A well-designed garden should appeal to both you and your local wildlife. Consider native plants like flowering shrubs, trees, and grasses. Choose plants with varied heights, bloom times, textures, and colors for a cohesive design. Consider including bee-friendly plants, wildlife ponds, and compost heaps in your design. House Beautiful magazine is an excellent source of garden design ideas. If you’re looking for inspiration, subscribe to the magazine. It’s delivered every month to your doorstep and contains tips and projects for gardeners of all levels.
Slope-related factors can impact the size and shape of your garden. Consider the slope of your plot and measure it accordingly. Then, mark the area with stakes about 15 feet apart and level. If you live on a sloping slope, place the lowest stake in the center, while the highest one at the bottom should be 10 inches high. Make sure to add rocks strategically located to slow down the water. To make your garden look appealing and functional, consider incorporating benches or other furnishings.
Using timber posts can frame the garden or add interest to borders. In the NHS 70 Garden, designers Bowles & Wyer used reclaimed oak posts positioned at various angles and heights. For more naturalistic effects, consider using small shrubs as punctuation. Use five or six different flowering plants, and repeat the pattern to create a harmonious look. In addition, consider planting a few spring bulbs. It will help jump-start your garden and bring in the season of spring.
A well-designed rain garden should contain a berm to hold water during storms. The berm should be about three to six inches tall with a gently sloping side. The berm should end in a drainage inlet for the rain garden. To prevent erosion, compact the soil before planting the rain garden. Alternatively, you can cover the berm with grasses or straw to prevent weeds from taking root.
A rain garden is a great way to reduce metals and organic compounds from runoff. When properly designed, rain gardens can even reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in water runoff. Michael Dietz, a former professor at the University of Arizona, reviewed rain gardens and other types of rain gardens. If you’re planning to install a rain garden, check with your local authorities to see whether it is allowed in your neighborhood.
A sunny rain garden has a diameter of 20 feet, with a wide, low center and two narrower outer rings. The outermost ring is a berm, located on the side that is furthest from the building. The second ring contains a swale that flows in from the gutter spout on the opposite side of the berm. Similarly, a large tree in the center creates a deconstructed woodland environment.
You can also use outdoor rugs to create an inviting atmosphere in the space. They’re made from recycled plastic and look fantastic paired with outdoor cushions and lanterns. For added comfort, consider purchasing outdoor cushions and a waterproof speakers. Also, remember that it’s important to have sufficient space around a dining table for people to move around comfortably. And don’t forget about garden furniture. It’s possible to purchase new outdoor furniture, such as a day bed or hanging egg chair.