If you're planning to start a garden, you're in luck to design the landscape first. This will save the purchase of a large number of plants.
However, if you already have a garden, now is a good time to plan what you will do in the spring before planting new trees.
First, landscape planning.
What is hardscape? These are elements of your garden, not plants. This includes walkways, walls, patios, pergolas, water features, benches, etc. It is best to plan for these characteristics before purchasing any plant, as they affect the design and implementation of the project. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating what you already have, here are some ideas to consider when designing your hardscape.
Good roads aren't just for walking. As they lead you from one point to another and draw lines across the landscape, they naturally draw your eyes and feet, leading you to something like a door, a chair, or a small pool.
Rocks are an important element in any garden due to their sense of permanence and versatility. Study walls and stairs. You can build a high wall that will allow you to create a garden and seating area. I know that the cobblestone wall in my garden is a resting place for many walkers.
Creating a protected space with a feeling of indoor space is not easy. Pergolas make us feel protected, especially in places far from home. When installed at home, it makes a perfect transition from full enclosure to the outdoors.
If you have an area that looks wild and natural, it can be helpful to add something creative and make the area part of the design. You might consider detouring through the area to a bank or point of interest.
Before installing any landscaping, you should find out if any permits are needed. You may not need a permit for walkways, paths or decorative features, but you may need a permit for decks, sheds and gazebos. There is some uncertainty about whether permits are required for fences, gazebos, gates and pergolas, so check before building.
Plants are usually brought in to soften the landscape, but adding landscaping like a garden table and chairs makes the area a destination rather than just a place with lots of plants.
Although we can't call this harsh landscape evergreen, it does happen. When all the plants are dormant, as they are now, your landscape remains, creating interest and perhaps a place to sit and plan the next growing season. I know that the wall in my garden is a resting place for many people walking around.
If you have questions about your garden or landscape, contact us at the Illinois Extension office in Mattoon at 217-345-7034 or online at form.illinois.edu/sec/1523725. Be sure to visit the U of I Extension website.illinois.edu/ccdms, like the Master Gardeners Facebook page @ColesCountyMasterGardeners and the Master Naturalist Facebook page @Praire'sEdgeMasterNaturalists.
Illinois Extension leads University of Illinois community outreach by turning research into action plans that enable Illinois families, businesses and community leaders to confront challenges, make informed decisions, and adapt to change and opportunity.
