When we moved to the burbs I fantasized about the garden and the services one could hire to maintain etc. Honestly - lawn companies today just mow and barely use the weed eater - in the ten years I've lived in Maryland I have not found a service that does more than that. Still I try to create the space I want and with a lot of trial and error - I have had more failures than successes honestly. I think I could benefit from the first company plan to create the space I dreamt of...
I've had multiple raised garden beds etc. and now they are stored in the garage. I've kept a simple herb/veg garden just outside the back deck area.
I enjoy hearing about the options out there - I'm still hoping for that time when I can spend $10k on making the yard beautiful.
Perhaps this is an oversight by the writer, but not one word about soil - soil biology, soil fertility, soil testing, soil pH. This is where all the garden magic starts, and it's foolhardy to suggest plants without this information. Plants in the wrong soil will not thrive and a homeowner who has spent a fair amount of money for a landscape will likely be tempted to address a less than satisfactory result with fertilizers, weed killers and bad watering practices.
Why must we turn everything into something easy and instant? Gardens are not that. Done right, hands will get dirty.
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Almost every county in the US has an Agricultural Extension agency affiliated with a land grant university (locally Cornell, Rutgers) tasked with helping the homeowner solve such problems. Help from a Master Gardener is a phone call away. There are courses to take and experts happy to consult. Also remember, educational programs of local botanical gardens are there to to provide design and horticulture assistance. Computer aided landscape design is only an adjunct to understanding soil, plant nutrition, pests and plant disease, and above all “right plant, right place”.
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Or, you could hire someone to work side by side with you for a while. The best way to learn is through observation. The hardest way to learn is through indirect methods. You might learn something and know something, but that doesn't mean you can do something.
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@Chris You make a lot of sense. However, in small Midwestern towns like mine, the only choices are DIY or hire expensive professional landscape companies that charge $100 for a plant that you can buy for $30 in a garden store that might give you a warranty too for that price. In large cities, there are migrant workers (or at least there used to be before Trump) whom you can hire to do the hard work that one is unable to do even with learned expertise from classes or observing pros.
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Or ....you could take and print out photos of your space, go to a local, independently owned nursery for advice and suggestions appropriate for your locale.
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Nice idea but not really there yet and pretty expensive for what you get.
Hire a local professional landscape designer. Hire a professional installation crew that will prep the soil, install irrigation system, do all planting and if you choose, an LED based lighting system.
Hire a professional maintenance company. Make sure that all of these providers you hire have rock solid guarantees so they are wholly responsible for any of the phases they did the work on or maintain.
Now this may seem expensive bad it isn't too bad as it scales with the size of the property and the complexity/diversity of the overall finished product.
The old maxim applies here, do it right, do it once. Trust me, it is worth the cost. If you can't afford this process then use your local resources as mentioned in the other comments here - including research on the internet and getting books from you local library.
When cost is an issue, do it one piece/section at a time and make sure that your design is scalable. Again, do it right the first time and you will be way far ahead of the game. Keep it simple and you'll be good.
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So, you've installed a commercial grade, photo-ready arrangement of plants, gazing balls, sundials and gnomes. Right out of Lawn Beautiful or something. Looks good. The neighbors are envious, so you're sitting pretty, right?
Soon after, though, it hits you that it takes a whole lot more time and effort to maintain everything, what with all the things you will forever have to mow and weed eat around.
And who knew that all those bushes you put right up against the house foundation could trap so much moisture there, while at the same time inhibit getting to the gutters?
Then one day, years later, you realize you made a Really Bad Move when you planted those majestic trees over your main sewer line. Their roots destroyed it, and now, instead of caterpillers you have a huge Caterpiller back hoe on your lot, digging up everything in sight.
And you look at the house across the street, with its plain yard, where the guy does nothing but cut the grass every two weeks.
And that's when you start screaming.
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The guy who does nothing but cut the grass every two weeks probably doesn't spend much other time in the yard, compared to someone who has new leaves and flowers to inspect or sniff, a variety of butterflies and bees to watch, and maybe a berry or edible flower to nibble.
Not thinking ahead about the mature plants' size can cause problems, sure, but nurturing a more natural environment, creating even a tiny haven for biodiversity and beauty, connecting just a little bit to the nature that humans evolved with, for many of us is more rewarding than spending any time at all on a monoculture of grass.
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@Tea I agree, Tea. Gardens do not automatically require 'mowing and weeding' unless you make it so. Not all gardens must consist of 'perfect, green grass of a certain height', nor are dandelions and the like always 'weeds' to be removed. (A 'weed' is simply any volunteer plant you decide you do not like having in your yard or garden...)
I learned gardening through trial and error, learning from mistakes, and observation. I first read various books on how-to, design ideas, container gardening, how to garden in small spaces, etc.
I'd plant things, water them, prune them, amend the soil, etc., and then sit back and observe what happened. If you are some who's patient and good at paying attention, you'll eventually figure out what you are doing right, and what you are doing wrong. Some of my best learning came from big mistakes (i.e, the first year when I spent hundreds of dollars on fancy shrubs, Japanese maples, etc., planted them in pots, only for the subsequent Winter to be one of the worst. Come Spring, none of these plants had survived. The problem was that I'd not understood 'if in pots, subtract two zones' or 'if you are in Zone 6, any (perennial) plants in pots must be hardy to Zone 4 or lower, if you want them to survive the winter...'
I also learned not to 'fight' nature. If a plant didn't work out after 1-2 tries, I try something different. I have plants that work in my environment, and that need just the normal watering, fertilizer, pruning.
Not a single comment about taking care of it as we age. I'm pushing 80, and take pride in doing a lot of this myself. I'm giving away stuff to make the place more low maint., cut down on the work. My inspiration is from a book called Private Gardens of Connecticut, and the garden is by Lee Link. I've seen her wonderful garden, and now understand the phrase Simplify, simplify, simplify.
It also doesn't hurt to not take the plant out of the pot, dig a hole, plop it in, and try it in a few places.
The NYT may not print this, but at my age, less is more...
Also, I now do my vegetables in pots, and can move them inside before frost, etc. Extends the season considerably.
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Doing good design has nothing to do with being a green thumb. Having a green thumb means having the skill to keep plants alive and happy by feeding them and watering them appropriately and understanding things like soil pH. Based on the title, this article should have been about that topic. Good landscaping comes from good aesthetic judgement and planning skills, which is what the title should have referred to.
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My generation would just throw some Kentucky 31 seed about, then water it a little. Cost about 5 bucks. When the dryness of summer came, we were thankful, let the grass go brown so we didn't have to cut the grass. Went to the beach instead of mowing!
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Even with the best of professional services, you need to get out there and work at it everyday if you wish to keep it looking pristine.
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I would suggest getting your hands on Taylor’s Master Guide To Gardening, an encyclopedic work containing numerous chapters including inspiring how-to subject areas for different planting schemes and challenges, hundreds and hundreds of lush color photos of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vines, etc., and a comprehensive flora index. This remarkable reference volume, issued and updated for decades, can serve as the backbone of any gardener’s library.
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@John Grillo
Agree, great book. In addition, Taylor's Master Guide To Landscaping is a must have for design issues.
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I don’t think anyone would say that nurseries aren’t useful and shouldn't be part of the process. In fact, they are vital. These design platforms offer the foundation for a longer conversation-- tools for thought that require the input and association with local nurseries in order to be successful, and are meant to help more people begin the process of putting together their gardens in ways that are thoughtful, healthy, lasting, and I can imagine, beautiful. Enlisting input from design professionals in the field of landscape design can help any project, and when priced right, can be just the thing that gets a person out and less intimidated (which quite often involves far more than planting alone). Armed with good, solid information that's tailored to their space, they can visit a nursery to buy plants and seek further information. Gardens are ever -changing, and involve a process over time, so if anything, this would provide a foundation of knowledge and therefore the confidence for a person go seek more information from their local nurseries over their lifetime. Additionally, gardens are complex, with a huge intimidation factor that is often underestimated. As someone who works in this industry, I see that people generally opt to do nothing or go to Lowe’s or Home Depot armed with little to no information, rather than take the steps of enlisting locals for help. These platforms could actually help to reverse that trend, and I am excited by that possibility.
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@Claudia
Thanks, Claudia. I, too, very much liked this article. There are shy people in this world who would be able to communicate better online with a service such as one of these than they might be able to deal with an in person local landscaper.
Also, the cost of one of these services is tied down, definite, non increasing with each possible question, finite.
Also, the design gives a quick complete re-do for those of us who may not have years to try something in one place, then move it to another a year or so later.
Also, maybe such a person wants to fix up their yard quickly so as to sell the house at a better price.
Also, maybe they can afford to hire a yard man to do all that line trimmer and weed pulling work, but want a quick one-time idea.
I liked the article. It let me know about something available online that I didn't know was 'out there'.
2
Remember the birds, landscape habitat can be pleasing to the eye and home to the home seeking birds and beetles. Bye not hosing down your garden w/ toxic waste to make it green or covering every inch w/ something special but sterile. Think, use organic materials and think seeds for living things to eat, relax and share, its habitat now.
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I'm a landscaper and I can see how these might be helpful for a homeowner on a budget to use in conjunction with the services of a professional landscaper,but perhaps not in place of. If the writer who tested this brought this to me I could tell them that fescue is a marginal choice (needs really good drainage, if you don't have that, forget it), lupine is a terrible choice (it looks great for about a week while it flowers, then looks awful the rest of the year), lambs ear is usually pretty solid. Recommendations for similar looking plants that are more practical could then be made in place of the lupine and fescue. It's kind of like going to a hairdresser with a picture of something you like. It's a good starting point, but a professional should have the good sense and wherewithal to tell you when something isn't going to work for you and make alternate recommendations. A true professional generally won't blindly execute a faulty design. I would be wary if you are a homeowner trying to use these programs for a diy renovation. At least consult your local nursery for advice on the plants being recommended, don't just go to Home Depot and buy blindly or you will more than likely be disappointed with your project after the first year or so.
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@Sterling
Yep. So no need to throw away hundreds on these tech tools. Put that money to better use with local resources, in person advisors.
3
For the purchase of a $200 gift card at my wonderful, local nursery, I received a free one hour consultation at my home from an experienced landscaper. who showed up with an intern. They walked the yard with me, then spent the rest of the hour taking notes and pictures. A week later he emailed me a plan which included pictures of my home with the plants he selected "clipped" in. At my convenience, I then met him at the nursery to see and select some of the plants he had recommended, which were discounted 10% as part of the gift card special. Just finished planting my new Bobo hydrangeas yesterday! More to go but it's a start!
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@DG#1
Wonderful suggestion. Buy local!
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This from the newspaper that used to feature Ann Raver?
So you want to create a lush and inviting environment for friends and family to relax in. Hire a local landscape or garden designer and a good maintenance team. Perhaps the former can recommend the latter.
Lushness will come from care and maintenance. It is simple to draw the paradise; it is another thing to build, install and maintain it. But you see the app designers, have captured the sweet spot: they draw the paradise, and get paid. And what actually happens in your postage stamp back yard is your problem; but you do have a pretty design, perhaps suitable for framing.
The app designers are left with no real problems of installation, soil amendment, drainage, pest control, adjustment or care. How perfect for them and how sad for their clients.
Only in America could you sell a design app like this to people for whom a clue remains elusive.
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@grumpyoldman, points very well made!
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@grumpyoldman Amen. And how I miss Ann Raver's beautiful, lifting words full of of experience and advice.
1
For decking and similar I contact a trusted contractor who designs much of what he does.
For planting I follow Mother Nature's lead: I broadcast local flora seeds and plant seedlings as randomly as possible and let Nature do her thing. This seems to work and, will sometimes produce some wonderful surprises...
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I dunno, you're going to end up working with a local nursery/landscaper in the end. So why not just start with them? An actual human being onsite can take into account so many more variables. Seems like these "tools" are more about daydreaming. But you would be better off taking the money and putting into a budget with the local folks. Plus they are more apt to back up their advice as well as their work.
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@Matthew Yardzen cofounder here. I think it comes down to how much you value design. Our designers have degrees and depth of experience in landscape design and architecture, whereas in my experience most landscapers and gardeners don’t. Yardzen’s a way to get a professional design and use the local installer of your choice. The difference between a yard that started with a professional design and one that didn’t is noticeable.
I also think you may be underestimating how much you can understand about a property without stepping foot on it using modern technology. We can glean sun/shade patterns, slope and planting zone from an address alone. We’d welcome the opportunity to show you - send an email to Allison at Yardzen if interested.
Thanks for your comment!
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@Allison
Possibly.
But in the end you are an electronic middle person hoping to glean folks that are addicted to the digital click solution. It's not that hard to find your local professional. Ask neighbors. Go to local reputable nurseries, not Home Depot. They know what works locally. They also know local professional landscape designers. The firm handling my property have been doing it for 2 owners previous to me - back to the 1960s. They climb trees. They come with light meters and scan the sky in multiple locations to determine what will work where, which is not do-able from a satellite view and a few pics. You can't determine the height of trees from all angles, how architecture creates shade. I locate plants with subtle precision, studying how the sun travels over the course of seasons. We need to cultivate (sorry for pun) local expertise. It is indispensable. They are also professionals. My property regularly has cars slowing down to gawk. I've had notes left asking to buy the place. Successful landscape is a year-in, year out process of addressing everything that is happening: this is dying, that is taking over, let's try this here, what are the deer eating this year, what kind of soil, how to amend, when and how to water, fertilize, chemicals, storm damage, other pests, fungal diseases? It's an endless process, year after year after year. Some gardening takes decades to come to fruition. Telling someone to plop this here and that there is not nearly enough.
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@Allison
I'm a retired landscape architect who was a partner in a design-build firm. We also built gardens designed by others. In my experience there are varying abilities in design even for those with college degrees. And a surprising number of people I knew in Landscape Architecture school weren't really interested in plants and use computer programs rather than personal horticulture knowledge to choose plants. In this article, the writer mentions than Buddleia was a recommended shrub, but in some places Buddleia is considered to be invasive and shouldn't be used. Same with Euonymus alata in some parts of the country. One famous garden designer used non-native Yew hedges for a garden in the mountains of Idaho where she couldn't use her favorite boxwood. A lot of dead moose and elk later, the local county had to outlaw the use of this poisonous plant and require homeowners and municipalities to remove the plants. Also a big loss for the nursery that had started to buy in a large supply. Local knowledge is important.
2