Olivia Harvey is a freelance writer and award-winning scriptwriter from outside Boston, Massachusetts. She’s a big fan of scented candles, getting dressed up, and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. You can make sure she’s doing okay via…read more
Designing a garden might seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to it. But with some thoughtful planning and a dash of creativity, you can transform any outdoor space into a charming garden that mirrors your personal style.
Whether you’re dreaming of a vibrant kitchen garden, a sanctuary for bees and butterflies, or a serene corner to unwind, this guide is packed with practical ideas to get you started.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore everything about designing a garden for beginners, from understanding your space and setting your goals to choosing the right plants and creating an inviting layout.
With a clear vision and some helpful tips, you’ll soon be on your way to crafting a garden that feels like an extension of your home.
Knowing your garden space is key to the best garden plans.
Start by assessing the garden dimensions and shape of your area, taking into account any existing features like terraces or water bodies that could impact your layout.
Sunlight exposure is crucial, so note how the light moves across your garden throughout the day. Different plants have different sunlight needs, and this information will guide your plant selection.
Don’t forget about your soil—different plants thrive in different types of soil. Is your soil sandy, clayey, or loamy? A simple soil test can help you determine its type and pH level. If the soil isn’t ideal, don’t worry! Raised beds or soil additives can improve your growing conditions.
Also, think about access to water. Easy access to a water source will make maintenance tasks like watering and cleaning much easier. Consider the paths you’ll walk regularly; make sure they’re easy to navigate and won’t become muddy after rain. You may want to add gravel or pavers to the paths.
You can also incorporate ornamental grasses and groundcovers to address large, open areas.
Lastly, observe any natural slopes or drainage issues. Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged plants, while a slope might require terracing to prevent erosion.
It may be helpful to take a photo of your backyard or garden space to take to the nursery for recommendations from a master gardener.
By understanding these aspects of your space, you’ll be better equipped to make choices that ensure your garden flourishes.
Setting your goals early on is crucial to guiding your garden design. Think about what you want from your garden.
Do you envision a peaceful retreat, a vibrant space for entertaining, or a practical area for growing your own produce? By identifying your main goal, you can make decisions that align with your vision.
Make a list of the specific plants and features you want to include. Maybe you’re dreaming of a lush, colorful flower garden that attracts bees and butterflies, or perhaps a kitchen garden brimming with fresh vegetables and herbs is more your style.
Think about whether you want a particular theme, like a Japanese garden or a rustic, country vibe. Your choices should reflect your personal preferences and how you plan to use the space.
It’s also worth considering any functional aspects. Do you need shaded areas for hot days or a pathway that can handle foot traffic without getting muddy? These practical needs will help shape your design.
Remember to plan for the future too. Consider how much time you can dedicate to maintenance and whether you’ll need easy-to-care-for plants or are ready for a more hands-on gardening experience.
By setting clear goals, you’ll be well on your way to creating a garden that is both beautiful and functional.
Choosing the right plants can feel like picking out the perfect ingredients for a recipe.
Start by looking into plants that are well-suited to your climate zone and soil type. There will likely be a wide range of plants to choose from. This ensures they’ll thrive and save you from future headaches.
Consider what you want your garden to look like year-round. Mix in plants with different heights, colors, and bloom times to keep things interesting through every season of the year.
You’ll want to consider if you prefer annuals or perennials, or a mix of both.
Think about functionality too. Want to attract bees and butterflies? Go for flowering plants like lavender, coneflowers, or bee balm. If a kitchen garden is on your wish list, herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme, along with vegetables, are great picks.
Also, be mindful of the light conditions in your garden. Some plants love soaking up the sun, while others prefer shady spots.
Remember to check the growth habits of the plants you choose. Some plants spread quickly and can take over if not managed, so it’s important to place them where they have enough room to grow without crowding out their neighbors.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to a great selection of plants that not only look great but also thrive in your unique garden space through different seasons of the year.
Creating a garden layout is like putting together a puzzle, and the key is to start with a rough sketch.
Outline your garden design needs, such as where you want paths, garden beds, and any key features like benches or arbours. Think about how you’ll move through the space and ensure there’s a good flow.
Raised beds can be a fantastic way to add depth and structure to your garden, making it easier to manage plants and giving your garden a polished look.
Consider the sunlight and water needs of your plants when deciding their placement. Some may prefer full sun, while others need part shade. Group plants with similar requirements together to make watering and care more straightforward.
Also, try to visualize how your garden will change with the seasons. By thinking ahead, you can ensure that something is always in bloom and that your garden has year-round interest.
Don’t forget about the little details that can make a big difference, like the placement of decorative elements. Birdbaths, fountains, or even a cozy bench can add charm and functionality to your space.
And remember, the best garden layouts are flexible—don’t be afraid to tweak your design as your garden grows and evolves. Your favorite garden designs may change over time or with the season change.
Adding features and accents to your garden can truly elevate its charm and functionality.
Think about incorporating benches for a cozy seating area, or maybe a fountain to add a soothing water element.
Birdbaths not only look lovely but are a useful feature to attract feathered friends, bringing your garden to life. Sculptures and garden lights can highlight your favorite spots, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy.
Don’t forget to use decorative pots and planters to create focal points and add layers of visual interest. Consider a trellis for climbers.
Little touches like these can make your garden not just a visual treat but also a space where you’ll love spending time.
Once your garden is up and running, keeping it healthy and vibrant requires a bit of regular care.
Start with a good watering routine, keeping in mind the specific needs of your plants. Some plants need a good soak every few days, while others prefer lighter, more frequent watering. Check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overdoing it.
Weeding is another crucial task. Weeds can steal nutrients from your plants, so it’s best to pull them out as soon as you spot them. Mulching can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, making your life a bit easier.
Pruning is also essential for plant health and aesthetics. Trim back any dead or overgrown branches to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Each plant has its own pruning needs, so a quick lookup can guide you on the best times and methods.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Early detection is key to preventing an infestation from spreading. If you notice any unusual spots, holes, or bugs, identify the issue and treat it promptly with the appropriate methods, whether that’s organic solutions or more conventional treatments.
Don’t forget about feeding your plants. Regularly apply a balanced fertilizer suited to your plant types to give them the nutrients they need to thrive. Compost is also a great option, adding organic matter to the soil and improving its structure and fertility.
Finally, pay attention to seasonal changes. Some plants may need extra protection in the winter, while others might need more water during hot summer months.
Adjust your care routine accordingly to keep your garden looking its best all year round. With consistent maintenance, your garden will remain a beautiful and inviting space.
Designing a garden offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your personality while creating a beautiful outdoor space.
Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection right away; it’s about enjoying the journey and learning as you go. Start with a clear plan, but stay flexible—gardens are living, evolving spaces. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments as you see what works and what doesn’t.
Experiment with different plant combinations and decorative elements to see what makes you happiest. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice from local gardening centers or neighbors who have gardening experience. Their insights can be incredibly valuable.
Keep in mind the maintenance aspect and try to incorporate features that make your garden easier to care for in the long run. With patience, creativity, and a bit of effort, you’ll have a garden that not only looks great but also serves as a delightful retreat right outside your door.
Enjoy every moment you spend nurturing your green oasis!
Olivia Harvey is a freelance writer and award-winning scriptwriter from outside Boston, Massachusetts. She’s a big fan of scented candles, getting dressed up, and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. You can make sure she’s doing okay via Instagram and/or Twitter.
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If you’re into houseplants like I am, then you have probably seen moss poles popping up across the internet lately. If you haven’t, let me explain a bit.
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Moss poles are exactly what they sound like: Poles that are made from sphagnum moss. To create them, usually, a PVC pipe or bamboo stick is covered with moss, which is held in place with plastic netting or fishing line. The purpose of these poles is to provide support for climbing plants like philodendrons, pothos, and monsteras, which allows these plant babies to soar upward. In their natural habitat, these tropical plants grow in the forest understory and use their aerial roots to climb vertically up trees and other large plants toward the light. On top of helping them climb, the aerial roots also absorb moisture and nutrients from the plant matter around them. Moss poles are designed to mimic this natural process indoors. The sphagnum moss is supposed to be kept evenly moist, thus providing water and nutrients to the plants as they climb — similar to what they would experience in nature.
Sounds great, right? Well, in theory, moss poles are great, if they’re installed and used correctly. However, a couple of problems with moss poles exist. First, moss poles are, quite frankly, a lot of work to maintain because they require a lot of water. Listen, I have a hard enough time remembering to water all of my plants on a regular basis as it is, so keeping a moss pole moist all the time is not realistic for me. Second, they are messy. If you’ve never seen or handled sphagnum moss directly, know that it falls apart easily, especially when it’s dry. Maybe this is TMI, but we’re plant friends so… also, moss poles smell kind of weird; think of the smell of a wet bog or marshland and then imagine it in your home. Lastly, moss poles are, well, sort of ugly. Unless you’re going for a complete indoor jungle vibe (which is totally a look that can be amazing), moss poles often stick out in a home like a sore thumb.
For all of these reasons, when it comes to providing my plants with supports to climb, I prefer to look for trellises and plant stakes. In general, they’re a bit more stylish and don’t have that wet forest smell that’s just not for me. My favorite alternative in particular? Metal plant trellises. I’m not talking about the standard ones you can find at any old garden center, though. I’m talking about the stylish, sculptural ones available online.
You can find metal trellises in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and on top of being functional, they truly can turn your plant into a work of art. The gold, copper, and brass-colored options are particularly amazing. They’re also fairly easy to source. Great options are available on Amazon, but I love the stylish and unique options small businesses, like Etsy seller NatitBe, have to offer. Check out these minimalist, boho-style metal plant trellises — the snake one below is to die for, and it’s only $31!
When buying a metal trellis, keep the size of the plant you’re hoping to stake up in mind. Larger plants like monsteras will need equally large supports, while smaller plants like pothos or heartleaf philodendrons will be okay with shorter trellises.
Now, obviously, metal trellises and plant supports cannot provide the plant’s aerial roots with any moisture or nutrients. But as long as you are watering your plant properly, fertilizing it during the spring and summer (depending on the plant), and using good quality soil that is appropriate for your plant, it will be just fine with a metal trellis. Most climbing houseplants like pothos or monsteras obtain the majority of their water and nutrients from their primary underground root system anyway. So while a moss pole can be a great option for your climbing houseplants, it definitely isn’t the only one!
Olivia Harvey is a freelance writer and award-winning scriptwriter from outside Boston, Massachusetts. She’s a big fan of scented candles, getting dressed up, and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. You can make sure she’s doing okay via Instagram and/or Twitter.