One of the bigger efforts at the
Progressive Farmer Idea
House and Farmstead has been landscaping. We've put in 300
magnolias, azaleas, weeping cyprus, roses, holly, ferns,
Japanese maples...and the list goes on.
So does watering. Our irrigation system has 13 zones.
Plant beds on the property feature large, sweeping curves.
And closely grown pines screen a nearby road and offer shade
to stock-such as our native azaleas-best kept out of direct
Alabama sunlight.
Landscaping for our house and farmstead was planned by Troy
Black of Southern Living Custom Landscape Plans. (Southern
Living is a sister magazine of Progressive Farmer.)
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"We've used trees to frame the house," he says. Black used
the same strategy to frame the main entry to the home, which
features a large porch. Smaller trees and ornamentals (among
them, Japanese maples) also have been planted in this
area.
Landscape designer Darrin Frisinger and his company,
Create-A-Scape LLC of Pelham, Ala., put our plan into
action.
"The first thing you notice is the landscaping," says
Frisinger, who has a degree from the University of
Wisconsin. "You want to draw (guests) into your home by
bringing them in through the outside."
A healthy landscape design enhances the appeal-and value-of
your home. Our experts suggest 10 things you should consider
to help you accomplish these goals. They are:
1. Soil Tests. Balanced soil nutrients help ensure healthy plants. Soils
with a high or low pH disrupt nutrient availability. Your
county Extension agent can provide an inexpensive analysis
of your soil, including its pH level.
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Also consider the organic level of your soil. Organically
rich soils hold water longer, add nutrients to the soil and
break up compaction. Bark, shredded tree material and peat
moss are good ways to increase organic levels.
2. Native plants and trees. Incorporate them into your landscaping plans. They add local
character to your landscaping efforts.
3. Framing. Use trees to frame your home, especially the entrance. Avoid
placing trees and ornamentals that over time will close off
and clutter the appearance of your home.
4. Texture. Consider leaf, bark and branch textures to increase interest
in your landscaping efforts.
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5. Bed shape. Large plant beds with sweeping curves provide room
for layers of plants-short ones up front, larger plants in
back. Stair-stepping creates a three-dimensional look and
expands the footprint of your home.
6. Color. Avoid planting annuals and flowering perennials in
long, single-species rows. Mix plants (perennials and
annuals) in tightly spaced groups to create dramatic
explosions of color.
7. Impact. Bold colors should be featured in high-impact areas, such as
the front entrance, decks and outside the kitchen window.
8. Plant Size. Know the full size of your plants at maturity. You'll avoid
that overplanted look later. Dwarf plants are not always
small. They are only smaller than the parent.
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9. Watering. There is the perception that once plants get through the
first year, watering is less important. Not true. Summer
opens even mature plants to damage from drought and heat.
10. Fertilization. Some experts argue that many soils have all the nutrients
needed to sustain healthy gardens. Others push
fertilization. Nutrient levels vary by soil. Consult a local
expert-and get a soil test-before fertilizing.