A prosperous garden is one that is designed well and built and maintained to last. A design keeps you from wasting time and money by giving you a clear, thought out direction. Maintenance is much more than pruning. It is proper plant care that translates to long term happy, healthy plants. Building features to last means constructing them properly from the very beginning to cut the odds of having continual repair jobs.

There are four key elements to consider as you move to make an enjoyable garden.

1. Soil

Taking care of your soil by adding amendments is taking care of your plants as well. It is important to consider weaning your plants off of chemical applicants. They only have short term, albeit pretty, effects. Remember, a prosperous garden is one that lasts! (Compost is always a good choice!) Also pay attention to soil contouring. Make sure that all slopes are angled away from your home to ensure proper water management. There are many different ways to resolve drainage issues as well. For example, a dry creek bed is a good and artful way to redirect water away from your residence and to a good location.

2. Plant Selection

This is slightly more exciting than talking about soil! If you want all natives, then stick with it. We prefer to use a combination of natives and "proven performers." The latter are plants that have proven to grow well in a given hardiness zone. They may not necessarily be native, but in combination with successful natives, "proven performers" are a welcome addition to your plant palette. If you enjoy being outside, include a space in your garden for perennials and annuals so that you can satisfy your green thumb.

3. Installation

The installation of plant material and hardscape is essential to a lasting garden. Important tasks such as digging a hole twice the size of a root ball, scoring the root ball and along the hole, and the addition of a root stimulant are all essential to the healthy of your new plants. Equally important is making sure they have an adequate amount of water within the first days of being planted. Hardscape construction should be designed and built by knowledgeable individuals. The quality is not only in design or construction, but materials as well. You decide, pay now for quality work that will last, or pay for poor installation and repairs later.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to prosperous plant life. There are different types of cuts while pruning for a reason. Some plants need a lot off the top, some need adequate air circulation, and others need a little growth stimulation. Maintenance, however, is not just pruning but know when to prune as well. It is also being able to spot plant pests and diseases, curing them, and preventing them. This involves IPM (integrated pest management), knowing how much mulch and when, cleaning out beds and when, cleaning out plant crowns, systemic insecticides/fungicides, and dormant oils.

Here at Father Nature, we want what we design and install to last, and we want you to have a timeless garden.

We are your quality professionals for a prosperous garden!