Do It Yourself Landscaping: Northeast Design And Care Tips

First, determine your growing zone. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created a chart, and updated it in 2003, to specify the growing zones of each location. This growing chart is based on the area's average annual minimum temperature. Most of New England is in the zones of 4b through 6b. Utilize the Internet, books or nursery charts to find your particular zone.

It is fairly safe to assume that plants sold in your area nurseries and home improvement centers are specific to your zone. However, annuals and tropical plants may be for sale but not ideal for the New England area. When selecting plants, double check the information tag for it's growing zone and be certain it matches or exceeds your own.

Once you know your growing zone, decide on the location of your landscaping or garden. Measure the size of your project and map it out by stringing twine in the area you'd like to have your project. Look at the space carefully and be certain you can care for, maintain and afford the landscaping. If a project is too big to maintain, the plants, and your success will suffer. In addition, if your project ideas exceed your budget, you'll end up with bland and boring landscaping that won't meet your satisfaction.

Next, review the conditions of your mapped out project area. Note the soil conditions, drainage, rock or tree locations, as well as the sun and shade patterns throughout the day. Keep in mind the usage for the planned project. Ask yourself these questions - Is it a place people play in or around? Does the mail carrier or delivery person walk through that area? Is it a place where you want to sit? If you want the birds to frequent your landscaping are they currently attracted it what you have? While you note the conditions, begin to think of a theme for your project; an Asian influence, a tea garden, a butterfly garden, a welcoming compliment to the house, a colorful display or a useful landscaping walkway filled with herbs and strong fragrances are just a few ideas. Log all the conditions and ideas and bring it with you when purchasing plants. Many nurseries will be of great assistance with tips and tricks of the trade.

Take a trip to your local nursery without your wallet. Talk with the personnel and give them an image of your ideas, budget and time you can devote to gardening; knowing you'll be back to purchase, they will more than likely assist. Walk around the displays and note plants you like and why. Use the nurseries combinations and display gardens to look at how one plant can compliment others. Use the plant information tags and record the color, color changes, growth height, seasonal changes, sun/shade/water needs and price so you'll have an idea of how plants will mature and develop with your landscaping ideas. Keep your impulse buying at bay - planning is the key to success.

Create a grid or model of your landscaping project and apply the various plants selected to the area. Keep in mind your overall theme and desire. Plan for growth and maturity of your plants and be picky about each plant's placement. Tall growth should be in the back of your landscaping, ground cover at the front, creeping ivy should be away from walkways, and climbing plants will need space and the hardware to do their thing. Prepare for watering needs; plants that need a lot of water should not be placed next to those that prefer dry soil and vice versa. Utilize gardening books and/or on-line landscaping programs if the project is rather large. Never be afraid to ask for assistance from professionals or even neighbors who have met with success.

Take your next trip to the local nursery with your landscaping grid and your wallet. Ask the staff to review your plan in case you've overlooked a problem and begin your purchases. Keep things to a minimum at first - you can always add to your landscaping project as your time and money become available. However, over buying can lead to plants sitting for long periods resulting in pot-rot and/or stunted growth.

Once plants have been purchased, prepare your area as specified by each plant's information tag and begin your project. Keep tags either on the plants, or remove and add to your grid. These tags will assist with the care of each plant - feedings, water and pruning information. For the first few months, baby the plants and follow the tag's instructions. As you begin to see the needs of each plant, make adjustments to their care, always look for insect or mold attacks and treat immediately. Within a few years your project will require little care and provide you with great reward.

Be flexible and enjoy - all the planning was only half the fun, getting your hands dirty and completing the task is the goal.