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.