Themed Gardens Sing in Harmony

• Print this article

Your garden is an artistic reflection of you, the gardener. You don't have to follow all of the rules set by others. Your backyard shouldn't be a carbon copy of your neighbor's, unless, of course, that is what you are set on doing.

— Nick Daniel, horticulturist, Denver Botanic Gardens

The Theme's the Thing

Themed gardens are all the rage -- xeriscaping, cottage gardens, kitchen gardens, vertical wall gardens, among others. And while it might seem that anything is better than that mound o' mud you have (which, by the way, is not technically a theme), Nick Daniel, horticulturist at Denver Botanic Gardens, one of the largest botanic gardens in the United States, advises that you should choose your garden theme with care.

"Your garden is an artistic reflection of you, the gardener," Daniel said. "You don't have to follow all of the rules set by others. Your backyard shouldn't be a carbon copy of your neighbor's, unless, of course, that is what you are set on doing."

So how should you choose a garden theme that's right for your space, budget, climate and, most importantly, your own personality? Whether you're a would-be gardener or a green-thumb pro, you can create the garden of your dreams.

Popular Projects

Xeriscaping is becoming increasingly popular in the western United States, Daniel says, where people are adjusting to water shortages and dryer conditions. But, he cautions, it's not an excuse to stick up a cactus and call it good.

"Xeriscape does not mean zeroscape," he said. "Xeriscape gardens can be packed with drought-tolerant plants beyond just cacti and succulents. Do a little research and you'll be surprised at how many plants are drought tolerant. You're probably already growing a bunch."

Another favorite theme, no matter where you live, is the native or wild garden.

"Using plants native to the region you live in just makes sense," Daniel said, "and often is very impactful when your garden complements its natural surroundings or vice versa."

The kitchen garden has also caught on as food prices rise and the environmental impact of shipping produce over long distances is becoming more apparent.

"People are starting to realize that it is fun and easy to grow your own food," Daniel said. "Vegetable gardens can be just as beautiful as any other garden and allow the gardener a lot of personal freedom and creativity. Heirloom vegetables are making such a great comeback and add great color, texture and, of course, flavor to your home gardens."

For a classic theme that combines color and creativity, opt for the cottage garden.

"These gardens are often natural looking and consist of informal planting of perennials and ground covers," said Daniel. "The English-style cottage garden will allow maximum creativity and a large palette of plants to choose from."

And if space is your enemy, make vertical gardening your friend.

"A vertical garden offers a variety of ways to have plants grow on a vertical surface," explained designer and master gardener Heather Baltrush, owner of Lively Elements in Boulder, Colorado. "The trellis system is the most common vertical garden as a facade for outdoors."

Climate Concerns

Although you might have your favorite themes and plants, where you live affects what garden is right for you. If you're not certain about what theme might work best for your area, Daniel says, take a hike.

"Look at the natural environment, notice the plants, the rocks, waterways, winds, everything," he said. "Take all of those concepts home and re-create what you saw and liked. Take lots of pictures of natural environments -- and they don't have to be big areas. If you like the way a small stream looks, take a picture of the small niches around it, and you'll find that one picture will jump out at you [of elements] that will work in your space."

For vertical gardens, says Baltrush, annual plants and herbs work best for a seasonal living wall in Colorado and areas with similar climates.

"Dry, cold winters do not work well with living walls unless the vertical garden is located in an ideal, milder, microclimate area outside in a protected courtyard," she said. "Your local greenhouse and vertical garden designers can be consulted for the best plants and placement."

Space Struggles

Not everyone has a rambling backyard or level terrain, but don't call out the steam shovels just yet. Make a decision to work with what you have.

"Use the spaces you have as they are," Daniel said. "People tend to want full control over a garden and often create way more work for themselves than they need to. Not everything needs to be manipulated and changed. Use what you already have and pick plants that will highlight the contours of the space. Not every garden needs to be leveled flat. Berms, hills and rocks all provide structure to the space."

And, says Daniel, be realistic about the space available. If your "acreage" is really just a few square yards, work with it.

"Pick plants that will fit the space you have," he said. "Don't force a garden or it will look just like that -- forced. For example, a tree with a 15-foot-wide skirt will not do well butted against a house or fence."

And don't forget -- if you can't grow out, grow up. Vertical gardens let you beautify a small area without taking up too much space.

Cost Controls

But even gardeners with the smallest spaces can end up with an acre's worth of expense if they're not careful. Daniel says that cost can be prohibitive for some gardeners, so shop around and check out sales and specials. Think about what you'll need, and get prices as you're planning so you can set up your budget beforehand and stick to it.

"Keep an eye out at local nurseries for sales to keep costs down," Daniel said. "And trade plants with friends or neighbors. If your neighbor has a peony you really like, there's no reason to go buy one if your neighbor is willing to split a division for you."

Daniel also reminds environmentally and locally conscious gardeners to shop local nurseries as much as possible. This helps keep costs down for them and for you, making it easier for family-owned businesses to compete with the big-box stores.

Maintenance Matters

Your garden looks great, but for how long? Remember, you're the one with the backyard mud bath. All gardens require maintenance, Daniel says, but natural gardens have the least upkeep and expenses.

"Again, mimic your natural surroundings, and the rest will fall into place," he said. "No matter what garden theme you choose, there will be some upkeep. Weeding, for example, is necessary everywhere, but it's also a great excuse to spend time in your garden and outside. And weeding is instant gratification work."

"Depending on the size of the vertical garden and the number of plants, weekly-to-biweekly plant maintenance is needed," Baltrush said. "When you have hundreds of plants living next to each other, checking the health of each plant group is important."

Botanic Benefits

Daniel advises home gardeners to take advantage of their city's botanic gardens to get ideas and tips for designing and maintaining various garden themes and styles in specific climates, as well as for landscaping ideas and various plant groupings.

"I often recommend to gardeners to pick a grouping of plants, learn as much as you can about them, garden with them, then go on to the next group of plants that holds interest for the individuals, learn about them, add them to the garden, and so on and so forth," Daniel said. "In no time, home gardeners can become an expert in a wide range of plants and have a dazzling garden that reflects their personality."

Enjoyable Efforts

No matter what you decide, Daniel says, don't let your garden get the best of you -- let it be the best thing for you instead.

"Relax, take a deep breath, get your gloves on and go enjoy your hard work," he said. "Working in a garden shouldn't be a dreaded chore -- it should be therapeutic and calming. I personally am always filled with a great sense of calm, pride and awe when I wrap up a day in the Botanic Gardens. Once you're finished working in your garden, grab a friend or loved one, your favorite beverage, and relax in your garden. Enjoy all of the little intricacies, colors, textures and forms that you tended and tilled."

So dig yourself out of that mud hole and turn your yard into your own personal showplace.

Read Next:

• Print this article