A Backyard Haven for Mom, Part 2

Continuing the theme of the “Mother’s Month” garden (because one day isn’t enough!), let’s take your new oasis from the seeds of an idea to full bloom. Now that summer is right around the corner, there’s no time to waste. Let’s get growing!

 Check Those Roots First
It’s still possible to grow a garden from seed at this late date, but if you really want a lush oasis that will look terrific from now until late fall, buying fully-grown plants from your local nursery is your best bet. Healthy plants with a strong root system will grow faster and withstand severe summer heat and drought better. Don’t be afraid to (carefully) slide a plant out of its pot and look at the roots. If it’s nothing but a pot-bound, hard, white mass, or if it has only a few weak, tiny, rotting roots, pass them by-they will never do well and are a waste of money.

Water, Water… Nowhere, Actually
It’s smart to consider drought-tolerant plants whenever possible. Even in wet years, these hardy performers will do well in our area with little or no care, so you can just relax and enjoy their beauty, year after year. Lavender, different varieties of sages, daffodils, California fuchsia, artemisia, yarrow, and of course California poppies will all bloom reliably every year in our region without any extra water once established.

Another way to keep your garden green with little water is to install a drip irrigation system on an automatic timer. Once in place, all you need to do is check that the water is flowing correctly-no more dragging wasteful sprinklers around, and there’s no chance of problems if you go on vacation. The types and positions of the drippers and sprinklers and timers are different for every garden, so you may wish to work with a professional on this complicated task.

Waves of Colors and Shapes
Research in advance when your plants will bloom, and try to use different varieties that will give you a color show at different times so you don’t end up with an all-or-nothing situation. Right now, the spring bloomers are giving way to the summer annuals and bigger perennials, but what about fall? Chrysanthemums come in lots of shapes and colors, and is usually a perennial in our area. If you can see your new garden area from your house, add bright red pyracantha berries, a miniature citrus tree, or the twisty naked branches of a corkscrew hazel for a great looking space in winter too.

Keeping it Private
Of course, enjoying the garden in person is the most important thing. Besides comfortable and well-placed seating, youmay need to invest in building privacy fencing, or in plants that will do the same thing. Some types of bamboo are dense and fast-growing living screens, but they can also be a problem. A great way to keep bamboo from taking over your yard is to build a planter that’s half above ground, and half buried, to prevent the roots from escaping (much like Bermuda grass does). Trellises and other types of fences that allow plants to cover them are another beautiful choice. Try a mix of early annual climbers, like sweet peas, and summer vines, such as grapes or Carolina jessamine, to keep things looking lush and full all season long.

If you need help putting up a trellis or fencing, installing drip irrigation, or corralling your bamboo grove, call The Fix-It Professionals. We love building raised beds, so why do it yourself? Let us help you create your new private garden oasis! Read on for our latest special.