“A beautiful garden is a work of heart.”

There is immense satisfaction in creating your own garden plan — the satisfaction derived from relaxing or entertaining in the garden as well as the satisfaction that comes from a job well done. The effort that you expend in planning and executing a design unique to you will add to the enjoyment your garden provides for years to come.

How do you begin to create a garden space that is unique to you? Here are ten simple steps that will help you move effortlessly through the process.

1. Identify WHY you want a garden.
   How will you use it? Who else will enjoy the garden? Remember that you may not be the sole inhabitant, so get input from all family members on how your outdoor space will be used.
2. Do a little dreaming.
   Now that you know why you want a garden and how you intend to use it, let your imagination play with all the possible features in your special space. A little dreaming will uncover those attributes that will put your personal imprint on the garden.
   
   Also decide whether you want a formal or an informal garden. Formal gardens are highly structured, divided by a strong central axis and cross axes. Informal gardens have a more natural look with strong, flowing curves.
3. Make a list of “must haves”.
   What items are essential? Listing your needs up front ensures that your final plan won’t be missing anything important. Do you need a retaining wall? A privacy fence? A path to the garage? More parking space? Do children need a place to play? What about pets?

   Walk around your property and make note of everything that is essential. Your final design should balance dream features and “must haves” to create a satisfying and functional space.

4. Evaluate what you already have.
   To get where you are going, it helps to know your starting point. Is your space large or small? Is the site flat or sloping? What is the climate? What type of soil do you have? How much water is available and from what sources? What are the predominate views?
5. Ballpark your budget.
   Once you know what you want and what you need, it’s time to consider what you are willing to spend. This dollar figure will influence what features you include in the final garden plan — trees, plants, hardscape materials and architectural elements such as arbors, fountains, ponds and benches.

   Remember that your “budget” comprises two elements: money and TIME. In terms of time, does the garden need to be finished by a certain date or can you create it over time? (Speed costs!) Also, how much time are you willing to budget to maintain your dream garden? Can you spare several hours a week or are you lucky enough to afford a caretaker?

   As you develop and refine your plan, you may need to balance time and cash costs. Be flexible. You may need to spend more time if you can’t spend more money and vice versa.

6. Identify your garden’s focal points.
   Every garden needs an eye-catching spot that causes you to pause a moment. When you choose a focal point, you are choosing the direction you want visitors to look when they enter your garden. Did your list of “wants” include a waterfall or fountain? An arbor retreat? A blossoming apple tree? If so, you are well on your way to identifying a focal point — or points — for your garden.
7. Create a rough design.
   Take all the information that you’ve gathered and incorporate it into a workable design that balances the “wants” with the “must haves”. Your goal is to create a space that is both satisfying and functional.

   Buy a pad of graph paper that contains 8 or 10 squares per inch and let each square equal one foot. (In other words, every inch on the paper will equate to 8 or 10 feet on your property.) Create a basic map with your property lines and house drawn to scale.

   You will also need tracing paper, markers, a tape measure, a ruler, a pencil and a good eraser. Lay the tracing paper over your basic scaled map. Then refer back to your list of “must haves” and “wants” as you sketch the various areas of your garden. Show the approximate position of focal points, activity areas (“rooms”) and pathways. Use as many sheets of tracing paper as necessary until you find a layout that pleases you and meets the goal that you identified in Step 1.

8. Choose your plants and hardscape.
   The colors and materials that you choose will create the character of your garden, adding interest, movement and visual appeal. Do you want harmonious colors or strong contrast? Warm hues or cool tones? Bold colors or soft hues? Mixing different colors and materials and textures will give your garden a strong sense of space.

   Plants comprise a significant part of your garden. In addition to plants, hardscape materials contribute variety and texture — wood arbors, brick borders, gravel paths, bronze statuary, and wrought-iron benches.

   As you review your preliminary layout, consider the best material for each of the hardscape elements. Keep in mind that each element needs to fit with and compliment the whole. For example, a terrace constructed of the same material as the house unifies while railroad ties around a formal garden create discord.

9. Make a scale drawing.
   Thus far, you have created a basic map of property lines and your house as well as an overlay sheet that shows focal points, “rooms” and pathways. You also have a list of the trees, shrubs and plants for each area of your garden. Now you need to create a scale drawing that shows EXACTLY where each feature will go. You will use this blueprint to lay the walkways, set the arbors and trellises, and plant the trees, shrubs and flowers.

   It is important that you have enough information to help you create in reality the garden that you just designed on paper. As long as your scale drawing or blueprint is in sufficient scale to accomplish that purpose, you will be successful.

10. Execute your plan.
    Before you begin actual construction of the garden, check all local building codes and regulations to make sure that you will be in compliance. Structures such as decks, patios and retaining walls may require a permit from the local city government. Once all permits are in place, you can start to lay out the garden.

    With your scale drawing as a blueprint, use a tape measure to position all structures, walkways and plants. Be sure to measure accurately so each element in your design fits its assigned space.

If designing a garden space sounds a bit intimidating, don’t panic. Just follow these steps one by one and let a space unfold that feels right to you. You CAN do it. After all, a successful garden is just another room of your house, which you’ve already successfully decorated!

With some imagination (and a lot of perspiration), you can create an outdoor room where you will enjoy spending time with your family and where you will be proud to welcome friends.

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If you’re looking for a soothing and aesthetically appealing addition to your garden, then you should consider adding a fountain. Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying sitting on a garden bench and listening to the calming sounds of a water fountain! In addition to the beauty a foundation brings to any garden, installing a water feature is fairly simple and a worth-while investment. Another advantage is the minimal amount of maintenance required to keep your foundation running smoothly and looking beautiful after it’s installed.

Fountains are typically installed for the natural ambiance they bring to life, even in the blandest of outdoor gardens. You can always feel a positive vibe soaking in a gorgeous water scene. For those practicing Tai Chi or other forms of yoga, the constant drone of the water enhances one’s ability to concentrate and focus on meditating. Even those not honing in on their mediation skills appreciate the meditative quality garden fountains offer.

Before installing a fountain, you should give some serious thought into selecting one that will nicely complement the rest of your garden’s theme. You should take into consideration the existing motif of the other decorative items found in your garden. For example, does the fountain you’re considering match the other decorations or does it look totally out of place? For nature lovers who may be a bit challenged when it comes to designing might consider asking someone more naturally inclined to help with design plans. You may also try searching online for water fountain themes and decorating ideas as well as do-it-yourself fountain projects.

Occasionally garden lovers installing a fountain may encounter technical difficulties, especially when supplying fountains with power electricity in cases where the garden isn’t in close proximity to a power supply. To avoid tacky eyesores, and more importantly dangers, from running long extension cords, it’s often necessary to come up with safer solutions. With the help of your local Home Depot or other home improvement store, you can find the perfect solution in the form of an extension cord that can be buried. After purchasing, all you need to do is dig a small trench across the yard from your garden to the nearest power supply. Although it may require a few hours of minimal labor, you don’t have to worry about unsightly cords cluttering up your yard and distracting from the beauty of your garden!

If you’re interested in adding a natural beauty and ambiance to your garden, a water fountain offers both at affordable prices to fit any budget. Fountains also add unique character to an otherwise boring garden. There are numerous styles, colors and themes of foundations for you to shop from. Remember, when you hear the word garden, it isn’t just used to describe those for growing vegetables! Nature lovers have enjoyed all the benefits gardens have to offer for centuries. Best enjoyed as a place to retreat to after a long day and dwell peacefully in your own little place on Earth to enjoy your thoughts with no interruptions!

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Gardening can add a new dimension of immeasurable beauty to your yard and life. But perhaps you don’t think you have enough time to dedicate to your garden. Even if you think you are too busy to dedicate spare time to gardening, you would be surprised how much you can do with just a couple of hours on the weekend a few minutes throughout the working week. If you crave a garden, but don’t think you have enough time for one, here are some simple tips and instructions on how to plant a low maintenance garden.

Designate a Space for Your Gardening

Gardening does not need to take up hours of your time. The easiest way to brighten up your yard or outdoor living space without exerting a lot of time, money and effort is to designate a specific space for your garden. A lot of gardens are time-consuming because the plants are scattered throughout a large outdoor area. If you limit your gardening space to one raised bed, for instance, you will not have to worry about watering several garden beds or maintaining a large garden. Start by focusing one area in your yard that needs space and work from there.

Container Gardening Adds Easy Color and Texture to Any Space

Do you want to brighten your yard with color and texture, but don’t have the time or money for a whole garden bed? Consider container gardening, an easy way to add flowers or plants to any part of your home. Moreover, if you are working with malnourished soil, or simply don’t have the space for a full planting, container gardening can fill this void with minimal effort. You can opt for one large planter, a variety of container sizes, or a small-scale container garden. Container gardening is a cost-effective and easy way to satisfy your craving for a garden without having to do the full-scale plant bed preparation, seeding and transplanting.

Choose Hardy Perennials for Easy Year-Round Color

Do you wish you had a garden that boasts year-round color? You don’t have to be a gardening whiz to ensure that your garden is rich in color and texture on a year-round basis. There are many hardy perennials that, once planted and become well established, will present you with blooms throughout the growing season. Perennials are plants that continue to bloom season after season. For this reason, perennials will usually cost you more, but the investment in a long-lasting garden is well worth it. Make sure that you understand which perennials thrive in your climate. You will want to choose the hardiest perennials available in your area for the best low-maintenance garden. Visit your local nursery and ask which plants do best in your area despite minimal care and attention.

Install a Drip Irrigation System for Easy Plant Care

Do you wish you had a healthy, thriving garden, but don’t have the time it takes to water your plants on a regular schedule? A drip irrigation schedule can take care of this for you. Drip irrigation systems are becoming increasingly popular because, once properly installed, they water your garden with maximum efficiency. This system works by dripping water on a continuous basis, thus avoiding over-watering and loss of evaporation. A drip irrigation system can help keep your plants properly watered without you having to lift the hose ever again. Moreover, these systems can help save you water and time, making them an environmentally friendly option for the modern gardener. Visit your local nursery or home improvement store to take a look at the latest drip irrigation systems. They can be tricky to install, so you may want to enlist the help of a professional.

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Are you looking for a fun and easy way to make your garden stand out? With just a few hours on the weekend, you can transform your garden using one of these quick and simple project ideas. Here are just a few projects that can make your garden sparkle.

Create a Charming Half-Barrel Fountain

This is a quick and simple garden project that can provide years of texture and soothing water sounds to your garden. Visit your local nursery to get the right parts for this project. You will need a half-barrel planter, a fitted plastic liner for the barrel, a re-circulating pump, a decorative water pump and the appropriate tubing. Part of the fun of this project is that you can individualize your half-barrel fountain to blend in with your yard environment. If you enjoy brightly colored pots and yard ornaments, you can coordinate your half-barrel so that it complements your garden environment.

Make Your Own Decorative Garden Wind Chimes with Recycled Items

There are many easy ways to put together your own decorative wind chimes using recycled items that you can find around the house. Easy recycled items include old spoons, keys and CDs that you no longer need. You can use a metal hanger and sturdy cord or wire to hang antique forks and spoons from the hanger so that you can listen to the relaxing sounds of your own handmade wind chime. You can use just about any resonant material, your imagination is your only limit. You can also use old CDs to create your own dazzling hanging display. These can pull double-duty as they are reflective and are helpful in ridding your garden of pests.

Paint a Few Pots and Watch Your Garden Sparkle

Want to add a little color to your garden? Here is a very fast and simple way to brighten up any patio or deck. Buy three planters of varying shapes and sizes and paint them with bright colors that coordinate with your home. Use stencils to create your own dazzling designs on your pots. Protect your handiwork with paint sealant. Choose flowers that coordinate well with the flowerpot. For instance, for a bright yellow pot, plant blue-blooming flowers with long stems. This will create an eye-catching display that will be sure to please.

Install Window Boxes with Bright Showy Annuals

This is a classic touch that has been overlooked in recent years. Installing window boxes below your windows adds a classic and charming touch that is not easily missed. Coordinate the window boxes to complement your homes exterior. You can choose from a variety of materials, including wood, metal and plastic. Plant showy annuals that complement the window box and your home’s exterior, providing warmth and vibrancy. This is a classic way to add color and texture to an otherwise drab exterior, and you can complete this project in one short afternoon.

Add Stepping Stones to Your Garden

What could be more charming than steppingstones that lead right up to your garden gate? This project is a fast and easy way to enhance the overall appearance of your garden. You can use natural stones that are available throughout your yard and plant them firmly in a well designed garden path, or you can purchase readymade steppingstones in a variety of designs from your local nursery or home improvement garden store.

Decorative Lighting Adds Security and Sophistication to Your Night Garden

Decorative lighting has never been as affordable as it is today. Install a row of solar lights along your garden path, and enjoy the subtle yet moving glow that it imparts across your night garden when the sun goes down.

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Are you feeding your birds every winter or maybe all around the year? Have you ever thought about using your birdseed for something different than feeding the birds? How about growing a garden from birdseed? Maybe you are already growing a garden from birdseed every year and you do not even know it. Sometimes in spring, there are little plants growing under a bird feeder and many of us remove them as weeds or turn them over to have the flower beds ready for new plants.

Birdseed can make for many beautiful flowers. One of the most beautiful ones contained in bird seeds might be sun flowers. Growing a garden from birdseed is cheap. Birdseed bags are full of nice seeds that can be spread all over your garden or just in a small area. Growing a garden from birdseeds is also very budget-friendly. A big bag of birdseeds is just around 5 dollars and can easily cover your whole garden. Leftovers can be stored for next year if necessary. Buying plants or seeds separately from small bags that contain 3-10 seeds per package can add up fast, especially if you want to cover a whole garden.

A garden from birdseeds is also very bird friendly. If you are a bird lover or your kids love to watch birds, a garden from birdseeds will provide you with plenty of opportunities to watch many different species of birds. Gardens grown from birdseeds of course sprout plants and flowers that produce the seeds and food for birds and are therefore an excellent choice for bird watchers and bird lovers. Birdseed gardens are a natural attraction for birds and other small animals that enjoy the seeds of these plants.

To actually go ahead and grow a birdseed garden, there are a few steps that you have to do. First of all, you need to buy a bag of bird food. Then you need to determine where you want to plant your birdseed garden. As with many other gardens, these plants want sun and plenty of water, but they also need to be protected from too hot weather if you are living in a warmer region. After picking a good area for your garden, go ahead and turn over or till the soil, just as if you were to plant a vegetable or flower garden. Removal of weed and stones can be beneficial to the plants. Remove a layer of dirt from the ground, maybe into a wheelbarrow and then go ahead and spread the seed on the patch of your choice. Instead of removing the dirt you can also add topsoil after the spreading of the seeds. Make sure to spread the seeds equally and try not to have too many in one spot. After the spreading of the seed, go ahead and spread the dirt that you had removed over the seeds or the topsoil. Now it is time to water the seeds. Water needs to be applied carefully as to not uncover the seeds from under the soil. Water needs to be applied on a daily basis till the plants sprout and then still daily or at least every two days.

To ensure that your seeds are growing, be aware of birds. Even though you want them to come and enjoy your plants and flowers later on, you do not want them to eat the birdseed you planted in the soil. If the birds steal all your seeds you will not be able to grow your beautiful garden and you will not be able to enjoy the birds later on this year. In general after the starting and sprouting birdseed gardens are very easy to take care of. Besides the regular watering, birdseed gardens do not need much other than sun and nice weather and a little bit of fertilizing here or there.

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If garden in is your forte, but you haven’t done it in a few years worried about your children, you should consider planting a garden that is safe for the children and that the children can help you with. Planting a safe garden that kids can help in is an easy to accomplish task. There are only a few things that you have to consider to make your garden safe for your children.

Many children love to help their parents with household chores or interesting tasks, at least for a certain amount of time and gardening is one of the things that children generally really enjoy helping with. Depending on the age of the children it might be hard to have them help since they might just destroy the garden instead of being helpful.

For younger children it might be helpful to have the garden fenced in or have a container garden or beds that are raised so that the children cannot just run in and over the plants without your permission. When you decide to involve your children in the garden, involve them in all the necessary steps so that they can learn the process. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that children like to play and can only work hard and diligently for so long. Therefore plan breaks, include games and fun into the designing and planting of your garden.

First of all, before buying any plants, go ahead and prepare the garden. Have the children help you dig and turn the garden patch and have them also help you laying out the garden patch with sticks, rocks and string. After preparing the patch, make a drawing together with your children and plan what kind of plants you want to have in your garden. Maybe there will even be a separate area for each of your children, where they can decide on one or more plants that they would like to take care of by themselves this season.

When planting a garden where your kids can help never choose any plants that can be poisonous to your children should they try to eat some part of it. There are many nice flowers, vegetables and fruits out there that children can eat the one or other part without being harmed. If you are not sure which plants are included in the safe for children category in your growing region, your local garden center should be able to answer all your questions and give you good advice on what to choose.

After the soil is prepared, the design and choices are made; it is time to go to the local garden center. Have your children help pick nice plants, so that they feel important during the process. At the center take one to two extra plants from each of the varieties just in case. There can be accidents when children help plant the plants and after all the most fun is in planting the plants for gowns ups and children alike. And if there weren’t any accidents you will probably be able to find a spot for those plants or a container that you can set somewhere else.

During the planting process, mark the sports for the plants and lay out nice lines for the children, so that they exactly know where to plant the plants. If you have time and want to add an extra art project for your children, go ahead and make plant markers with your children that they can use to mark the plants.

When the plants are planted, use mulch in between the plants. Mulch is used for several reasons. First of all, shoes will stay cleaner and that is surely something good to achieve, when children are part of the gardening process, second of all, mulch will keep more moisture in the soil as sun blazes down on it.

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Although you may be tempted to reach for that broad-spectrum insecticide in order to blow away every pest in sight, you should resist this urge. There are many easy and money saving gardening ideas that can help you control your pest population and provide general maintenance in a way that is safe and effective. Here are some easy ways to control garden pests while saving money by using regular household items and good overall common sense when providing your garden with general maintenance.

Why You Should Avoid Most Commercial Pesticides

Before you decide to start using commercial pesticides around your garden, take a moment to decide if your garden pests are hurting the plant. Why should you consider leaving a few insect populations intact? Insects and other pests are often necessary in order to create a healthy garden. Insects are often responsible for creating organic material, which means that many pests are actually helping enrich your soil matter. It is estimated that of the thousands of insect species in your area, only about three to five percent of these are actually causing the majority of the damage to your flowers, ornamentals or food crops. The crucial thing is to determine which insects are causing problems, and which are just helping to enrich your garden.

Identifying Your Pest Population

The first thing you have to do is identify your pest population. The last thing you want to do is spray away all of your beneficial insect population. This will only put your garden under more stress and possibly incite further damage. Many people who spot an insect in their garden will spray indiscriminately. In most cases, this is a mistake. Here are some tips on easy and safe ways to control specific insect populations that are making their home in your garden.

Controlling Ants – A Common Pest in Many Gardens

Here are some ideas for controlling ant populations in your garden. Vinegar has been known to keep ants away. Pour vinegar into the anthill in order to control the ant population. Another easy way to control anthills is to use boiling water to tame your ant population. There are certain plants that are also known to control ant populations, including mints, onions, Artemisia, tansy, catnip and lavender.

Beetles in Your Garden – Controlling Plant Damage

Beetles have been known to cause plant damage, and they are often known as leaf-chewing insects. There are many plants that you can use to repel beetles. Plant beans, catnip, tansy, calendula, rosemary, nasturtiums, radishes, parsley and petunias in order to keep beetle populations in check in your garden.

Caterpillars Got You Down? Easy Ways to Keep Them in Check

Caterpillars have been known to cause damage, especially larger caterpillars. If you love butterflies, you may not want to get rid of all caterpillars. However, if you find that they have caused significant damage to your plants, here are some ways to keep caterpillars in check. There are certain plants that are known to repel caterpillars, including mints, Artemisia, marigold, basil, calendula, bay leaves, borage, thyme, nasturtiums, onions, tansy, pennyroyal, sage and rosemary.

When Birds Become Pests

Most gardeners enjoy a healthy bird population in their yard, but there are instances when birds can become pests. Many birds are known to pick fruit trees clean. Here are some tips to keep birds from ruining your fruit harvest. Use reflective material like tinfoil or cassette tape across treetops and plants. Hang fake fruit or Christmas tree ornaments on your fruit trees to train birds that pecking is futile. Finally, there are several commercial nets available at nurseries that are designed specifically to keep birds off fruit.

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Do you wish you want to establish your own garden, but you simply do not have the space? If so, don’t give up. With a little creativity, you will find that there are many ways to establish a fine garden without the use of much space. When space is short, let your ingenuity take over. Here are some ideas for saving space and time while still being able to establish your own garden to enjoy and share.

Using Decorative Containers to Create Your Own Garden Oasis

Who said that a proper garden should always be big and expansive? The truth is that you can create your own garden oasis with just a few strategically placed gardening planters. If you are an apartment dweller with no yard to speak of, take heed. There are many easy ways to establish a garden oasis without a yard. If you have access to patio, fire escape or rooftop, you are well on your way to your own version of gardening paradise. Choose colorful (depending on your taste and environment) and decorative planters. Choose a variety of planter sizes, from very small herb-sized containers to large gallon planters. Choose hardy perennial plants that do not need to be cared for on a daily basis. Container gardening is a boon to gardeners that are short on space because you can move your garden around to your liking, and create a unique garden design.

Choosing the Best Plants if you are Short on Space and Time

One of the easiest ways to establish a space- and time-saving garden is to choose the right plants from the very start. What are the right plants for a space- and time-saving garden? Ideally, you will want small plants that do not require an excessive amount of water, sun, pruning or any kind of daily care. Consider a cactus garden made up of many different varieties, colors, textures and blooms. Many cacti do well in container gardens, and typically they do not need extended care. Simply make sure that they are well established in their respective containers and place in a sunny location. There is an incredible amount of diversity in cacti, and you will surely appreciate the color and texture that this kind of garden can provide your home with. Choose hardy perennials to accent your cactus garden.

Look Up – Hanging Planters Saves You Space

Look up—what do you see? One of the best ways to save space is to take advantage of hanging planters. Hanging planters are easy to install. You can choose from a variety of planter designs and sizes. No matter where you live—apartment, condo or small house—chances are that you can find space for a hanging planter. These add a lively decorative touch to your patio, backyard or even in a sunny indoor location. There are many hardy perennials that do well in this environment. Choose easy to care for plants so that you don’t have to worry about a daily watering schedule. Invest in a watering can designed for planter watering so that when it does come time to water, it is a quick and efficient process.

Raised Beds Give You Space to Grow Fruits and Flowers

If you are working with limited space or poor soil, consider building or installing a raised bed. Raised beds come in all sizes and it is an easy way to control the plant environment. You can build a raised bed to your space specifications, and plant a variety of plants and flowers in a single bed. With your own raised garden bed, you can even grow your very own vegetables!

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Gardening is a healthy and fun hobby that can help you stay in good shape. However, gardening can also be hard on the body, especially on the knees and lower back. Here are some easy exercise tips that can help you avoid garden injuries.

Stretch Before a Long Garden Session

If you are planning a long day in the garden, prepare your body by stretching properly. Just as you might stretch before a long walk or run, gardening often consists of several repeated movements, causing your muscles to become strained or even causing injury. Any experienced gardener knows that a long day in the garden is often followed by a few aches and muscle soreness the following day. Avoid this by making certain that you stretch your body, paying special attention to your legs and lower back. Make certain that your muscles are properly ‘warmed up’ before you hit the garden.

Stretches to Keep Your Body Flexible and Injury-Free

Here are some tips on stretching to keep your body flexible and injury-free during your gardening session. Do a sun stretch by interlocking your fingers and stretching your hands over your head in a long comfortable stretch. Warm up your knees for the gardening session ahead by sitting on the ground with your legs stretched out before you. Reach for your toes with your fingertips while keeping your legs straight. Hold the stretch for a few seconds time, and then repeat. Finally, stand up and reach for your toes while keeping your legs straight. Do not strain yourself. Hold the stretch for a few seconds.

Use the Right Kind of Gardening Tools

In recent years, research has brought to attention the importance of using ergonomic tools. Every tool you use should fit well in your hand. If the tool you pick up does not immediately feel comfortable in your grip, chances are that it can cause an injury. When buying garden hand tools, look for those with firm yet flexible rubber grips. Avoid oversized hand tools that do not fit comfortable in your hands. Choose gardening gloves that are thick enough to prevent cuts and pricks from thorns and needles. As for spades, shovels and other larger gardening tools, make sure that wooden handles are smooth and free from splinters. Even if you have a favorite spade, hoe or shovel, if it has a rough handle, put it aside until the handle can be replaced or smoothed down. Splinters are painful and can cause infection.

Avoid Knee Troubles By Using a Garden Cushion

Gardening accessories and tools are now being designed with the gardener’s comfort in mind. Many gardeners suffer from knee injuries from remaining kneeled on the hard ground for long stretches of time. Avoid this by using a handy garden knee cushion. If you plan on working on the same bed or space of land for an extended period of time, these inexpensive garden cushions can be a comfortable way to save your knees.

Vary Your Body Motions and Take Plenty of Breaks

One of the easiest ways to avoid knee and back problems while gardening is to make sure that you are varying your body movements and taking plenty of breaks. It may seem like common sense, but it can be very easy to become involved in a garden project and forget to take breaks and stretch. Do not ignore aches. As soon as you feel your legs, knees, back or other area begin to ache, take a break and change position. Instead of working on one long involved garden project, vary your tasks so that you are frequently moving.

Xeriscaping is a type of gardening that is quickly becoming more popular as the importance of water conservation and sustainable gardening becomes more popular. Xeriscaping refers to a type of gardening that is done with little water. A xeriscape garden usually features plants that require low water use, and that can be sustained on little rainfall and infrequent watering. For these reasons, xeriscaping is most commonly used in desert gardens, although the principles of xeriscaping can be applied to any climate.

Why Xeriscaping Works for Amateurs for Gardeners with Limited Garden Time

The principles of xeriscaping are sustainable and earth-friendly, but they can also be a viable way to garden if you have a limited amount of time and resources. Xeriscaping can work for the amateur gardener because it involves hardy plants that survive (and in some cases, even thrive) with minimal care and attention. A properly maintained xeriscape garden does not require frequent watering, and it can withstand a certain amount of neglect. These are hardy, tough gardens that can withstand extreme temperatures, while still adding beauty and richness to the environment. Here are some key principles to keep in mind if you are considering starting your own xeriscape garden.

Avoid Impulse Buy at the Nursery and Choose Your Plants with Care

When it comes to establishing a healthy and viable xeriscape garden, plant selection is key above all else. Walking up and down the aisles at your local nursery store, it can be very tempting to pick the plants with the showiest blooms. But are they right for your garden? But you should resist the urge to pick out just any plant. For a xeriscape garden, you will want to select the right plant for the right place.

Where Will You Be Planting?

In order to select the right plant for the right place, you will want to determine exactly where you will be planting. What are the key characteristics of the planting site? Important factors to consider include sunlight, water needs, climate and soil type. Choose plants that are well suited to the planting location. Smart plant choices will save you a lot of grief in the long run.

For Your Xeriscape Garden, Choose Low Water Usage Plants

Drought-tolerant, low water usage plants are the backbone of any xeriscape garden. If you don’t know which plants are low water use plants in your area, ask your local nursery expert to direct you to hardy perennials that do not require frequent watering. Choosing hardy perennials is the best way to ensure that you are getting low water usage plants that will thrive in your xeriscape garden. Also, consider focusing on plants that are native to your area. Native plants are already adapted to your growing climate, and thus will almost always require less water than more exotic plants. Native plants have the benefit of thousands of years in one area, and thus are better suited for their specific region than exotic plants.

Liven Up Your Xeriscape Garden with Multipurpose Plants

Perhaps you think that a xeriscape garden will result in a dull display. This is not true, especially if you plant multipurpose plants. These are plants that fulfill more than one purpose at a time, especially if you would like to attract birds, butterflies or wildlife. Choose native plants that can provide you with natural year-round foliage, periodical blooms and that can attract local birds or butterflies. Native plants are often the primary source of food for native birds and other wildlife. If you are trying to attract certain birds or other animals into your garden, then this is another compelling reason to invite native plants into your xeriscape garden.