Mid-Scale Landscaping: New Beds, No Overhaul
You Don't Have to Be a Pro to Refurbish Old Beds and Make Them Bloom This Spring
Instead of your typical $4 shrub, your front entrance would be a spot to invest the heavier dollars. Don’t be afraid to buy that $50 specialty plant that will really be eye-catching.
— Jeffrey Johns, president of Coastal Greenery Inc.
If you aren’t quite ready to do a total overhaul of your property but are looking to do more than the basics, a variety of approaches to gardening and landscaping are available. Mid-level projects go a step beyond basic maintenance and yard clean-up, and may even permanently enhance the property. Medium-size projects — like refurbishing plant beds, doing some plantings, and trimming shrubs and hedges — require a bit more skill than mowing and other maintenance basics. Motivated do-it-yourselfers may successfully tackle such tasks.
Bed Refurbishing
Denise Putnam, owner of Brighton, Michigan-based lawn and garden care company Hands to Work, recommends testing your soil prior to beginning the real gardening or landscaping work. Take samplings from four or five different locations in each bed and mix them up. Have the soil tested by your local extension office, or purchase a soil-testing kit and perform the tests yourself.
“There are certain plants that will do better in alkaline soil and others that will do better in acidic soil,” Putnam said. “That will give you a good idea of what to buy plant-wise. Depending on what your soil is like, you may also want to get some good quality topsoil to help your plants thrive.”
You'll also need to know what size the plants will be when they mature.
“You want to make sure that the growth height and width of the plant is appropriate for the spot you’re placing it,” said Jeffrey Johns, president of Coastal Greenery Inc., in Brunswick, Georgia. “In other words, don’t plant a 6-foot growing shrub under a window.”
Johns says many homeowners focus on colorful plants and tend to forget about greenery, which can offer a lush background, even year round. He suggests layering beds and gardens with evergreen shrubbery so you have a healthy-looking landscape even when the flowers aren’t blooming.
“Get those established as your base, and then start looking for some color to brighten it up,” Johns said.
In addition to purchasing new plants, Putnam also suggests splitting existing plants. Most beds in need of refurbishment at least have a “skeleton” of plants that have survived despite minimal attention. Plants like black-eyed Susans or hostas may still be part of the bed and may easily be divided and replanted in new locations.
“Many times a plant isn’t thriving anymore because it has outgrown its confines,” Putnam said. “Most plants not only do better after you split them, but this is also a great way to save money.”
To complete the look, Putnam likes to place boulders around a property or fill in empty space in a bed. These can be found for free, but Putnam says she typically pays around 30 cents per pound for a boulder.
“That’s cheaper than most plants, plus it’s not going to die and doesn’t require any maintenance,” she added.
Completing the Look
Between fresh soil, a variety of basic plants, and one or two stand-out specialty plants, homeowners can expect to spend no more than $200 on a mid-scale landscaping. It may take a good day’s work, depending on the size of the beds you’re refurbishing.
If you have a limited budget, put your emphasis on the front entryway, Johns advises. This area will give you the most bang for your buck with curb appeal.
“Instead of your typical $4 shrub, your front entrance would be a spot to invest the heavier dollars,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to buy that $50 specialty plant that will really be eye-catching. Look for something that’s evergreen so it has more permanent impact and is worth the cost.”
If there are dollars left in your budget, focus on the backyard. Johns says the same planting rules apply. He likes using a layer of greenery followed by a variety of colorful flowers. It's also a great place to invest in a nice shade tree, he said.
Johns also starts mulching and pruning projects during the mild spring weather. Mulching around garden beds and walkways will help the soil retain water and limit weed growth. Mulch is available in different textures and colors, so it can also add some aesthetic appeal.
Trimming shrubs and pruning hedges will also go a long way in making your yard look polished. A good time to start pruning is after the shrub blooms for the spring. Aim to trim back a branch only to above one or more of its healthy leaf buds.
Johns says to use a pair of sharp pruning shears or power shears for hedges. Start out very conservatively; you can always cut more, but you can’t fix what you’ve already trimmed, Johns notes.
Once the yard looks fresh and new, the maintenance work begins. Plant beds will need regular watering and weeding, while hedges and shrubs will need an occasional trim in order to keep that manicured look.
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