors well can create a textured palette that complements your home. Make sure the plants you choose can thrive in your yard conditions.
- 5). Once you settle on a plan, mark the areas you've designated for gardens using spray paint. Avoid painting straight lines with sharp angles in favor of natural curves for the perimeter of your garden.
- 6). Cut the sod along the spray painted borders with a flat-edge spade. Slide the spade under the lip of grass and push it straight through under the sod--this will cut through the roots of grass and allow you to roll the grass back, often in one piece. Remove the grass, but save it as the soil attached and the sod itself can be used to fill in any holes you may create in the lawn while installing your gardens.
- 7). Rake the dirt patches that are now in the shape of your future ornamental gardens. Till the soil--rake deeply and turn over the soil. Lay down topsoil if your soil is not rich or if it's too shallow or hard.
- 8). Position plants in your garden before you plant them. Make sure the root ball in in tact and the plant is well-watered as you take time to decide exactly where to place the plants. Dig holes about 2 inches deeper than the height of the root ball and lay down organic fertilizer. Sprinkle a bit of topsoil over the fertilizer so the strength of it doesn't burn your plants.
- 9). Backfill and water your newly planted flowers. Finish off with attractive bark mulch, which not only will keep your new plants hydrated, but give your yard and gardens a sharp and tailored look--although you want your design and gardens to appear natural, it doesn't hurt for them to look tidy.
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