Tips to Bring More Beauty to Your Garden

• Invest in water-wise perennials and shrubs and trees.
• Don’t let your garden become static. Add colorful inexpensive bedding plants and bulbs for seasonal color. Experiment for fun and beauty.
• Learn to recognize trouble signs early. Treat affected plants promptly with recommended products. Bring a small branch and photos in for diagnosis.
• Consult NHG’s Garden Advisors often and make an appointment with our Garden Coach.
• Remember, you will want to make adjustments as you see your plan grow and your needs change.
• See our Landscape Concierge Service online if you need a professional to install your landscape.
• Visit us online at NHG.com for helpful plant & project lists, videos, blog posts and more.

What to Do First

1. Make an appointment with our Garden Coach.
2. Take photos of all areas to be considered for landscaping.
3. Measure areas covered by the canopy of your shade and evergreen trees.
4. Think about the elements you want to include. Remember to keep in mind your family’s changing needs over time. A sandbox now can become a lily pond in the future.
5. Sketch out your project area or house and lot. Indicate north on your map.
6. Locate on your drawing, (existing and planned):

• • Entrances
  • Walls
  • Windows
  • Fences
  • Outdoor grill
  • Play areas
  • Out-buildings
  • Patios
  • Sidewalks
  • Driveways
  • Evergreens
  • Shrubs
  • Hedges
  • Flower Beds
  • Vegetable beds
  • Shade trees
  • Air conditioning unit
  • Dryer/Furnace vent
  • Utilities (buried/overhead)

Things to Consider

• Desired theme or style, such as Native, Formal, Xeric, etc.
• Maintenance requirements and desired time investment
• Plants that you prefer or dislike
• Privacy from neighbors and/or views from the street
• Placement of the grill for outdoor cooking
• Features that provide shade or windbreaks as necessary
• Irrigation: by hand, pop up sprinklers, or drip system?
• Space for growing vegetables and fruit
• Annual and perennial color
• Increased outdoor space for entertaining
• Play space for children or pets
• Utility space, including storage for tools and sports equipment
• Wildlife features: shelter and food sources for birds and insects
• Special features such as a greenhouse or pergola
• A focal feature such as a pond, fountain or firepit