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
- Make an appointment with our Garden Coach.
- Take photos of all areas to be considered for landscaping.
- Measure areas covered by the canopy of your shade and evergreen trees.
- 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.
- Sketch out your project area or house and lot. Indicate north on your map.
- Locate on your drawing, (existing and planned):
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- 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