As promised, I’m writing about landscaping. I figure I’ve learned a thing or two this last year, so why not share it with the rest of the world?
First, let’s talk about grass. Do you remember my mowing adventures last April? If not, that’s ok. Basically, the experts recommend you cut your grass twice a week. I’m sure this only applies to yards with lush, fertile, golf-course-like grass.
For a while, I was mowing my yard once a week. This was more than sufficient. I noticed last spring that I was starting to see some clover in the yard. But, I didn’t do anything about it. As it turns out, if you continue to mow your yard (without bagging), eventually, your entire yard will be made up of clover. One might think that this is a bad thing. But, let’s be honest, clover is nice and green and it only grows to be a couple of inches high. So, now I only have to mow once a month. Tip One.
Second item, weeds. Have you ever seen that black garbage bag-like material in your landscape? Do you know what it’s for? Well, as it turns out, this is used to prevent weeds. In fact, landscape plastic or fabric is used quite often. But, what I discovered is even when black plastic has been used in a flower bed, weeds still grow (as shown in the picture below).
Overgrown
Apparently, flower beds require attention no matter what. My tip? Don’t plant flowers in your back yard, by your deck. The deck blocks your view and weeds can grow to be six feet tall. And quite frankly, it’s a lot of work to clean it up. Tip Two.
No More Weeds
Third, let’s talk about plant choice. Overall, the landscaping in my yard isn’t bad. It won’t be pictured in Southern Living, mind you. But, with a few improvements, it will be in pretty good shape. What do I mean by improvements? I’ll continue ripping some things out. I’ll trim some things back. And, I’ll do some planting.
But, before planting anything, I will do my homework. Hostas, for example, don’t like a lot of direct sun. When planted in the proper environment, hostas can be beautiful!
Healthy Hostas
Unfortunately, the hostas above are not in my yard. No. My hostas, the one below, in my front yard isn’t exactly thriving and will probably need to go. Tip three.
A very sad, slightly dead, hostas
There you have it! I’ve offered my best tips for landscaping. Good luck with your clover! Be sure to leave questions in the comments and I’ll be happy to offer some sage (not the herb) advice.
Up next, Hiking Adventures in Bernheim Forest…followed by How to Shape a Shrub.
