I want to do a complete redesign to our outdoor flower garden next year. Does anyone have educational resource recommendations? Like a masterclass or YouTube series? Looking to learn about the design principles, best practices, native/natural planting for my region (zone 5), and get some fun ideas. (Pic is from last season)
I might try the closest extension office. They would probably have good info about native plants, etc for your zone. Extension.org website would be a good resource for locating an office in your region.
1 likeGreat idea, thank you 🙂
1 likeGotta circle back to tell you…. I’ve already listened to 2 podcast episodes from my local extension this morning and learned we have a state forest nursery that sells native bare root seedlings. Just snagged 10 winter berry holly bushes for $18!
3 likes That is amazing!
0 likesI don't have any resource recommendations, but for design I'd suggest you try to vary plant height to add more visual interest; I'm surprised you managed to pick so many that top out at the same height. For colors you seem to have a preference for purple, and yellows and oranges will pair nicely with that. In general, design your plant layout starting with big things and fill in with smaller things in size order. For native species, a mix of milkweed (maybe A. Purpurascens instead of the more common species for a change), spicebush, something from the broader dill/carrot family, and a native aster will pack your yard with all kinds of pollinators. If you want to do a little extra for some of the more vulnerable insect species, consider adding a spot for a hardwood log to decay, or a running water feature. You also have lots of space, so I'd suggest checking costco and check nurseries at odd times of year to try to catch good deals and bulk packs. I'd also recommend outsidepride.com and other landscaping wholesalers; you can get flower seeds from them in packs of like 5000+. They're great for filling large spaces
1 likeThank you!! We inherited the gardens from the previous owner. There’s some beautiful mature native plants all over our property but here I’ve never liked the grass paths in between or the lack of varying heights. I want an arbor/pergola, wood chip paths, raised vegetable garden beds at the back where they’ll be incognito. And a water feature would be amazing, though I’m a bit worried it might be a lot of maintenance.
1 like