Hillside landscaping techniques allow you to use every part of your yard, even if you think no foliage can thrive on a sloped terrain. A hillside nursery can turn an unused section of your property into a thriving garden space. Frontier Landscaping in Vancouver, WA, knows exactly how to landscape a hill to prevent erosion and to provide a viable space for plants to thrive.
Soil Stabilization
Soil on a hillside garden can erode over time due to normal weather patterns like heavy rains and high winds. There are some soil stabilization methods to prevent excess erosion from destroying your landscaping and killing nearby plants.
Erosion control blankets can cover the whole area, providing a finished look and keeping plants in place. The blankets are made from biodegradable material that won’t harm surrounding plants.
Certain plants can also stabilize the soil including:
- Vinca
- Creeping Rosemary
- Creeping Thyme
- Viburnum
- Ferns
- Fountain Grass
Terracing
Terracing involves creating level platforms or steps on the hillside, which can be used for gardening, seating, or pathways. These terraces help reduce erosion and make it easier to maintain the landscape. Terracing is a great way to set up extra gardening beds to grow your favorite vegetables. The flat surface can also accommodate water features or other decorative elements to create the perfect outdoor oasis.
Proper Drainage
Prevent erosion and water runoff by installing adequate drainage systems like French drains, yard drains, dry creek beds or swales. Ensure that the water flows away from the hillside to prevent soil erosion. Proper drainage is also essential in protecting your landscaping investment by helping divert surface water away from valuable trees and other plants and preventing standing water on lawns and landscapes.
Mulching
Applying mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. Organic mulch, like wood chips or straw, is excellent for hillside landscapes. Mulch can help hold in rainwater and keep it from flowing downhill. Over time you will improve the soil structure and make it healthier and more able to handle rainy weather while nurturing your plants.
Add Hardscaping
Consider incorporating hardscape elements like retaining walls and stairs into the landscape design. These not only add visual interest but also provide functional solutions for navigating the slope of your yard.
Retaining walls help control erosion, manage water drainage, create usable terraces, provide stability, enhance safety, improve aesthetics, and increase property value. When designed and installed correctly, retaining walls can transform a challenging hillside into a beautiful, functional, and safe outdoor space. It’s essential to work with a professional or seek expert guidance when planning and constructing retaining walls on a hillside to ensure they are structurally sound and meet your specific needs.
Additional Safety Measures
Safety should be a priority, especially if your hillside is steep. Install handrails on steps where needed. To prevent accidents, install proper outdoor lighting on staircases.
Including safety measures along with taking the proper steps to reduce erosion will create a space that is both beautiful and safe to use.
Reliable Hillside Landscaping in Washington
Landscaping services aren’t just for properties with flat spaces. Hillside landscaping can provide a beautiful area to grow vegetables or cultivate native plants. Adding elements like mulch, terracing, or even hardscaping elements creates a space that you will never want to leave.
Frontier Landscaping provides a quote for their landscaping services in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Fill out the online contact form or speak to our team directly by calling 360-574-8979.
When you are trying to unwind and enjoy your outdoor space, the last thing you want to worry about is privacy. A privacy landscape design can give you back your space.
Frontier Landscaping provides custom privacy landscaping for homeowners in Vancouver and the surrounding areas.
Whether you want to install a water feature or add greenery with a hedge fence, there are privacy landscaping options to suit any style.
Layer Your Planting
Place the tallest plants and trees in the areas you want to block from view. Start with taller trees or shrubs along the perimeter, and then work your way down with shorter plants, ornamental grasses, and flowers. This multi-level approach not only offers privacy but also adds depth and texture to your landscape.
Plant Shrubs Near Your Fence
If the fence around your property doesn’t provide enough privacy, you can plant shrubs or hedges near the fence line. The layer of greenery adds an extra layer between you and your neighbor while making your property feel more secluded.
Some shrubs and hedges lose their leaves as seasons change, so consider how much privacy you need year-round when choosing your plants. Evergreen plants provide year-round coverage and look beautiful through every season.
Your landscaping team has the training to plant the shrubs and hedges in the perfect place so they have room to grow without the root systems combining and causing serious problems.
Water Features
Privacy isn’t just about keeping others from seeing you, it’s also about keeping them from hearing you. A water feature adds relaxing background noise while you enjoy your outdoor space while preventing neighbors from overhearing your private conversations.
A custom water feature can also help dampen sounds of nearby traffic and noise your neighbors make as they spend time outside. Whether it’s a small pond surrounded by lush vegetation or a cascading waterfall wall, water features add calm while helping you enjoy your private yard.
Add a Retaining Wall
Retaining walls have a dual purpose. They boost privacy and add stability to your landscape. A stone retaining wall gives you extra space to plant flowers while preventing erosion and other property damage.
You can choose from a number of materials for your retaining wall, including brick, stacked stone, or concrete. A retaining wall is a great way to add visual interest to your property while maintaining your privacy. When combined with native plants, you get a unique yard structure that is durable enough to last for many years with minimal maintenance.
Increase Your Privacy Through Custom Landscaping
You deserve to enjoy your backyard without worrying about curious neighbors watching your every move. Privacy landscaping gives you the option of installing a water feature, living fence, or a soil berm to create a private space that adds to your home’s value.
It’s always a good time to invest in your property and your privacy. For a free quote from Frontier Landscaping in Vancouver, Washington, fill out the online contact form or call: 360-574-8979.
Edible landscaping is an exciting way to transform your outdoor space into a sustainable food source. It combines the beauty of traditional landscaping with the practicality of growing fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the ways to create a more edible landscape, from creating a garden bed to planting fruit trees. By doing so, you’ll have a unique and beautiful landscape that will also provide you with a delicious and nutritious bounty.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Edible Landscape
Creating an edible landscape is a fantastic way to make the most of your outdoor space while promoting a sustainable, environmentally-friendly lifestyle. One of the most critical aspects of this process is choosing the right plants for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie to this concept, here are some tips for selecting the best edible plants for your landscape.
Choose Both Perennial Plants and Annuals:
Perennial plants are those that come back year after year without the need for replanting. Choosing these plants for your edible landscape will save you time, energy, and money in the long run. Perennials like asparagus, rhubarb, and fruit bushes are great options for edible landscaping. Once established, these plants will provide a continuous harvest for years to come.
Edible annuals include your favorite veggies like lettuces, kale, tomatoes, and eggplants, or you can even run beans up a trellis.
Herbs and Edible Flowers
While planting rows of vegetables in a garden plot is one way to create an edible landscape, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You can incorporate edible plants into your front yard landscaping or add them to flower beds and borders. Plants like nasturtiums, violets, and herbs like lavender and thyme are beautiful and edible.
Incorporating Raised Beds and Containers for Vegetables and Herbs
Raised beds and containers are a great way to add more edible plants to your landscape without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. These options also offer more control over soil quality and can be placed in areas where traditional in-ground planting isn’t possible.
When selecting containers, it’s important to choose ones that are large enough for the plants to grow and have good drainage. Raised beds should be built with untreated wood or other materials that are safe for growing food. These can be designed to fit your available space and can even be elevated for easier accessibility.
Once you have your containers or raised beds in place, consider filling them with a high-quality soil mixture and adding compost regularly. This will help ensure your plants receive the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy.
Maximizing Space with Espaliered Fruit Trees
If you want to incorporate fruit trees into your edible landscape with limited space, consider using espaliered fruit trees. Espalier is a technique for training fruit trees to grow flat against a wall or fence, saving space and creating an attractive feature in your garden.
Espaliered fruit trees require a little more effort and patience than regular fruit trees, but the rewards are well worth it. Using this technique, You can grow various fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and plums.
Choose a tree with a strong central leader and remove any competing branches. Plant the tree near a wall or fence, then install wires or a trellis system to support the tree as it grows. Prune the branches regularly to encourage lateral growth and maintain the desired shape.
One of the benefits of espaliered fruit trees is that they produce fruit earlier than traditional trees. You can also harvest fruit more easily since the tree is trained to grow flat against the wall or fence. Espaliered fruit trees are also easier to care for, as pruning and spraying can be done more efficiently.
In addition to maximizing space, espaliered fruit trees can enhance your garden’s aesthetic value. They can be used as a living fence or a decorative feature that adds interest to your landscape. They also provide a source of fresh fruit that you can enjoy throughout the growing season.
As a full-service landscaping company, we can help handle your maintenance needs, address landscaping issues, and complete projects. Call us today at (360) 574-8979.
Growing tropical plants in the Pacific Northwest can be rewarding and exciting for gardeners looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their landscapes. While the region is known for its cool, moist climate, many tropical plants can thrive with proper care and attention.
Mandevilla
One popular tropical plant that can be successfully grown in the Pacific Northwest is the Mandevilla. Known for its vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers, Mandevillas add a splash of color to any garden or patio. These plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Growing them in containers that can be brought indoors during the cooler months is recommended in the Pacific Northwest.
Bougainvillea
Another tropical plant that can thrive in the region is the Bougainvillea. With its stunning bracts in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and orange, Bougainvilleas create a tropical paradise feel. They require full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for the Pacific Northwest’s long summer days.
Hibiscus
The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly known as the tropical hibiscus, is another tropical plant that can be grown successfully in the Pacific Northwest. These plants are known for their large, showy flowers in various colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and like the Mandevilla, they can be grown in containers brought indoors during the winter.
Japanese Banana
Consider growing the ‘Musa basjoo’ or Japanese Banana for a unique tropical touch. While it may not produce edible fruit in the Pacific Northwest, the lush foliage of this plant adds a dramatic element to any garden. It is important to provide winter protection by mulching heavily around the base of the plant or wrapping it in burlap to shield it from frost.
Canna Lilies
Canna Lilies are another tropical plant that thrives in the Pacific Northwest. Canna Lilies add a tropical flair to gardens and containers with their vibrant blooms and striking foliage. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Dinosaur Food Plant
If you’re looking for a large architectural plant, the Gunnera manicata, also known as the Dinosaur food plant, can be a great choice. This plant features enormous, umbrella-like leaves reaching up to six feet in diameter. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it suitable for our Pacific Northwest climate.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile, is a tropical plant that can add elegance to gardens in the Pacific Northwest. With its tall flower stalks and clusters of blue or white blooms, Agapanthus creates a striking display. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Palms
When it comes to tropical palms, the Fan Palms and Windmill Palms are suitable for the Pacific Northwest. These palms can tolerate cooler temperatures and can withstand some frost. However, it is important to protect them during severe cold weather.
Elephant Ears
Colocasia, or Elephant Ears, are tropical plants that can thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Known for their large, heart-shaped leaves, Colocasia adds a bold and tropical touch to gardens. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
With proper care, attention, and protection during colder months, it is possible to grow various tropical plants that add a sense of paradise to gardens in the Pacific Northwest.
Frontier Landscaping can install the beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Our expert landscaping installation/construction team will guide you through every phase of the project, from the design process to installing high-quality hardscaping elements, irrigation systems, plant material, and clean-up.
We have some tips if you’re more interested in enjoying the summer months instead of spending your free time maintaining your landscape! With the right approach, you can enjoy a beautiful yard without spending hours on maintenance.
Use perennials and ground covers.
Perennials and ground covers are some of the best ways to reduce landscape maintenance without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Perennials come back every year, so you don’t have to replant them each spring. Plus, some perennials are drought-tolerant and can survive in various conditions. Ground covers are also great for reducing maintenance because they spread rapidly, eliminating the need to replace lost or damaged plants. Both perennials and ground covers require minimal watering and fertilizer, making them excellent low-maintenance landscaping choices. These plants can also replace a lawn, so less mowing!
Use native plants
Using native plants in your landscape can be a great way to reduce maintenance while still having an attractive garden. Native plants are adapted to the local climate, soil, and moisture levels, making them much easier to care for than other plants that might require more attention.
Create raised garden beds.
Raised garden beds are a great way to make the most of your landscape without spending hours maintaining it. Raised garden beds can be easily installed and provide an easy way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers without having to till the soil or pull weeds.
Raised garden beds can be made from various materials, including wood, stone, or concrete blocks. To ensure that the soil in the bed remains loose and well-drained, use a combination of compost and soil to fill the bed.
It is essential to remember that raised garden beds require more watering than traditional gardens, as they tend to dry out quickly. If you install an irrigation system, ensure it can reach the raised beds so the plants are watered.
Use mulch
Mulch is an essential element in any landscape as it helps retain moisture, prevents weeds from sprouting, and adds a decorative touch. Mulch comes in various colors, textures, and materials and can create a uniform look throughout your garden.
When adding mulch to your landscape, remember that too much mulch can harm your plants. Use about two to four inches of mulch, which will reduce weeds and help to retain moisture. Additionally, organic mulches such as shredded bark, pine needles, and cocoa shells are preferable since they provide additional nutrients to the soil.
Using mulch in your landscape is a great way to conserve water, improve soil quality and reduce weeds without extensive maintenance.
Install an automatic irrigation system
Installing an automatic irrigation system is one of the best ways to keep your landscape looking fresh and healthy without spending hours maintaining it. With a properly installed irrigation system, you can save time, money, and water while ensuring that your plants and lawn get the right amount of water.
Plant evergreens
If you want to have a beautiful landscape year-round, evergreen trees are the way to go. Evergreen trees stay green all year and don’t lose their leaves, which means less time spent raking and less mess around your yard. They also provide a gorgeous backdrop for seasonal plants and flowers. Some popular evergreen trees include pine, spruce, cedar, and fir.
As a full-service landscaping company, we can help handle your maintenance needs, address landscaping issues, and complete projects. Call us today at (360) 574-8979.
Vertical gardening is a great way to add height and visual interest to your landscape. Whether you’re looking to create a striking focal point or a lush wall of green for extra privacy, vertical gardening can provide a unique and beautiful way to enhance your outdoor living space.
What is vertical gardening?
Vertical gardening is a type of gardening that uses walls, trellises, and other structures to create a vertical growing space. This is an excellent option for smaller spaces, adding texture and dimension to a garden and increasing room for tall plants.
The benefits of vertical gardening
If you have a limited area, planting vertically can help create a lush garden while leaving room for other activities. You can also use vertical gardening to separate areas of your garden, helping you define different parts and create distinct sections.
This type of gardening can also be a great way to maximize your garden’s productivity. With raised beds and vertical structures like trellises and obelisks, you can create an environment where your plants can thrive even in small spaces.
Having easy access to all the plants in your garden can be great. Growing your plants in tiers or hanging baskets allows you to reach them for harvesting or maintenance easily.
How to get started with vertical gardening
Here are some steps to get your vertical garden off the ground.
Choose the right plants: You need to choose plants suitable for growing in a vertical environment. Some popular choices include climbing roses, ivy, clematis, and jasmine. Look for plants with long tendrils or vines, as these will help them climb walls and trellises.
Find the right spot: Once you’ve chosen the right plants, select the best location for your vertical garden.
Build your supports: You’ll need something to support your plants as they grow up. This could be a trellis, arbor, fence, wall, or other structure. Ensure your structure is stable and secure enough to support the weight of your plants.
Planting time! Once you have your support structure in place, you can begin planting!
Vertical gardening ideas
There are many ways to incorporate this way of gardening into your outdoor space. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Trellis: A trellis can be used as an attractive way to display climbing plants in your garden. They are perfect for growing vegetables, flowers, and vines and can also be used as a decorative element in your landscape.
Wall Planters: If you have limited space in your garden, wall planters are a great way to maximize the amount of space you have for growing plants. You can create beautiful living walls with a variety of different plants.
Hanging Baskets: Hanging baskets are a popular way to add color and texture to your garden. They are perfect for creating a beautiful display of plants without taking up too much floor space.
Living Fences: A living fence is a great way to create privacy and add visual interest to your landscape. Choose from evergreen shrubs or fast-growing vines that will create an instant privacy screen.
Climbing plants that like to grow vertically
Climbing plants are great for adding height and drama to your landscape.
Perennial vines, such as clematis, rose, and honeysuckle, can quickly cover a fence or trellis with their dense foliage and blooms. Perennial vines should be pruned regularly to keep them from getting too large and unruly. There are also evergreen choices like star jasmine and evergreen clematis.
Some flowering shrubs can be trained to grow up. These include porcelain berry vines, hydrangeas, and viburnums. These shrubs will help create a more formal look in your garden and add seasonal color with their flowers and berries.
Frontier Landscaping can care for all your landscape needs, from design to pruning. Call us for a free quote at (360) 574-8979.
Are you looking for the perfect flowering vines to add beauty and style to your Pacific Northwest garden? With so many options, it can take time to choose the right ones. Fortunately, there are some amazing flowering vines that are perfectly suited to the Pacific Northwest climate and will thrive in your garden.
Clematis
One of the most popular flowering vines for your Pacific Northwest garden is clematis. These long-lasting and easy-to-care-for plants are a favorite among gardeners. Clematis come in a variety of colors and sizes so that you can find the perfect plant for your landscape. Their delicate petals look stunning in the spring and summer months, and they can provide your garden with a beautiful climbing accent. Clematis are well-suited for nearly any type of soil, so they’re also easy to maintain. Consider adding this flowering vine to your garden to bring beauty and charm to your landscape.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is one of the most popular flowering vines for your landscape in the Pacific Northwest. With proper care, this flowering vine will give your garden a long-lasting display of colorful blooms and fragrance throughout the growing season. Beautiful, fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Honeysuckle can be trained to climb up walls, trellises, or other structures, providing a burst of color and scent to any outdoor area. When planting honeysuckle, make sure you choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. You can also trim and prune this vine to control its growth and maintain a neat shape.
Black Eyed Susan Vine
For a unique flowering vine to incorporate into your landscape, Black Eyed Susan Vine is a perfect choice. This species of Thunbergia is an excellent addition to the Pacific Northwest garden. It thrives in warm summer temperatures and is known for its lush green foliage and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It is an annual vine, growing up to 20 feet long, and provides an impressive covering on any trellis or fence. Its long, sprawling vines are full of fragrant blooms, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The Black Eyed Susan Vine is also drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners looking for easy-care flowering vines for their landscape.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a beautiful and fragrant flowering vine for your landscape. It has a delicate, star-shaped flower with a heavenly scent. In the Pacific Northwest, several varieties of jasmine grow well in our area.
A beautiful addition to your landscape, jasmine is an excellent choice for a hardy and fragrant flowering vine. Jasmine vines need full sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Regular pruning is necessary to keep your vine blooming during the warmer months. Jasmine attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
Passionflower Vine
One of the best flowering vines for your landscape in the Pacific Northwest is the Passionflower Vine. This easy-to-care-for and fast-growing vine boasts unique other-worldly, star-shaped flowers ranging from purple and blue to white and yellow. The Passionflower Vine is a very hardy vine, able to withstand extreme temperatures and difficult growing conditions. It is an excellent choice for those looking to add color and texture to their garden and offer a privacy screen.
Climbing Roses
Climbing roses can bring your Pacific Northwest garden to life. You can have beautiful blossoms and fragrances while also attracting pollinators. Climbing roses can be planted next to a patio and grow over an arbor, trellis, and other supports.
Some varieties of climbing roses to consider include:
Arborose Quicksilver – has lavender blooms and a sweet fragrance. A wonderful climbing rose, it also has disease-resistant foliage.
Don Juan -This red rose produces blooms up to 4 inches and is fragrant. Don Juan is one of the better climbing roses.
Lady Banks – is a popular yellow rose that can grow up to 20’ feet tall. This climber prefers well-drained soil and needs sturdy support. A thornless variety, Lady Banks received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
How to Use Flowering Vines in Garden Design
Flowering vines are a great addition to gardens in the Pacific Northwest, adding a pop of color and texture to your landscape. Vines can climb walls and fences, twine around trellises, or trail along the ground, creating an interesting and eye-catching visual.
Using flowering vines in your garden design is an excellent way to add color, texture, and scent to your landscape. Frontier Landscaping provides quality landscape installation and landscape maintenance services to keep your yard looking beautiful year-round. Give us a call today at (360) 574-8979.
Composting in your yard is a great way to reduce waste, add valuable nutrients to your garden, and help the environment. Whether you’re an avid gardener or just looking to help the planet, composting is a great place to start.
How composting works
Composting is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste while helping your garden thrive. Composting works by collecting organic materials, such as food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings, and allowing them to decompose into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The composting process involves microorganisms breaking down the organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil, which plants can use for growth.
To start composting in your yard, you’ll need a container or bin to store the compostable material, such as a metal trash can with holes punched in it or a ready-made compost bin. You’ll also need to layer different compostable materials, such as green (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and fruit/vegetable scraps, and brown (carbon-rich) materials like straw, dead leaves, and wood chips.
What to put in your compost
Composting is a great way to turn food and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost to use in your garden. Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic material over time and helps create healthy soil for your plants. However, knowing what items you can and can’t add to your compost pile is important.
When deciding what to put in your compost, the main rule is to avoid adding anything toxic or harmful to your garden. This includes plastic, metals, pet droppings, and chemically treated materials. The best items to include in your compost are organic materials like vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, paper products (shredded or cut into small pieces), grass clippings, leaves, wood chips even tea bags.
It’s also important to remember to mix up the types of materials that you add to your compost pile. You want to balance green materials (like grass clippings and kitchen scraps) and brown materials (like leaves and wood chips). You should also only add a little of one item at a time, as this can create an imbalance of nutrients in your compost pile.
If you want to speed up the process of breaking down materials in your compost pile, you can add a few handfuls of soil or manure. This will give bacteria and other organisms the essential nutrients they need to break down organic matter quickly.
Attractive ways to compost in your yard
Composting is a great way to recycle organic materials and turn them into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Making composting attractive is possible! You can hide your compost bin behind a fence or wall or place it in the corner of your garden. There are many stylish bins available. However, you choose to compost, making your bin well-ventilated will help speed up decomposition.
Here are some ideas for how to compost in an attractive way:
- Build or buy a compost bin. Using a compost bin is one of the best ways to keep your compost contained and tidy. Many compost bins are available, from wooden bins to steel tumblers. Find one that suits your needs, and add it to your outdoor space.
- Use a planter. If you don’t have room for a compost bin, you can use a planter to house your compost. Plant herbs, flowers, or vegetables near the planter and let the compost enrich the soil as it decomposes.
- Create a compost pile. If you don’t want to invest in a bin or planter, create a simple compost pile in an out-of-the-way corner of your yard. As long as you’re diligent about turning the pile every few weeks, you’ll have fresh compost in no time.
- Use it! Compost can add nutrients to existing flower beds or vegetable gardens. Incorporate it into the landscape as soon as it’s ready. Sprinkle compost around the plants or incorporate it into the soil before planting. You can also seasonally compost in the warmer months and take the winter off. This way, you don’t have a pile sitting anywhere.
Frontier Landscaping provides full-service landscaping for Clark County, WA, to keep your plants healthy and your landscape looking its best. Get a Quote Today!
Adding texture to your garden is a great way to make it stand out and look unique. By incorporating plants with various textures, you can create an eye-catching display.
From grasses to shrubs and succulents, many plants are spiny, peeling, or feathered in texture that can be added to your landscape.
Perennials for Texture
Perennials are a great way to add texture to your landscape. They come back year after year and can give your garden a unique and beautiful look. Perennials come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can be used to create any garden design.
Consider plants such as:
- Sedum
- Elephant Ears (Bergenia)
- Sword Fern
- Wild Ginger
- Allium
- Astilbe
- Santolina Chamaecyparissus
- Lamb’s Ear
- Yucca
- Sea Holly
Ornamental Grasses for Texture
Adding ornamental grasses to your landscape is an easy way to add both texture and movement to your yard.
For those looking for year-round interest, ornamental grasses offer great value as many varieties can remain standing throughout the winter months. Their airy habit can soften a landscape and act as a backdrop for other plants in the garden.
When selecting ornamental grasses, consider the size of the mature plants and the amount of sunlight they will receive. Some varieties can reach heights of 4-6 feet and require full sun, while others stay relatively low in height and prefer partial shade.
- Deschampsia
- Carex
- Orange Sedge
- Northern Sea Oats
- Black mondo grass
No matter which type of ornamental grass you choose, cutting back the foliage at least once a year is important to keep the grass healthy and encourage new growth. This task is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Shrubs for texture
Shrubs are a great way to add texture and depth to your landscape. Whether you’re looking for evergreen shrubs, flowering shrubs, or low-maintenance varieties, many options give your garden year-round texture and interest.
Popular shrubs to include:
- Red twig dogwoods
- Japanese holly
- Evergreen huckleberry
- Oakleaf hydrangea
- Smokebush
No matter what type of shrub you choose, be sure to research it thoroughly before planting. Each type of shrub has different requirements for light, water, and soil, so you want to make sure you pick one that will thrive in your garden.
Textural Trees
Trees are a great way to add texture to your landscape. They can provide privacy and protection from harsh winds and intense sunlight.
Try the following trees:
- Raywood’s Weeping Arizona cypress
- Pacific Madrone
- River Birch
- Hinoki false cypresses
- Thunderhead Japanese Black Pine
When selecting trees for your landscape, consider the mature size of the tree, as well as its growth rate. Think about where you plan to plant the tree, such as an area with direct sunlight or a more sheltered location with dappled light.
Need help with your landscape design or pairing plants with your hardscapes? Call us for a free consultation at (360) 574-8979.
Raised beds have become increasingly popular among gardeners and for a good reason. They are an attractive addition to any outdoor space and provide numerous practical benefits that make gardening more accessible and rewarding. Raised bed gardening may be the perfect solution to elevate your gardening game.
Easy to Maintain
Raised beds are ideal for anyone looking for a low-maintenance garden setup. The soil level allows you to work on your plants without bending down or kneeling on the ground. This makes it easier to pull weeds, add compost, and water your plants. The improved drainage means they don’t need as much attention when watering as ground-level soil. You can also control the soil mix in a raised bed, which makes it easier to maintain your plants’ nutrient needs.
Increase Drainage
The higher elevation of the soil helps water flow away from the plant roots, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and root rot that can occur with overly wet soil. This can be especially helpful in landscape areas where water drains slowly or is prone to pooling. Adding gravel or a layer of plastic beneath the soil also helps further improve drainage.
Control Your Soil
Raised beds allow you to control the soil you use for your garden. By building up the sides of the bed, you can fill it with soil from a local garden center or make your own blend. This allows you to tailor the soil to your specific needs and the plants that will be planted in the bed.
A good soil mix is essential for healthy plants and a bountiful harvest. A good soil mix will contain both organic material and inorganic materials to provide necessary nutrients, retain moisture, and aerate the soil. Composted manure, peat moss, or coco coir can be used in raised beds mixed with sand, vermiculite, and perlite. You can create your own custom blend to make a soil blend for your plants.
You Can Plant Earlier
Raised beds are typically warmer than traditional gardens because they are off the ground. Extra height and insulation of the soil increase the temperature. This can be beneficial in early spring when the ground can remain cold. With a raised bed, you can start planting earlier in the season.
Make harvesting easier
Raised beds can make harvesting easier because the vegetables are up off the ground and in easy-to-reach locations. It can also eliminate bending over and ensures you’re not pulling up weeds or disturbing the soil. This can save time and energy and help your harvest last longer. Raised beds also provide a convenient platform for trellising, so your vegetables can grow vertically and can be easily harvested.
Frontier Landscaping builds raised beds using a variety of materials. We can also add drip irrigation in the beds and outdoor lighting. Give us a call today for a free estimate at (360) 574-8979.
