Exploring nature is a rejuvenating experience. However, exploring the forest may not fit into the daily schedule. Why not bring nature right into your courtyard?
Landscaping Options
Landscaping brings nature closer to home. It includes many elements: the area, design, weather and others. The over all look depends on the owner’s taste. Some want the effect of water (pools, waterfalls, etc.) and some like rocks, stones, etc.
To create a very natural feel, you must use plants. They are most helpful in creating the total effect of the landscape. It should not be just any plant; it should be the most appropriate plant for the area and climate.
Best Choice of Plants for the Landscape
1. Groundcovers These plants are indispensable to a landscape as they can serve as backdrops for trees, shrubs, etc. There are many types of groundcovers to choose from.
Sun-Loving Sunny areas are considered problematic. Many plants do not like direct sunlight. Juniper groundcovers and hardy perennials are very helpful in resolving this problem.
Shade These plants cannot stand the heat of direct sunlight. They should be used in areas that are not exposed to the sun except for short periods of time. Most of the shade-loving plants are low-growing or mid-sized.
“Attractive” Many flowering plants attract birds, butterflies, bees, etc. It is important to choose plants that grow pollens. Plants like bee balm, holly hock and red columbine attract hummingbirds.
Aroma The garden can be made aromatic by using foliage plants. The lavender perennial plant’s flowers provide therapeutic scent. At the same time, it serves as a beautiful border.
2. Wet Plants Some landscapes come with wet areas like artificial ponds or waterfalls. To avoid leaving it bare, plants that thrive in wet soils are used to give beauty and natural effect.
3. Repellent Plants More than coming up with a good landscape, it is also necessary to maintain it and keep it free from intruders. Some plants are able to repel pests like the deer. Some ornamental grasses and flowers are used for deer control.
4. Grasses These are also helpful in the garden. There are varying kinds of grasses, the ornamental type and the functional ones.
Functional grasses are those that are used in the background. Lawn grass is an example. It serves as an outdoor carpet.
Ornamental grasses appeal more to aesthetics. They are used for decoration and for landscaping just like flowers. These can be mixed with trees and shrubs or can stand alone.
Plants are beautiful, but the appropriate ones in a certain design must be selected and properly situated. They must thrive and be able to serve their purpose. This is the only key to bringing nature closer to the home.
Joey Simmons
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/finding-the-right-plants-for-your-landscape-675693.html
I am looking for unique ideas for landscape plants in zone 6b of the NC mountains. Any ideas?
Working on a landscape project and want to find unique plants. I have moved up here from the lowcountry of SC and not as familiar with some of the native plants.
Perhaps you can try any family of the Japanese weeping willows and maple trees. They are very hardy plants, but grows quite slowly and can be a few years before they grow to their full mature heights unless you opt to buy them at almost full maturity already, which can be quite expensive. I suggest you go to any one of the local nurseries and/or the nurseries at Home Depot or Lowe’s Home Improvement Center and ask them what plants or native plants are good to include in your landscaping project. Most of the nurseries should already sell plants that are within your zone and the climate for which they are suited for (outside plants) Or you could buy a book that specifically list plants that are good for your particular zone.
Sorry if I couldn’t be of more help as I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to certain plants for certain zones. Good luck though and I hope when you’re done with the landscaping, it will be a breath-taking sight.
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