Landscaping with garden shrubs can be an extremely rewarding experience. But as with any project, there are some things you should take into consideration before jumping into the deep end. First of all, you will need to determine your space. It’s better to have a larger space than you think you will because it makes landscaping with garden shrubs more complicated. You also have to think about the types of plants you want in your yard and the amount of space you have to dedicate to them. Another important issue is the kind of soil conditions where you live and are working.
A common mistake that people make when they start landscaping with garden shrubs is over-watering their area. This causes the roots to wilt and often results in the entire garden falling over. To avoid this type of situation, try to water less when you are planning on having your garden with shrubs. It can be especially difficult in areas that are prone to hard water such as in the desert.
Before you begin digging out the soil, remove all trash, including garden waste and empty pots, pruning shears, garden hoes and other garden equipment. Larger items, such as wheelbarrows or a forklift, should be left in the yard. Thoroughly rake the ground to remove all of the rocks, dirt, tree roots and grass that may have been placed in the area. If needed, use a rototiller to loosen the soil and add humic acid, which is good for improving the soil PH. For newly planted garden shrubs, you may want to water only during the first couple of weeks, then add water as the plant becomes accustomed to its new surroundings.
Before you begin digging, check the pH levels in the soil to ensure that your garden shrubs will be able to survive. Usually, these pH levels will be established by using a soil test kit or by reading the color of the soil through a meter. Some plants may need more or less water than others. Green plants, such as alpine or sage, do well in acidic soils; azaleas, hibiscus and evergreens thrive in alkaline conditions; while drought-tolerant trees, such as junipers and pines, will do best in neutral or slightly acidic soils.
Once the garden soil has been tested, begin planting. Prune all climbing plants to make room for the tallest ones. In most cases, these should be planted on an accent, higher than the others. While this will increase the amount of growth time, it also will increase the amount of watering needed. Since it is harder for plants to grow towards the sun when they are shorter, it is important that you keep the garden shrubs’ roots away from the sun in order for them to get proper nutrients.
Mulch your garden shrubs. Mulch creates a protective, insulating layer above the soil that keeps moisture in, winter winds out and cool air in during the hot, summer months. When choosing which type of mulch to use, choose one made from wood or crushed pine bark. The bark will retain moisture better than a mulch made from plastic. Since it is a porous substance, it will attract earthworms, which will help reduce erosion and improve soil texture.
Water garden shrubs. Watering is more difficult than the soil-based variety, so it is best to choose a periodical, automatic irrigation system that can be set on a timer. This will give your garden a much-needed break from being a suffocating, over-watered garden. It is also important not to over-water, since the water will run out of the reservoir and wash away any of the water-holding materials such as fertile soil, rocks or pebbles before it has a chance to soak into the ground.
Plant shrubs in a limited area. Smaller shrubs will need more frequent pruning. Large, over-garden shrubs should be planted in terracotta pots. Containers are another option for small-scale gardening. A good landscape company or gardener will be able to advise you on which container, shrub or garden bed is right for your garden area.
