Category: Landscaping

Ask Justin: Your Landscaping Questions Answered

Welcome to my advice column, Ask Justin. I’m here to answer all of your landscaping questions, big or small. Got a problem with weeds? Trying to figure out the best time to plant new flowers? I have the answers you’re looking for. So sit back, relax, and let me help you get your yard looking its best. Thanks for reading!

If you don’t know what to plant in your garden, try using a mix of annuals and perennials

Planting a mix of annuals and perennials in your garden is an oh-so-easy way to get some incredible colors and textures that will last all season long! Consider hibiscus for its bold pink blooms, aster for its vibrant purples and blues, celosia for its bright pom-pom blooms, dahlias to make your garden pop, marigolds for their golden goodness, columbine for striking blue and white spurs, and the oh-so beloved butterfly bush to attract swathes of pretty pollinators. No matter what you pick, you’re sure to create a marvelous mosaic in your Ohio backyard!

You can also use native plants that are specific to your area

Adding native plants to your outdoor environment is an easy and fun way to give your yard its own unique feel. Have some black-eyed susans or columbine blooming in the sunnier spots or smooth penstemon near a fence or wall. You could also try adding swamp milkweed here and there as it brings a lot of pollinators like butterflies and bees, plus it can attract birds! And don’t forget about marsh marigolds – they love wet areas and make wonderful additions to any yard. So pick out some regional favorites that you’d like to see flourish in your area, add them to your garden, and enjoy a piece of nature right outside your doorstep!

Another option is to plant fruits and herbs that you can use in your cooking

Planting a small orchard of apple, peach, and pear trees can be a great option for the green-thumbed home chef. Not only would the produce in these trees provide you with delicious snacks and ingredients for your recipes, but you’d also have the advantage of being able to say you picked them yourself! However, if outdoor planting isn’t an option for you, growing herbs indoors can still make a big difference – think basil, sage, thyme, chives, garlic, and cilantro. Fresher herbs tend to look and taste better than store-bought versions too. So grab your trowel or your planters and sow some seeds today – yum!

Whatever you decide to plant, make sure you choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of sunlight and space you have available

When picking plants for your garden, it’s important to consider the amount of direct sunlight they’ll get – full sun, partial sun, or full shade. This will determine which plants will be able to thrive in whichever conditions you have in your outdoor space. You should also think about how much room is available – larger plants might require a full sun location with more space, while smaller ones can happily grow in areas with partially dappled sunlight. Taking into account the light and space situation you have will help you pick out your perfect plants and ensure delightful blooms come springtime!

Once you’ve decided what to plant, research how to care for your plants so they will thrive

Whether you’ve decided to spruce up your home with some bright flowers or transform your backyard into a vegetable garden, it’s important that you know how to take care of what you plant. Do some research about fertilizer for your plants – for example, a fertilizer high in nitrogen is great for vegetables and organic fertilizer would be preferred by those who want to avoid harsh chemicals. You might also consider getting a soil test before planting so that you can better understand the needs of the soil and give your plants the best chance at success. Last but not least, develop a watering plan – whether that means investing in a drip line or irrigation system or just having regular watering sessions outside! Whatever method you choose, make sure that your greenery gets enough water to thrive and remain green and vibrant.

Now that you’re armed with information about what to plant in your landscaping area (annuals, perennials, native plants, vegetables, fruits, etc.) and how to care for them, your garden will be blooming in no time. Whether you’re looking to relax amongst a bed of flowers or enjoying the aromas of plucking fresh herbs from your herb garden, there are countless ways to explore different plant varieties and try something new. With the right mix of plants for your area and appropriate care, you can create an oasis right at home! Ultimately, it’s all about experimenting with different plants and adding splashes of color that truly make it yours. So why not get started today? Still stumped with what to plant in your landscaping area? Book an appointment with a local expert – they can offer invaluable advice while breaking down the positives and negatives of each option depending on the time of year as well as have specific recommendations tailored towards what visual appeal best suits your outdoor space.

Landscaping Tips for the First-Time Homeowner

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner! You’ve worked hard to get where you are and now it’s time to make your house a home. Landscaping is a great way to make your new place feel like yours, but it can be daunting if you’re not sure where to start. Here are a few tips that will help you get off to the right start and create a beautiful landscape for years to come.

Start with the Basics

Before you jump into any big projects, take some time to learn about the basics of landscaping. Knowing how much water different plants need, what kind of soil works best in your area, and which plants work best together will help ensure that your landscaping efforts pay off in the long run. If you’re still feeling unsure or overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional landscaper who can help guide you through the process.

Choose Your Plants Carefully

When choosing plants for your yard, it’s important to consider both their size and their lifespan. Think about how big each plant will be at maturity and make sure that it fits into your desired vision for the space. Also, consider how long each plant will live so that you don’t have to replant every year—if that’s something you’d rather avoid! And finally, pick plants that work well with the climate in your area—nothing is worse than spending money on plants only for them to die shortly after planting because they weren’t suited for your region’s climate.

Plan for Maintenance

Maintaining a beautiful landscape takes effort, so plan ahead when considering what type of maintenance tasks might be involved with each plant or project. If you’re going to plant flowers or shrubs, think about how often they need pruning or deadheading; if you plan on installing pavers or walkways, consider whether they need regular cleaning or resealing; and if trees are part of your plan, think about how often they’ll need trimming or fertilizing. Taking these factors into account before you begin will help save time and energy down the road!

With proper planning and care, creating a beautiful landscape doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task! Taking these steps before diving in will ensure that your yard looks its best all year round and provides an enjoyable outdoor space for years to come! Good luck with all of your landscaping endeavors!