As you begin your springtime landscape renovation with a whole new set of projects, you may be unsure about which plants to use that will add beauty and in many cases, function. The best thing you can do before setting up a contract with a landscaping company is to visit your local garden center to research what’s available in the area, and get some good advice. Do you need help from a garden center? Here are ways a landscape nursery can assist you in the Hudson Valley, NY area.
Advice on Assessing Landscaping Goals and Practical Planting
It’s always important to have a general idea of what you want your landscape to look like. Think rustic or contemporary, dense or minimalist, grand or simple, tall or low to the ground. The wide variety of flowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs available at your local garden center and some advice from seasoned professionals will give you inspiration from there.
You know your landscape better than anyone, so it’s best to keep in mind some of the details of the areas you want to plant. Is a certain area shady or sunny? Is it dry or moist? The difference in these characteristics can mean the difference between a thriving plant and a struggling plant. Some plants rely on the proximity or shelter of others and can benefit from the filtered shadows of a tree or large shrub or the ground cover from some leafy plants.
As well, many plants are chosen for practical value such as shade or erosion control. Keep the plant’s needs in mind when considering your own - and a nursery expert can help you choose the right plants for the location and the job at hand.
Advice on Native Plants
The huge range of native plants from the Hudson Valley and surrounding region is the best way to ensure a thriving landscape. Since they evolved here they are perfectly suited for the ecosystem. As such, they’ll use far less supplemental water, very little maintenance, and will always fare better during seasonal weather fluctuations. Natives offer a huge range of bright colors and vibrant flowers and foliage. Include some native berry shrubs too, which will provide much-needed nourishment for local wildlife.
Advice on Including Pollinator-Friendly Plants
You want your landscape to be lovely and vivacious. By including pollinator-friendly plants, you’ll welcome birds, butterflies, and harmless bees. This will in turn improve the overall health of your environment through the benefits of cross-pollination. This becomes particularly useful when you are planning on building a vegetable garden. All of the produce you get from your vegetable garden will taste sweeter and be much more nutritious when you encourage cross-pollination in your landscape. We’ll help you choose the right pollinator-friendly plants for your unique property.
Advice on When to Plant
The best time to plant is in the spring before it gets too hot so that plants have a chance to grow and expand their root systems before the stresses of summer heat and drought. Some plants will do best when they are added to the landscape in fall, once the weather has cooled again.
We’re Here to Help!
As always, if you need help at the nursery, you’ll have some seasoned professionals who understand the unique requirements of each plant, as well as their aesthetic and functional properties. Rather than choosing plants on looks alone, you’ll end up with the best variety that will make your landscape a vibrant show-stopper.
