Perfecting your garden is a process of trial and error. And sometimes, when you’re in the thick of it, it’s nice to call in an expert for some sage advice or words of encouragement.
Here, four professionals weigh in on details they often notice about gardens that aren’t as obvious to the untrained eye. They have provided us with 8 things pro gardeners will always notice about your garden—and how to avoid making mistakes.
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The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Plant spacing can feel like quite the conundrum. At first, it might look like you spaced plants too far apart, but Keegan Nesvacil of Woodland Tools Co. says it's crucial to allow them some breathing room.
«The most noticeable aspect from a distance is plant spacing,» Nesvacil says. «If you're putting a bunch of plants in a very finite amount of space, they'll be fighting for those resources in that very small area.»
@ladylandscape / Instagram
On both your front yard and backyard garden, keep the ratio of the size of your plants to your house in mind to achieve a balanced look.
«It’s important to have plants and trees that complement your home’s size,» Marc Mayer of TruGreen says. «Trees and tall bushes are a good choice for a two-story home, and short plants are more appealing for a one-story home.»
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Your garden's access to sunlight influences the plants you choose. Chris Burns, the director of operations for landscaping and design at Carson's Nurseries, can tell when a home gardener has taken their time and researched the best spot to place specific flowers and shrubs.
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With garden openings over for 2024, my ramblings around the garden involve a combination of “this is gorgeous!”, “aren’t we fortunate?”, “thank goodness that’s over” and “how can I improve this?”. Already thoughts have turned to potential ‘tweaks’, nothing major, and ways to improve things I don’t feel have really worked – perhaps I will write a post on them in due course…
Planting up a flower bed can seem a bit daunting to begin with. Initially, it’s important to consider factors such as the size of your bed, how much sun it gets, the quality of your soil and what kind of planting and colour scheme will suit your house style and your own preferences.
When you see a caterpillar on dill in your garden—or other plants—you may be startled, grossed out, or annoyed that your plant is being systematically decimated. I get excited. Because I know it’s a black swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes) that’s going to turn into a beautiful butterfly. And that butterfly is going to become one of many valuable pollinators in my garden. I see a few types of swallowtail butterflies fluttering about my property, landing on various annuals and perennials. They are am
The fruits and vegetables harvested from your own patch of earth are always the sweetest–doubly so if your garden is more shoebox than sprawling country pile. In pursuit of the perfect strawberry, modern gardeners are turning to the old Victorian favourite: cloches.
NOBODY WANTS to get the IRS notice in the mail that they’re being audited, heaven forbid. But when it comes to gardens, Rodney Eason believes that the occasional audit is a very positive process, and encourages us to perform one on our own landscape.
When one thinks about a production garden designed to yield copious amounts of vegetables and flowers, it’s not often one with perfectly manicured rows overflowing with color and paired with thoughtfully organized spaces for gathering. Practicality and function are usually the focus, not a dedication to stunning surroundings. This is where the team behind Oakland-based Pine House Edible Gardens stands out with their impeccable layout and design philosophies, showcasing the ability to implement important functional garden systems with incredible style.
Q: Our 25-year-old Aloha rose has failed to bloom again this season. It used to be in full bloom throughout the month of June. Can you recommend any treatment to restore it to its former glory? A Forsyth
Given how often your home requires cleaning, it's worth taking some time to brush up on essential tips and tricks that experts rely on to help streamline your process.
It’s hard to deny that the Midwest hosts the lion’s share of tall and dramaticnative perennials, but we in the Northeast also have some statuesque species that will make arresting additions to your garden. In addition to using them for their ornamental appeal, growing these regionally native plants can help to ameliorate habitat loss and provide food for local wildlife. The following three perennials also happen to have similar growing conditions and can be grown together in the same design.
There is much to love about passion flowers (Passiflora spp. and cvs., Zones 6–11). There are over 550 different species in the genus; some are shrubs and trees, but the ones that are most familiar to gardeners are the tropical-looking, tendril-bearing, climbing, flowering vines. These are the passion flower varieties that fall into my category of favorites. Some of these beauties even produce deliciously complex-flavored, fragrant, sweet-tart fruit.