Lee Valley Tools - Gardening Newsletter Vol. 2, Issue 4

Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 2, Issue 4
August 2007

Landscaping Tips to Improve the Value of Your Home

Avoid Landscape Mishaps

Have a plan: It's important to have a written plan or conceptual sketch of how you'd like your gardens to evolve. This doesn't mean you can't deviate from the initial plan, but it's a poor idea to switch to a completely different concept. This will only cost you time and money.
Select the proper plant material: Analyze the soil and light conditions on your property and select plants that will easily acclimatize to them.

Selecting the proper plant material for the climate in which you live is the first step in ensuring a beautiful garden.

Envision the maximum plant growth: Most of your plant selections will be at an early stage of development. The wise gardener must plan for their maximum growth. This should prevent having to relocate the plants and help avoid the costly deterioration of neighboring plants in overcrowded beds.
Avoid blocking indoor sunlight: Many gardeners select foundation bushes and plant them in front of exterior windows. These bushes can eventually end up covering the windows and blocking light from entering the home. They may also create exterior maintenance problems. Opt for bushes that grow no higher than the base of the window.
Know the needs of your plants: Not every plant has the same moisture and fertilizer requirements. Site plants with similar moisture needs together to prevent over- or under-watering. Keep plants on a regular fertilizing schedule and be fully educated as to what type of nourishment each plant requires.
Too much mulch: In most beds, the maximum amount of mulch required for moisture retention and weed discouragement is two to three inches; any more encourages root rot. To discourage rodents from burrowing and destroying bark, avoid using wood mulching material within 12 inches of the trunk.

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