As winter slowly comes to a close and the first shoots of new grass are poking up out of the ground, there’s a fresh spirit in the air and often increased interest in improving the home and landscape. It’s time to give your landscape and home a fresh look, and nothing does the job better than Nature. Your choice in plants can make all the difference in the look of your landscape. Now, you can get ready for spring by visiting a plant nursery near Rockland County, NY and Bergen County, NJ.
Before Your Visit: Know the Function
Start by taking photos of various places in your landscape that you’re considering adding new plants. In each area, take notes about why you want to add plants here: for shade, privacy, color, fragrance, etc.
Before Your Visit: Know the Location
Plants will do best when they’re planted in locations suitable for their needs. For each new planting location, note approximately how much sunlight this spot receives, how much water it tends to retain, and if it’s a windy area. This will help you narrow your choices to plants that will thrive in specific areas of your landscape and give you the intended result.
Prioritize Natives
Your local plant nursery will have many options of plants that are native to the region. These plants will have a much better chance at flourishing in your landscape. Natives are hardy and generally lower-maintenance than exotics. Natives are beautiful, and even better, they look like they belong, creating a wonderful harmony throughout your landscape.
Consider Staggered “Showtimes”
Aside from evergreens, almost every other plant has a period during the season where it’s showing its full glory. If your intent is to add color, consider staggered bloom times for year-round color. Also consider different species of deciduous trees and shrubs for an extended fall color season. As you make your selections, try to balance the changes in color and texture as well as “showtimes” to keep your landscape interesting all year.
Keep in Mind the Mature Size
Your local plant nursery features certain plants (mostly flowers) that are mature and ready to establish themselves in your landscape. Shrubs and trees are generally sold in smaller versions just for convenience; so be sure to consider the final mature size of these plants to avoid crowding and stressing them.
Certain plants are content to be contained in a specific area; others are aggressive “creepers” that will quickly take over. Knowing the plants’ characteristics will help you choose the right species for your needs; and your plant nursery staff can help you with tips and hints about how to manage unruly spreading plants so you can enjoy their beauty without constantly fighting their spread.
Seek Advice
The experts at your local plant nursery are a wealth of information. When it comes to questions about placement in a landscape (including layering), maintenance, seasonal care requirements, and resource allocation, you will get the answers you need.
One of the most important questions to ask is about plant pairings for a balanced and aesthetically pleasing landscape. For example, you may have a stand of dense spruce trees that make a section of your landscape feel dark and heavy. Placing “lighter” plants such as billowing ornamental grasses in front of them can lighten the look.
Related: SEARCHING "GARDEN NURSERY NEAR ME" IS A GREAT START TO A NEW SOFTSCAPE PLAN IN BERGEN COUNTY, NJ
