 |
| Photo by Anne K. Moore |
|
Lost In Space: Planning Your Outdoor Living Space
Feel inspired by Taimi Anderson's article on garden retreats but don't know where to start in creating your own? We have some simple tips to get you started.
The best question to consider when planning your own garden retreat or outdoor living space is a simple one: what do you want from it? Will this space be used as a picnic area for your family? Host a small fountain or piece of art? Do you want to turn this space into a vegetable garden or perhaps attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds into your backyard? An outdoor living space can serve many purposes and defining what you want from yours will help the other pieces come together.
After you've figured out the purpose, consider what the space offers you. Is it in full sun most of the day? Is the area in constant shade? Is it well lit? Figuring out what you are working with will help in the selection of plants that will thrive in the area you are working with. Write down as many characteristics of the space you have -- including sunlight, soil conditions, problem areas -- and ask your local nursery or extension agency for advice and tips on the best plants suited for your space.
Clearly identify the area you are working with by using stakes or strings to define its borders. Don't let a small area and project get out of hand by not defining the space you are working with! This will help in not only giving you a better idea of the space you are landscaping but will help keep your budget in line by not over-buying and over planning for the space you have to work with.
Now that you have a space in your landscape selected and have it clearly defined, begin designing for the space. Flip through your favorite gardening books, web sites, catalogs and magazines, such as Carolina Gardener, and begin collecting ideas for your space. Though you may not use all of the ideas you collect, you will have a better idea of the plants and design elements to incorporate and specific plants or themes you would like your living space to feature.
Finally, don't do it all at once. Remember the old adage of "Good things come to those who wait." Do not rush in the design of your living space or the completion of your plan. Consider designing in steps and completing small sections of your space rather than rushing to complete it all at once or in one day. You may want to give some of the plants time to sow or give plants time to grow to avoid trampling as you add the finishing touches to your new outdoor living space. When you've finished designing and planting your new space -- enjoy it! Don't let your hard work go to waste. Inviting friends and family members over to see your finished living space, that you have designed yourself, may inspire others to follow your example and plan their own.
|
