The garden center , with its myriad choices , can be an intimidating place for a gardener , especially in bound when blossom are in full bloom . It ’s well-fixed to be overwhelmed and buy the same yearly you ’ve always had or simply choose works , seed bundle or bulbs that catch your eye . These approaches are n’t exactly the most inspiring way of life to plan a garden .
To make the best use of your space , consider planting a themed garden . A themed garden draws on a selection of plant that go together for understanding beyond environmental preferences . They can be based on a season ( a winter garden ) , a colour scheme ( all - white ) , a cultural reference ( a Shakespeare garden ) or a use ( apothecary or perfume garden ) .
Barbara Damrosch , one of America ’s most well-thought-of horticultural expert and the source ofTheme Gardens(Workman Publishing Group , 2000 ) andThe Garden Primer(Workman Publishing Group , 2nd version , 2008 ) , co - owns Four Season Farm , an experimental market garden in Harborside , Maine , with her husband , Eliot Coleman . concord to Damrosch , themed gardens bring down a limit that makes the nurseryman more originative .
“ It ’s similar to eat seasonally . You are more inspired because you only have a limited selection in each time of year , ” she say . “ Themes also give you a way to mastermind plants around an idea . That challenges you to make it more interesting , and you ’re going to add up up with an original idea . A radical may also think over your passion . If scent is crucial to you , you ’ll be appeal to a perfume garden . If you ’re interested in watching flora and fauna interact , you ’re cash in one’s chips to lean toward a garden that attractsbutterflies , hummingbirds andbees . ”
Goodwin Creek Gardens in Williams , Ore. , specializes inherbs , fragrant flowers and everlasting plant life , and it markets unique plant aggregation , such as Shakespeare , medicinal , culinary and wedding ceremony , that they ’ve hand - select to go with each paper . cobalt - owner Jim Becker , who co - authoredAn Everlasting Garden : A Guide to Growing , Harvesting and enjoy Everlastings(Interweave Press , 1994 ) with his married woman , Dottie , say themed gardens can help continue a horticultural history .
“ What fascinates us about herbs is their unique history , such as [ those ] used by ancient Egyptians for dyeing , ” he says . “ you may become part of that plant ’s story by collecting it . you may saunter in your apothecary garden and know what was used medicinally 400 twelvemonth ago . radical add an entirely new dimension to horticulture . ”
design Your Garden ThemeHoward Pierce , a state - licensed landscape painting architect found in Atascadero , Calif. , who designs outdoor spaces in areas ranging from Napa to San Diego , recommends look at the outer space you have and the garden ’s purpose during the planning stage .
“ Is the workspace big or small , and does it get full sun or are there area of part- or full - shade ? ” he asks . “ Next ask how it is to be used : Is it a useful garden just entail for plant to arise and cut off or harvest ? Is it a saunter garden with places to sit and enjoy ? ”
From there , think about how you could express your paper .
“ If the garden [ contain ] medicative plants used by Native Americans , maybe implement some tribal design in the hardscape , such as with concrete pavers . You could also employ stones or Native American art , ” Pierce read .
If you ’re be given toward a theme that is historical or orient toward a particularclimateor region , Damrosch recommend considering how it will look on your prop . “ There are no heavy and degenerate rule , but if you have a modern house or a very old - fashioned house , what theme will complement it ? ” Damrosch says . “ It might be interesting to have a garden that was growing when the house was built , such as a straitlaced or colonial garden . ”
If you have multiple themes , such as herbs and historic plants , and want to link them into a cohesive garden , Pierce suggest incorporate one or two vulgar elements that go forward throughout your garden .
“ It can be apathwaymade of the same fabric or the same garden ornament or piece of furniture or mint repeating along the garden route — something continuous to visually link up it all together , ” he order .
To pronounce the plants , Becker say to select something gentle - to - say and waterproof .
“ you may make sign on the calculator and laminate them or buy waterproof labels and localize them on wooden or metal markers . ”
As in any garden , it ’s important to prefer plants appropriate to your mood and the area ’s sun picture . industrial plant with similar water and sunlight - exposure motive should be planted together .
“ Plants like Rosmarinus officinalis do n’t need a flock of water , but thyme and basil need regular tearing , ” Pierce suppose . “ So that kind of thing can affect your flora grouping . ”Keep in intellect that some plant , such as mint , Artemisia or certain varieties of grasses , can be trespassing and should be keep in peck coiffe to one side of the garden .
“ For things like culinary or medicative [ plants ] , be heedful about prefer plant that are irritate or poisonous , especially if you have kids who want to smack or taste things , ” Becker says .
And finally , if prime are important to your paper , choose a succession of blooms that will last the season .
Ready to get start out ? Click below to get ideas for starting a garden with one of the seven abide by themes .
This article originally appeared in the January / February 2011 issue ofHobby Farm Home .
