creating your own outdoor habitat where you can be found...or not!
Pictures do so much more at describing than words ever seem to do. This
article in Fine Gardening Magazine covers several of the things that make a
habitat special. The article's author, a landscape architect, not only forms
firm boundaries for his property, but utilizes the entire backyard with walk
ways, colorful mini-gardens, and, even carves out cozy, intimate areas. You
will see before and after pictures, which I enjoy. I like the way he has
achieved total privacy from the street with his use of both plants and
fencing. Keep in mind that this landscape was not established overnight. It
took years for it to look as it does in the article.
http://www.finegardening.com/design/articles/create-backyard-private-haven.a
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Here are more ideas that you can take and begin creating your special
habitat:
Define the purpose for your habitat. An area for weekend naps will differ
from an area used more for reading as would an intimate area.
For sunny, mostly sunny, or dry areas plant herbs in groupings of 3.
Lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and chives shouldn't be limited to
kitchen gardens. They play well with all landscapes. If you allow chives to
bloom and go to seed they will spread around your garden sprouting new
plants later in the season. For these herbs, the drier the soil, the better
they seem to grow. I recommending mixing in some coarse sand at planting if
the soil should be on the clay side. This will help with drainage. Thyme and
rosemary will even grow in partially shaded areas, too.
Define the borders for your habitat. This can be done many ways, such as
fence or lattice panels, trees, shrubs, or ornamental grasses, basically
anything that will separate your habitat from the rest of your yard.
Once you have defined the borders, establish pathways or patio areas. Then
you can begin layering plants towards the center of your habitat. It is easy
to get carried away here, but do leave room for your hammock, chaise lounge,
or table and chairs. Layer with the tallest plants at back coming inward
with a mixture of shorter and semi-taller plants. On the inside area of your
habitat, set around plants in containers. These can even be incorporated as
part of the layering area itself if space is really limited.
Don't forget to add in some whimsical items as well such as wind wheels,
concrete statuary, bird feeders, unusual rocks, pots, bird houses, fun
hangings or lighting fixtures. I like the fun critter solar lights. This is
where you can really put your own personality stamp on your habitat.
Add in some lighting even it if is a strand of clear (okay even
multi-colored) Xmas lights. At night, even minimal lighting makes the
habitat a magical place.
Well, these are the basics on creating your own special outdoor habitat
where you can disappear to.
Don't forget to check out our new Free Spring Bonus Plants available only to
our Greenwood Members. Over the next week, I'll be adding more pictures to
our Landscape Idea Slideshow and our Landscape Idea Album on Facebook.
Until next time...
Cheryl
