Starting a New Garden from Scratch
Macedon Views House & Garden Photographed by Marnie Hawson
Sketch Your Dream Garden
Before shovels break ground, take a moment to envision your ideal garden. Write down the look that you are after or find images that represent your vision. Now brainstorm what you would like to include in your garden and how you want to use the space. Rough sketches or mood boards are a perfect place to start.
Photo of Gisborne South Garden
Know Your Plot
Understanding your site is like deciphering a secret code to unlock its potential. Observe the sun patterns, noting areas bathed in golden light and pockets of cool shade. Identify prevailing winds and existing drainage. Is the soil sandy and quick-draining, or clay-rich and moisture-retentive?
Knowing these factors will be your compass for plant selection and ensure their long-term success.
Embrace the Power of Soil
Your soil is where nutrients are held for most plants so generally speaking we try to make it as healthy as possible. However selecting the right plants for your existing soil is really the most sustainable approach to gardening. Conducting a soil test is a good place to start so you can determine its nutrient levels and pH balance. Understanding what type of soil you have for example, Sandy, Clay, Silty, Sandy Loam will inform future plant selection and soil improvements. I generally only add compost & mulch to my garden and I plant varieties that like my soil type. This approach reduces garden maintenance and enables me to spend more time enjoying my garden.
Photo of Billabong & Wetlands Garden
As I always tell my clients, "It's all about the soil!"
Healthy soil is the heart of a thriving garden, nurturing your plants and teeming with beneficial microbes. Invest in a soil test to determine its nutrient levels and pH balance. Based on the results, you can amend the soil with compost, manure, or other organic matter, creating a fertile paradise for your plants.
Choose Hardy Plants
Research varieties that thrive in your climate.
I have put together a Free PDF of Hardy Plant Selections for Low Maintenance you might like.
Photo of Macedon Views House & Garden
Observe Nature
Gardening is a constant dance of observation and adaptation. Water deeply in the establishment phase and then reduced down so the plant becomes self sufficient especially during the establishment phase. Mulch generously to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
As your garden evolves, learn from its successes and failures. Observe how plants interact with each other and adjust your care accordingly. Remember, nature is a wise teacher, and every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and grow.
Photo of Native Retreat
Bonus Tips for Gardeners:
Start Small: Don't try to tackle too much at once. Begin with a manageable area and gradually expand as your confidence and skills grow.
Embrace Diversity: Attract pollinators like bees and butterflies by planting a variety of flowering plants throughout the season.
Think Beyond the Blooms: Incorporate hardscaping elements like pathways, patios, and water features to add structure and visual interest.
Compost with Passion: Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich gold for your soil.
Seek Inspiration: Visit botanical gardens, browse gardening magazines, Pinterest and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts
Conclusion
Gardening is a journey of endless discovery, a canvas where you can paint your dreams with living brushstrokes. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and most importantly, have fun!
As you nurture your garden, watch it blossom into a vibrant reflection of your creativity and spirit, a sanctuary of peace and beauty that will enrich your life in countless ways.
Remember, I'm just a guide on this exciting adventure. The true magic lies in your hands, your heart, and your connection to nature. So, grab your gloves, get your hands dirty, and let's transform that blank slate into an oasis
Craving more garden inspiration? Click the button below to join my Design Your Dream Garden Online Course.
Photo of Provincial Style Garden
Some Garden Design Inspiration For You
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