How to Design and Landscape that Thrives Year-Round
Many of our favorite plants have dramatic seasonality to them and have dormant periods throughout the year so it’s important to consider a balance when designing landscapes. Some people love seeing a deep dormancy and regeneration, but most people prefer having something of interest year round, but also don’t want their landscape to feel boring and unchanging. Here are 5 tips from our professionals in landscaping design in Sonoma County to ensure your landscape thrives year round.
Aim for Seasonal Color and Evergreen Foundation Plants
When creating a plant palette for a design, we will often group 3-5 plants that fit really well together, and repeat them in a loose pattern throughout the landscape. Then we will create 3-5 total groups for an area to blend the textures. In each group we might pick 1-2 plants that have a short dramatic seasonal pop of color, 1-2 plants that bloom throughout most of the warm months, and 1-2 plants that stay evergreen. This way the entire landscape is constantly in motion.
Need a little inspiration? Check out our portfolio of completed landscaping projects!
Utilize Non-Organic Landscape Features
Plants are only one part of a dynamic landscape! Decorative boulders, fountains and sculptures can provide dynamics to your landscape that are interesting year round. Fountains can actually add to the seasonal dynamics by supplying a landing or bathing place for particular species of birds, butterflies, or dragonflies during specific seasons, allowing seasonal visitors to stop by your garden.
Focus Your Irrigations Systems
Some types of planting areas such as lawns perform better with sprinklers, most others prefer drip irrigation. However there are many types of drip irrigation including in-line emitters which are best suited for vegetables and annual flowers, where point source drip is better for shrubs and trees. Without the correct irrigation design, your landscape will end up stressed during certain times of year. A well designed irrigation system is essential for a healthy year round landscape.
Keep Your Soil Healthy
Soil health is the hallmark of a healthy landscape and can help transform your garden. It is best addressed before planting when you can deeply incorporate amendments into the soil without disturbing roots of established plants. Take a soil sample to see what minerals or organic matter that your soil might be missing and be sure the pH is appropriate for the plants you want to install. Some plants prefer alkaline soil, some require acidic soil, be sure you understand which you have selected before planting so that you can amend the soil appropriately.
Consider How the Weather Will Impact Your Landscape
Considering how the weather impacts your landscape is important for both hardscapes, and planting areas to truly transform your outdoor space. For example, certain types of pathways might be more prone to erosion on a sloped hillside and should be avoided. Certain plants might like full sun, but when in a location with extended afternoon sun their leaves begin to burn. Additionally, drainage is an often overlooked design element that, if not addressed, can allow winter storms to wreak havoc on an established and otherwise beautiful landscape. When designing a landscape that can thrive year round we must consider how every season, and how the potential of extremes in our specific region, might impact the ability of your landscape to look fantastic no matter what the elements throw at you.
Keep Your Landscape Thriving with Inspired Landscapes!
Designing a landscape that thrives year-round requires thoughtful planning, the right plant selections, and attention to non-organic elements, irrigation, soil health, and weather impact. By following these expert tips, you can create a dynamic and resilient outdoor space that remains beautiful in every season. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Inspired Landscapes today or give us a call at (707) 395-7474 to start designing a landscape that flourishes all year long!
