Landscaping for Beginners

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

to Planning Your Amazing
Outdoor Space, Design
Walkways, Edges, Patios, and
Turn Your Garden into a Beautiful
Natural Landscape

Andrew J. Walls
© Copyright 2020 - All rights reserved.
The content contained within this book may not be reproduced,
duplicated or transmitted without direct written permission from the
author or the publisher.

Under no circumstances will any blame or legal responsibility be held

against the publisher, or author, for any damages, reparation, or
monetary loss due to the information contained within this book,
either directly or indirectly.

Legal Notice:
This book is copyright protected. It is only for personal use. You
cannot amend, distribute, sell, use, quote or paraphrase any part, or
the content within this book, without the consent of the author or
publisher.

Disclaimer Notice:
Please note the information contained within this document is for
educational and entertainment purposes only. All effort has been
executed to present accurate, up to date, reliable, complete
information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied.
Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaged in the
rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. The
content within this book has been derived from various sources.
Please consult a licensed professional before attempting any
techniques outlined in this book.

By reading this document, the reader agrees that under no

circumstances is the author responsible for any losses, direct or
indirect, that are incurred as a result of the use of the information
contained within this document, including, but not limited to, errors,
omissions, or inaccuracies.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Landscaping and Landscape Gardening
Planning Your Garden
Planning Your Hardscapes
Planning Your Botanicals
Budgeting
Chapter 2: Gardening and Edible Landscaping
Traditional Gardening
Landscape Gardening
Edible Gardening
Chapter 3: Plants by Region
Northeast Hardiness Zones 3 to 7
Edibles
Fruits
Vegetables
Herbs
Flowers and Plants
Flowers
Shade Plants
Ornamental Grasses
Ground Cover
Trees
Shrubs and Bushes
Vines
South Hardiness Zones 7 to 11
Edibles
Fruits
Vegetables
 Herbs
Flowers and Plants
Flowers
Shade Plants
Ornamental Grasses
Ground Cover
Trees
Shrubs and Bushes
Vines
Midwest Hardiness Zones 2 to 7
Edibles
Fruits
Vegetables
Herbs
Flowers and Plants
Flowers
Shade Plants
Ornamental Grasses
Ground Cover
Trees
Shrubs and Bushes
Vines
West Hardiness Zones 5 to 10
Edibles
Fruits
Vegetables
Herbs
Flowers and Plants
Flowers
Shade Plants
Ornamental Grasses
 Ground Cover
Trees
Shrubs and Bushes
Vines
Alaska Hardiness Zones 1 to 4
Hawaii Hardiness Zones 10 to 12
Chapter 4: Garden Maintenance
Weeding
Pest Control
Soil Care and Fertilization
Watering, Irrigation, and Drainage
Chapter 5: Landscaping Hardscapes
Regional Challenges
Material Considerations
Patios
Pathways and walkways
Walls
Borders and Edges
Fire Pits
Ponds and Fountains
Hardscape Decor
Chapter 6: Small Scale Landscaping and Container Gardening
Container Gardening
Small Hardscape Ideas
Conclusion
References
Introduction
So, you’re ready to embark on a landscape gardening journey to
make your yard the perfect setting for yourself and your family. If
you’re thinking that it might be easier to hire a landscaping company
or gardening company to change your landscape, well, that may
seem easier, yes, but there are other factors to consider.
First of all, professional landscaping companies can be very
expensive. They usually work on both residential lawns and big
company landscapes, like resorts and golf courses, and often
employ degreed professionals, such as landscape architects and
horticulturalists, which means these services can be costly.
It is true that professionals have the knowledge to make a suitable
landscape for your climate and region. However, there is no reason
why you can’t have that same knowledge, too, which is what
Landscaping for Beginners and its companion book Northeast Home
Landscaping can offer you. With the right knowledge, there is no
need to hire professionals and incur that expense.
What’s more, trying to explain your ideas and visions to someone
else can be complicated. Generally, professional companies work
with you step by step to ensure that they are meeting your
requirements. It doesn’t always turn out that way, though, so when
you are the one in control of the construction and work, you have
complete control over how the finished project turns out.
By embarking on this journey of DIY landscaping, you’re going to
learn about all the plants, trees, and fauna that you can grow
successfully in your region and climate. You will learn about the best
materials to use for your hardscapes and which ones are the most
practical for you and your circumstances.
You’ll get inspiring ideas to plan your whole yard from gardens to
walkways and from patios to hedges. Any type of landscaping
requires some care and maintenance as well, so you will be guided
through the process of how to care for your gardens and how to
protect your hardscapes in various weather conditions. Landscaping
for Beginners is your step-by-step handbook for achieving your
backyard goals.
Our book is designed to be a beginner’s guide to the art of
landscaping and gardening. Yes, both of these are considered arts,
but they don’t require you to have the artistic talent or eye of a
painter or sculptor. Your landscaping designs are purely of your own
thought and creation, based on your wants, needs, and the
limitlessness of your imagination. Use this book to educate yourself
on what you can do with landscaping and how your region will
impact your landscaping options. This book is meant to be the
catalyst for generating wonderful landscape and garden ideas for
your very own yard!
So, you want the perfect backyard for your kids to play in? Or maybe
you want the best patio to have cookouts with friends and family?
Maybe you just want the most beautiful landscape to sit in and
enjoy? Whatever your reasons for wanting to reimagine your yard,
this is your starting point.
Chapter 1: Landscaping and

Landscape Gardening

Before we get into planning and changing your landscape, it is

important to define a few terms we will use. Gardening is a general
term for growing and maintaining plants. Usually, it is in a designated
plot where flowers, vegetables, and even small bushes and shrubs
are grown and maintained for primarily aesthetic value. Vegetable
and herb gardens often have a culinary component as well.
Gardening can venture into lawn care and hedge maintenance.
Landscaping, on the other hand, is a combination of gardening,
hardscapes, and botanicals. Hardscapes are a general term for your
walls, patios, walkways, etc. Botanicals come into play with
landscaping in the form of trees, hedges and bushes as well as
some other interesting flora combinations that are a little outside the
realm of simple gardening.
There is a good deal of overlap between gardening and landscaping,
so a specific differentiation is hard to make. However, for our
purposes, gardening is a primary focus on tending plants in an
enclosed space, while landscaping is a much broader term for
various ways of decorating your yard space.
When you first get started with landscaping, it is important to have a
plan. Our recommendation is to get yourself a notebook for the
planning process. You can use lined paper, blank paper, or grid
paper for the planning process. The first step is to draw a map of
your yard. This map should include dimensions so you have a clear
idea of the space that is available.
Once your map is drawn, add in permanent structures, such as your
house, driveway, garage, tool shed, etc. If you can get dimensions of
your permanent structures and work them into a realistic ratio with
the initial map you drew, that will help you when designing gardens
and hardscapes. If you aren’t using grid paper, you might find it
beneficial to draw an overall grid that is based on the measurements
and use that to accurately include permanent structures.
Make notes on your map. These notes can include items that you
might want removed, like an old tree stump that can be ripped up or
a swing set that can be dragged to a different area of the yard. You
should also put in a few notes about hills, slopes, uneven ground,
and where the best sun is. Additionally, if there are paths that are
used by default, even if they aren’t marked, take note of those. They
could become the perfect place for a built-in walkway or a place to
avoid putting a garden so that you don’t disrupt that natural flow of
the other people in your household.

Planning Your Garden

Your map should have plenty of notes and data about the space that
you have available, but also the growing conditions, such as
sunlight, slope, soil quality, and water build up or runoff. Those are
the notes that are going to be helpful in planning your garden.
First, you want to consider what you want from your garden. Do you
want it to be low maintenance, mostly colorful, easily seen, or a more
private, tranquil place? Once you have some answers, you can take
your map and start designating where you want your garden.
It can be helpful to start small and then add more garden space later.
You can play around with your map to see what looks best and what
you like most. You can also choose to have multiple garden spaces.
It doesn’t all have to be condensed into one area. Maybe you want a
full sun garden, but then you also have a hill you want covered in
pretty ground cover. You could also decide to put a shade garden in
so that darker corners of your yard have more life and personality.
While planning your garden, consider whether or not you want
garden inground plots or raised garden beds. Both are viable options
for growing and both have benefits.

A raised garden bed can increase your growing season because the
dirt inside thaws out faster than dirt on the ground. Raised beds do
require construction and materials, so an inground plot can be less
expensive since you don’t need to buy materials to make one.
Raised beds tend to be uniformly shaped and have a limited number
of design ideas based on the materials you can use to safely make
them.
Inground plots are more versatile, as they can use odd shapes and
can go with the curves of your property or around structures.
Inground plots also have a much wider range of the types of borders
you can use to decorate the edges.
As you add garden ideas and spaces to your map, also consider the
hardscapes that you want to add. Some hardscapes require water
and electricity, so you’ll want to try and limit the obstructions of those
resources. If you want to put walkways, walls, or benches in or
around your gardens, take preliminary notes on what you’re thinking
of so you can see what it will look like. Furthermore, this combined
planning process allows you to visualize the whole project so you
don’t run into snags, like running out of space or having a hardscape
encroach on a garden.
If you really want to get in depth with garden planning, you can also
start to make notes of the plants you want in your garden and can
even put notations of where you want those plants situated. When
choosing plants, consider going with native plants to your area and
region. Native plants are easier to care for and will thrive better in
your climate conditions. They also don’t pose a threat to your local
ecosystem and environment. There will be more information and
discussion about plant options based on region later.
Gardening does require some basic gardening equipment. If you
don’t already have these tools, consider getting yourself a:
● weeder
● hand trowel
● pruning saw and shears
● transplanter
● garden rake
● water hose, watering can, and sprinkler
● spade (flat shovel)
● leaf rake
● garden hoe
● wheelbarrow
● lawn mower
● weed whacker/eater
● pitch fork
You also want to get garden gloves and knee pads or a kneeling
stool. Having the appropriate tools and equipment will allow you to
put your garden together with more ease. They also give you the
means to maintain your garden and lawn. They will come in handy
once you move onto the stage of clearing space and preparing your
yard for its transformation.

Planning Your Hardscapes

Hardscapes are one of the aspects of landscaping that set it apart

from mere gardening. However, hardscapes can be combined with
gardening to make a very artistic design. Gardens can benefit from
having walls, walkways, borders, and edges. A yard scape, in
general, can become quite functional and beautiful with the addition
of a patio, some walkways, or a built-in staircase.
When planning your hardscapes, you want to consider a few things.
You can easily plan hardscapes alongside or around your gardens.
So, while you are mapping out your gardens, it might be a good idea
to also make notes of where you want hardscape edging and
borders around your gardens or where you want walkways.
Some larger hardscapes take a little more planning and space. For
example, patios and walls tend to need more space and a little more
planning. Larger hardscapes are harder to rearrange or start over, so
it is best to have a solid plan with measurements before you get
started.
If your property is on a hill or has uneven ground, walls can be used
to flatten areas of the space for easier planting, to expand your lawn,
or to achieve a more visually appealing look. Patios can be large and
intricate with additional walkways extending off of them, and you can
use walls to close in patios or walkways.
Ponds and fountains need more planning because there is a need
for electricity. When looking at your map, you’ll want to ensure there
is easy electrical and water access for these features. Otherwise,
you might get in a bind with your projects or make more work for
yourself.
Fire pits are another type of hardscape that needs additional
thought. Fire pits can be dangerous, and many states and cities
have regulations around permanent and open fire pits. You want to
check your local ordinances before planning a fire pit. A good rule of
thumb is to keep your fire pit at least 10 feet away from your house
and any other permanent structure that is flammable, especially a
structure that people or animals live in. You’ll want to double check
on distance requirements for your local laws and ordinances.
It is important to plan well enough that you have your tools and
materials before you start your project. Along with the
abovementioned gardening tools, you’ll need to consider getting
some of the following landscaping tools that will come in handy for
installing your hardscapes:
● landscaping rake
● patio or driveway broom
● tamper
● various kinds of shovels
● masonry trowel
Some landscaping projects might require the use of heavy
machinery or equipment that you won’t use regularly. You won’t want
to shell out money for those expensive pieces of equipment.
Fortunately, you can rent a lot of those things for a day or as needed.
Consider renting before dropping a lot of money on an item you
might only use once.
On your map, while you plan your hardscapes and garden, make
notes of materials you’d like to use or plants that you are interested
in having. If you’re running short on ideas, take a walk around your
neighborhood or do a quick internet search to browse different
landscapes. This should inspire new ideas and give you some
thoughts on what materials are good for your region.

Planning Your Botanicals

Botanicals is another broad term. For this particular section,
botanicals are going to refer to trees, shrubs, bushes, and the kinds
of plants that are more unique to traditional gardening. A lot of yards
can benefit from having some strategically planted trees. Bushes
and shrubs can have beautiful flowers, while hedges can be a
substitute for a fence and give you more privacy.
A lot of people will plant shrubs and bushes along the front of their
house to add some color and diversity. You can get trees that flower
to add fragrance and color to your landscape. Trees can also be a
great source of shade.
Vines are another type of plant that fall into the botanical category.
They are usually used in landscaping to create shade or to cover
walls and structures. For instance, if you have an old swing set that
isn’t used anymore, planting a vine at the base and allowing it to
grow over the structure turns the old swing set into a part of your
decor.
Plants can be maintained in pots and arranged on your patio to help
keep bugs away or to provide some pretty flowers on that particular
hardscape.
Botanicals and their measurements should also be included on your
landscaping map. Make notes on your map about what kinds of
botanicals you want included in your landscape and across your
yard. Botanicals, hardscapes, and gardens can come together very
nicely, but it does take planning.
Trees can be particularly tricky because you’ll want to know how big
they get. This includes trunk girth and tree height. You wouldn’t want
to plant a tree that gets too tall near your house or another
permanent structure, because it will become a hazard if the tree
were ever to fall. Additionally, putting a tree too close to a patio or
walkway could result in roots that tear up those structures as the tree
gets bigger.
If you want to plant a hedge, it is important to know how big each
bush or shrub will get so you can plan for proper plant placement. If
you crowd them, they might not grow to maturity. If you space them
too far apart, you’ll have gaps in your hedge. Vines are creeping
plants that will need some kind of structure to climb or they might
end up strangling nearby trees and getting into areas you don’t want
them.
Landscaping is meant to provide you with long-term solutions and
long-term use of your space. It is important to consider how your
plans will be affected over time. This is one of the reasons planning
is so important.
The more complete and thorough you can detail your map and
plans, the easier it will be once you begin your projects.

Budgeting

Planning is all well and good, but you also have to consider your
budget. A lot of landscaping projects require the purchase of
materials. A budget is going to help you determine when and how to
do your projects as well as what is realistic for your financial
situation.
You’ll want to make a budget for each project, and that budget
should include materials, equipment, plants, and a small “slush
fund.” Your slush fund is important because you might underestimate
how much you need for a certain material, so the slush fund gives
you a little extra to work with.
If you are purchasing tools and equipment, make sure to only include
them in the budget once, rather than for each project. You can start
with an overall budget and then break that up between each project
as well.
There is a chance you might need to spread your projects out over a
few years. If that happens, make your budget and project list based
on priority or whatever you think should be done first. Another tactic
is to do one large project a year and then several small projects later.
That can help you spread out your financial costs and make the most
of your time.
Chapter 2: Gardening and Edible

Landscaping
Gardens are incredibly versatile, and you have a lot of different
options when it comes to designing your own. For one, gardens can
be very useful for taking up space. They can also make a space
more visually appealing. Last, they can be functional.
During the planning stage, it is a good idea to toy around with what
kind of garden you are trying to plant and grow. This decision should
be based on what you want to gain from your yard and your
landscape.

Traditional Gardening

Traditional gardening entails a designated garden plot that is planted

with flowers and greenery. This garden is designed to be colorful,
fragrant, and pretty. It is also a simpler form of gardening. You won’t
plan a traditional garden with the addition of walkways, ponds, or
elaborate walls or borders.
A traditional garden needs care and maintenance; however, it
doesn’t need as much as the other garden options. Primarily, you
must do weeding, planting, watering, and fertilization. The amount of
care depends on the types of plants you decide to have in your
traditional garden.
Sometimes, these gardens can include shrubs and flowering bushes,
but they are usually reserved for smaller plants and flowers.
Traditional gardens can be a great option for filling in a shady spot.
You can plant low maintenance ferns or other shade loving plants
that fill the space but don’t require excess work and pruning.
Think of a traditional garden as a visual space filler. Gardening can
be very enjoyable, so some people have traditional gardens purely
for the joy of gardening and being outside. Other people like them
because they can still provide beauty and color without complicated
hardscapes, shrubs that need annual pruning, or trees that need
regular mulching.
A lot of landscaping ideas include planting a mix of flowers, ground
cover, greenery, and/or ornamental grasses; however, the benefit of
a traditional garden is that you can be more liberal with flowers along
with adding in some limited complementary greenery. While you
certainly can use different and diverse flower and plant combinations
in traditional gardening, those combinations tend to show up more in
larger landscaping designs and features.
It is possible to mix landscaping with traditional gardening for
functionality reasons. For example, if you want to turn a hill into a
traditional garden, installing some tiered retainer walls make level
planting ground for your flowers.

Landscape Gardening

Landscape gardening combines different kinds of plants and

hardscapes to make a unique scheme for your garden. This type of
landscaping can be functional or can be used to create a
recreational space. When you use landscape gardening, you are
transforming your yard and the nature of the landscape. Traditional
gardening takes up space and adds color, but it doesn’t change the
physical features of your yard the same way landscape gardening
does.
Landscape gardening can be simple or complex, and it can be heavy
with plants or heavy with decor. You can use landscape gardening to
spice up odd-angled fences or the area around your driveway. There
is no shortage of options.
Landscape gardening isn’t focused solely on gardening. It can have
benches, a fountain, a pond, or paved areas. You could also
strategically arrange potted plants around your patio for added
beauty. Other hardscape features you could include in your garden
are nice artistic statues or rugged boulders, all of which add that
extra appeal.
By using trees, you can create shade in your yard and more
ambiance, especially with flowering trees. You can also use
landscape gardening to plant hedge fences, line your walkways with
greenery, or to cover ground.
Bushes make a great addition to a landscaped garden for variety.
They also take up more space, assisting with full coverage if you are
making over a larger space. Bushes and shrubs can be a great way
to accent ground cover and low growing plants.
Maintenance for garden landscapes is more complex than regular
gardening. You don’t just need to take care of your flowers and
plants but your hardscapes as well. You’ll have to regularly trim
weeds around your hardscapes and prevent greenery from growing
up between any cracks. Not only does that keep your hardscapes
looking sharp and professional, but it also prevents damage to them.
So, by combining hardscapes of varying complexity with different
plant and flora options, you can completely change the terrain of
your yard with landscape gardening.

Edible Gardening
The third and final type of garden that you could use in your new and
improved landscape is an edible garden, which is not only beautiful
but has multiple practical uses as well. You can grow a complete
vegetable or herb garden for the fragrance, aesthetics, and
functionality or have vegetable and fruit plants placed for ease of
consumption. Any time you are out in your yard, enjoy a little snack.
A vegetable garden is a great way to include edible plants into your
landscape. Vegetable plants, like squash and tomato, have very
beautiful flowers that turn into colorful edible cooking ingredients.
Squash and melon are vine plants that can help deter weeds when
grown on the border of your garden, and they make excellent,
intricate ground cover. Root vegetables, like different lettuces and
kales, make for interesting greenery in your garden.
Growing herbs is another way to add edible plants in your garden. A
lot of herbs have small, yet pretty flowers, and can be incredibly
fragrant. Herbs are also another useful addition to your cooking.
Herbs can grow as ground cover, and a lot of them can grow
alongside vegetables to enhance their growth.
You can even add berries and fruit trees to your landscape to give
you even more edible options. Berries lining a pathway are a great
snack and treat when walking along the path. Building raised beds or
using pedestal plant pots and growing edible greens and cherry
tomatoes gives you an easy backyard snack as well.
Growing vegetables and fruits can be a little more complicated. They
can be very particular about fertilization and soil quality. If you are
planting them with the intention of consuming them, then you’ll want
to look into organic pest control so that you don’t damage the rest of
your garden or ecosystem with chemicals, but the edibles stay pest
free.
Another consideration with vegetables and fruits is pollination. A lot
of fruits and vegetables need special circumstances for pollination,
and thus for producing fruit and vegetables. For example, apple
trees need another apple tree to properly pollinate and produce fruit.
If you want to grow apples, you’ll need a neighbor with an apple tree
or will need to get a pair of apple trees.
Options for edible gardening are about as broad as the options for
gardening and landscaping. The region and hardiness zone you live
in will significantly impact what fruits, vegetables, and edible plants
you can grow. So, when planning your edible garden, take your
climate and region into consideration.
Some vegetables need additional equipment, such as beans
needing a rigid pole to climb or tomatoes needing a wire basket
around them. Make sure you have the right equipment when you
begin planting. If you live in an area with deer or a lot of birds, you
might need to take precautions, such as using netting, so that your
edible plants don’t get scavenged by these animals.
With the exception of some herbs, a lot of vegetables need to be
replanted every year. If you want an easy garden of perennials that
will come back on its own each year, vegetables might not have an
appeal for you.
Also, some herbs like mint and oregano can make great ground
cover; however, they spread fast and aggressively. You have to be
mindful of their growth and make sure to keep them cut back or in a
container underground. Otherwise, they can damage other plants in
your garden if you don't reign them in. Other than the culinary uses
for edible plants and herbs, you can find herbs and flowers that have
other purposes in your yard. Some herbs, like lemon grass, are
known to repel ticks and mosquitos. If you’re interested in keeping
certain pests out of your yard, like bugs or animals, look deeper into
the plants of your region and find ones that will naturally accomplish
your goal.
As you can see, there are a lot of gardening options that you can
include in your landscaping to makeover your yard. Maybe you’ll
decide that you like all the different ideas, and you’ll mix and match
to get your ideal landscape!
Chapter 3: Plants by Region
When looking for the best plants to grow in your new backyard
landscape, the biggest factor you will need to consider is what
hardiness zone you are located in. The hardiness zone is assigned
based on a particular region’s average annual extreme temperature
minimum. The United States and Puerto Rico range from zone one
to zone 13. Zone one has an average annual extreme temperature
minimum of -55 degrees Fahrenheit, while zone 13 is 70 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Based on your hardiness zone, you’ll want to select plants that can
withstand the average annual extreme temperature minimum. That is
how you can grow your successful garden. It is also worth noting that
plants can thrive in a lot of places. Sometimes, you just need to
adjust your planting schedule based off of your hardiness zone. That
means, you might transplant your tomatoes outside during a different
month for hardiness zone seven versus hardiness zone three.
Here is a general rule with hardiness zones: if a plant or tree can
survive in a low hardiness zone, it can grow in warmer zones as well.
So, any plants on the list that are designated as a low zone plant can
also be added to the lists for higher zones. What that means is, an
apple tree that can withstand hardiness zone three can also grow in
hardiness zone nine. However, a fig tree that can grow in hardiness
zone seven won’t survive the cold of zone two.
Now, the number of plants that do well in each zone makes a very
long list, so the below suggestions aren’t complete by any means,
but they are a starting point. You’ll notice that we might leave out
some common plants like tulips, lilies, and pansies. These are
common garden variety flowers, and our goal is to give you enough
variety to put together a beautiful, complimentary, and unique plant
arrangement. We also want you to have plenty of different plant
options for different purposes in your garden.
There are two main kinds of plants that you can grow. First, there are
annuals, which get their name from the fact that you have to replant
them every year. Second, there are perennials that reseed and
resprout themselves, so they don’t need to be replanted. While
perennials can cost less because you don’t need to purchase them
each year and need less care, don’t limit yourself based on cost or
maintenance. There are a lot of great plants that can be found as
annuals or perennials. A good mix of both is what we have found to
be the most effective.
Take note of your region’s temperatures, climates, weather patterns,
and seasons. These are also going to be factors when it comes to
planting and designing your garden and landscapes. Now, it’s time to
start exploring what plants you want in your landscape!

Northeast Hardiness Zones 3 to 7

The Northeast includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire,

Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland (this can also be
considered a southern state). The northernmost parts of Maine are
as low as zone three, while the more southern points of Maryland,
Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are as high as zone seven.
Due to the temperatures, common weather conditions, and seasonal
changes in the Northeast, plants tend to need to be hardier to
survive extreme weather. Additionally, winter snow and frost mean
that you need to be wary of springtime flooding and groundwater.
You’ll also need to take into account when the ground is defrosted
enough to put plants in the dirt.
For more information on specific landscaping, check out our other
book Northeast Home Landscaping . It will elaborate on plant,
garden, and landscape options specific to the Northeast United
States.

Edibles
Edible plants in the Northeast have to be hardy and mature quickly.
The growing season is considerably shorter, especially in the New
England states. Most of the time, vegetables and edible plants need
to be started inside, if you’re growing them from seeds, and then
transplanted outside once the weather conditions have improved
enough. Be cognizant of how long it will take for your edible plants to
reach maturity and leave enough time for them to reach it without
inclement weather conflicts.
Fruits
Here is a list of fruit trees and berries that grow in the Northeast:
● goodland apple
● cupid cherry
● toka plum
● early gold pear
● honeygold apple
● Flemish beauty pear
● waneta plum
● meteor cherry
● pink lady apple
● harrow delight pear
● emerald beauty plum
● white lady peach
● bartlett apple
● atago pear
● sungold apricot
● stanley plum
● stella cherry
● redhaven peach
● celeste fig
● red gold nectarine
● fuyu persimmons
● strawberries
● melons
● blueberries
● raspberries
● blackberries
Remember that zone three to zone seven spans a large area with a
wide range of temperatures. Make sure you are in the right zone to
support specific kinds of fruit trees.
Vegetables
Here is a list of vegetables to get you started in your Northeast
edible garden:
● vine tomato
● lettuce
● kale
● broccoli
● asparagus
● spinach
● eggplant
● pole beans
● winter squash
● white potato
● corn
● collard greens
● squash
● carrots
● bush beans
Along with the right hardiness zone, make sure you have any other
equipment you need that can help your vegetables grow.
Herbs
Some herbs to consider in your edible garden include:
● garlic
● chives
● basil
● dill
● cilantro
● lavender
● lemon balm
● lovage
● mint
● sage
 ● oregano
● thyme
● parsley
● rosemary
Some herbs can be invasive, so make sure to keep them contained.
Others, like garlic, can be planted in the fall so that they are ready to
use come spring.

Flowers and Plants

Along with flowers, there are several other kinds of plants you might
want in your garden and landscaping. Flowers are great for color and
fragrance. They also attract pollinators like butterflies. Ground cover
plants can be used to fill in empty spaces, to prevent weeds under
taller plants, and to act as borders along a walkway or the edge of
your garden. Ornamental grasses are great plants that add variety,
beauty, and texture to your landscape garden flower combinations. If
you want to fill in shady places or don’t have a lot of sun in your yard
to begin with, shade plants are another kind of plant to consider.
Flowers
Flower options in the Northeast include:
● butterfly milkweed
● New England aster
● New Jersey tea
● Veronica
● blue star
● yellow lady's slipper orchid
● soapwort
● virgin’s bower
● lupine
● woodland iris
Shade Plants
Some Northeast plants that thrive in the shade are:
● lily of the valley
 ● shade loving hostas
● maidenhair fern
● foamflower
● trillium
● bleeding heart
● wild anemone
● merrybells
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses can be a great border plant that add unique accents to your
flowers and greenery. Northeast ornamental grasses to consider are:
● miscanthus
● white mugwort
● purple fountain grass
Ground Cover
Ground cover options for the Northeast are:
● Jacob’s ladder
● creeping juniper
● sprite astilbe
● wild ginger
● vera jameson sedum
● lemon ball stonecrop
● lobelia
● moss phlox

Trees

There are a lot of great trees to plant in your yard for shade and
appearance. Remember that you want to know the estimated height
and trunk girth of the tree before planting it. Native trees to the
Northeast that make great additions to your yard include:
● red maple
● red spruce
● river birch
● dogwood
 ● tulip poplar
When planting trees, also remember that they grow slowly. You can
get a sapling that is already a few years old to speed up the process,
but trees are a long-term commitment for your landscape.

Shrubs and Bushes

Shrubs and bushes have many uses, including flowers, creating

fences and privacy, and having leaves that change color. Some
interesting shrub options in the Northeast are:
● lilac
● hydrangea
● mountain laurel
● American cranberry bush
● sweetest honeysuckle
● summersweet
● red chokeberry
● vernal witch hazel
● blue holly
● winterberry
● common snowberry
● heavenly bamboo
● yew bushes
● barberry bush
● arborvitae
● forsythia (zone 5-7)
● boxwood shrub (zone 6-7)

Vines

Vines can cover fences and old structures, creep up walls, and add
some flare to your trellis. They are also great for providing shade and
can make a good plant for small spaces because they climb and
don’t take up too much space on the ground. Vines you can grow in
the Northeast include:
 ● trumpet honeysuckle
● wild grape
● Dutchman’s pipe
● ground nut
● American bittersweet
● trumpet creeper
● American wisteria

South Hardiness Zones 7 to 11

The southern region of the United States includes the states of

Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. These 15 states are
included in hardiness zones seven to 11 and are considerably
warmer than the Northeast.
Along with heat, these states are prone to extreme weather
conditions, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. While sometimes
these weather conditions are unavoidable, knowing that they occur
in your area can help you pick your plants so they have the best
chance of survival.
The majority of plants listed in the Northeast region can also be
grown in the South, and we will avoid repeating plants as much as
possible. However, there will likely be overlap with the edible plant
options.

Edibles
In the South, without the threat of snow and frost, you have a lot
more options for fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Not only are your
options for edible plants increased, but the growing season is longer
so you can plant multiple rounds of vegetables and have access to
fresh produce in your edible garden almost all year round.
There are some fruit trees that don’t do well in the heat and prefer
cooler climates. It is always recommended to check on the plant’s
preferences before choosing the ones you want in your garden or
yard.
Fruits
Fruits to consider growing in the South include:
● apple varieties
● cherry varieties
● plum varieties
● pear varieties
● peach varieties
● figs
● apricots
● nectarines
● persimmons
● oranges
● grapefruits
● lemons
 ● bananas
● tangerines
● melon varieties
● blueberries
● strawberries
● raspberries
● blackberries
Remember that zone seven still has snow, despite its milder winters.
Some of the fruit trees listed are more suitable for zones nine
through 11.
Vegetables
Some vegetable options to grow in the South are:
● corn
● tomato
● squash
● collard greens
● carrot
● asparagus
● bush beans
● pepper varieties
● yams
● sweet peas
● sweet potato
● red potato
● pumpkin
● hot peppers
Herbs
Herbs can be a little particular about temperature and sensitive to
drops in temperature at night and early season frosts. To avoid a
garden headache, try sticking to herbs that thrive in your hardiness
zone. Some herbs to grow in the South include:
● marjoram
● bay laurel
● lemon verbena
● rosemary
 ● chives
● cilantro
● dill
● mint
● sage
● thyme
● oregano
● ginger
● hyssop
● lemon grass
● fennel
● turmeric
● brahmi
● eucalyptus
● curry
● nettle
Another important note about herbs: in hardiness zones 10 and 11,
the winters are mild enough so that you can actually grow cool
season herbs during those winter months.

Flowers and Plants

Heat can make a major difference in the type of plants that you grow.
The South is known for getting a fair amount of sun, so when
planting, you’ll want to factor in the sun versus shade plants and
what your yard has to offer both types.
Flowers
Flowers that can be grown successfully in your southern garden
include:
● hardy hibiscus
● bee balm
● blazing star
● butterfly weed
● Carolina rose
● sweet azaleas
 ● fothergilla
● swamp milkweed
● Indian pink
● crested iris
● Helen’s flower
● royal catchfly
● swamp lily
● pitcher plant
● false indigo
Please keep in mind that in the South there are swampy areas and
drier areas. Some plants thrive better in the wet boggy areas than
others, and that should be a consideration when picking your plants.
Shade Plants
Even in this sunny region, there can be patches of shade that need
some flowers and plants to brighten them. Consider some of these
shade plants in the South:
● lady fern
● shooting star
● bugbane
● begonia
● Boston fern
● cast-iron plant
● columbine
● cyclamen
● foxglove
● impatiens
Ornamental Grasses
There are a lot of options for ornamental grasses in your southern
garden, including:
● pink muhly grass
● northern sea oats
● carex varieties
● sassy grass
Ground Cover
Just like in the other regions, having good groundcover is a great
way to fill space. Groundcover can even be used in areas where a
full garden might not be possible, like on a hill. They could also be
grown as a means to make a low maintenance patch of cover that
looks nice but doesn’t require regular care. Southern ground covers
include:
● woodland phlox
● creeping fig
● creeping jenny
● St. John’s wort
● ornamental raspberry
● fleabane

Trees

Trees are a great addition to landscaping and are probably one of

the plant types with the most variety across the different regions of
the United States. Take these trees into consideration for the South:
● witch hazel
● southern magnolia
● tulip tree
● American sycamore
● eastern redbud
● Pecan

Shrubs and Bushes

Just like trees, bushes and shrubs can vary greatly from region to
region. The shrubs on our list are a combination of flowering shrubs
and bushes that offer nice privacy and could make a decent hedge.
Here is your list of southern bushes and shrubs:
● oakleaf hydrangea
● spicebush
● abelia varieties
Vines

No landscape or garden is complete without vines. Southern vines

can really add uniqueness and intricacy to your lovely southern
landscape. Fences and walls can be completely transformed with the
addition of a climbing vine. Consider these vines in your region:
● bougainvillea
● Carolina jessamine
● clematis
● climbing hydrangea
● ivy
● morning glory
● star jasmine

Midwest Hardiness Zones 2 to 7

You’ll notice that some of the hardiness zones between regions

overlap. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the plant
recommendations will be the same. Other factors also determine
appropriate plant life. These factors include terrain, geography, air
flow, and air type.
The Midwest is made up of the following states: North Dakota, South
Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa,
Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. The hardiness zones in the
Midwest are as low as two and range up to seven.
Even though the hardiness zones are similar to the Northeast, a lot
of the seasons and weather patterns are different in the Midwest,
contributing to the variations in plants.
You’ll notice some overlap in the fruits and vegetables with the
Northeast; however, there should be some additional options that
weren’t part of the above lists.
Edibles

Every region has a wide variety of edible plants that can be

incorporated into landscapes. Growing vegetables and fruits for
ornamental purposes requires a certain amount of care and
maintenance, and you’ll want to take that into consideration before
committing to cultivating these incredible plants.
Fruits
Hardiness zone two is a more difficult zone to grow fruits because of
its shortened growing season and harder winters. However, there
are a few options that can withstand zone two, including:
● prairie sensation apple
● beedle pear
● pembina plumb
● harcourt apple
● carmine jewel cherry
● brookgold Japanese plum
● early gold pear
● empire apple
● luscious pear
● alderman plum
● north star cherry
● honeycrisp apple
● warren pear
● superior plum
● Mcintosh apple
● kosui pear
● moongold apricot
● santa rosa plum
● Richmond cherry
● Elberta peach
● figs
● nectarines
● persimmons
● strawberries
 ● melons
● blackberries
● raspberries
● blueberries
● crab apples
Even though these fruits thrive in the hardiness zones of the
Midwest, making sure you have the right soil, sun, and watering
conditions is still important.
Vegetables
Some of these hardy vegetables have been mentioned before. You
can always look at other varieties of vegetables in these groups that
could also grow in your Midwest hardiness zone. Here are some
vegetable recommendations for the Midwest:
● vine tomato
● kale
● broccoli
● lettuce
● eggplant
● asparagus
● winter squash
● red potato
● white potato
● sweet peas
● pole beans
● spinach
● beans
● collard greens
Herbs
Herbs are a type of plant that can grow in a lot of different conditions.
There will be a fair amount of overlap with herbs in different regions.
Consider some of these herbs as potential edible plants for your
herb garden:
● English thyme
● Greek oregano
● basil
 ● rosemary
● mint
● yarrow
● Russian sage

Flowers and Plants

The categories that we have broken the plants down into are meant
to help you decide what you need and how to make that possible. If
you have specific needs in mind, you can focus on the categories of
interest. If you need more ideas, keep scrolling through all the
categories to get your creativity flowing.
Flowers
Flowers for your Midwest garden include:
● blanket flower
● daylily
● poppy
● peony
● allium
● goldenrod
● leadwort
● hardy geranium
● helenium
● penstemon
● sedum
● coneflower
● weigela
Shade Plants
No garden is complete without some shade plants. Take these into
consideration for your Midwest landscaping:
● Jack in-the-pulpit
● spiderwort
● wild anemone
● culver’s root
Ornamental Grasses
The Midwest can be a great place to grow grasses. Below are just a
few of the grasses that would thrive in your region:
● switchgrass
● little bluestem
● coreopsis
● potentilla
● blue oat grass
● feather reed grass
● fountain grass
Ground Cover

Similar ground cover options from the Northeast can grow in the
Midwest; however, you’ve got a few more new ground cover options
to consider, as listed below:
● geranium
● three leaved stonecrop
● mazus
● Angelina
● barrenwort
● cheddar pink
Trees

The Midwest, although flatter than some of the other regions, also
has great green forests. The trees that succeed in the Midwest can
also become wonderful botanical additions to your landscape. Some
of those Midwest trees include:
● Japanese tree lilac
● pagoda dogwood
● American hornbeam
● Dwarf chinkapin oak
● Heritage river birch
● black gum
● bald cypress
● bitternut hickory
● hackberry
● concolor fir
● Kentucky coffee tree
● silver linden

Shrubs and Bushes

Don’t forget about the shrubs and bushes that can become an
integral part of your Midwest landscaping endeavors, such as:
● flowering almond
● alpine currant
● amelanchier
● golden lights
● manderin lights
● weston’s lollipop
● crimson pygmy
● beautybush
● burning bush
● butterfly bush
● Midwest rodenderum
Vines

Vines that you can grow in your Midwest garden include:

● clematis
● chocolate vine
● hardy kiwi vine
● purple passionflower

West Hardiness Zones 5 to 10

The states in the western region include Minnesota, Wyoming,

Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, California,
Oregon, and Washington. This region spans hardiness zones five to
10. The West has some of the most varying ranges of geography
and climates. There are dry and sunny deserts, thick, green jungles,
mountains covered in snow, and rolling plains.
Due to the range of different climates and geography in the West, a
lot of the plant options might not be suitable across the entire
landscape. You’ll want to make sure that the plants you are selecting
are right for the specific climate you are in. These climate
discrepancies can also change the length of your growing season,
especially in the desert when it gets very hot in the summers.
Alaska and Hawaii are also included in the western region; however,
since their hardiness zones are rather specific, the plants for them
are in their own sections.

Edibles

Fruits
Fruit options to grow in the West are:
● melons
● strawberries
 ● raspberries
● blueberries
● blackberries
● ashmead’s kernel apple
● warren pear
● emerald beauty plum
● gala apple
● seuri pear
● damson plum
● apricots
● sweetheart cherry
● redhaven peach
● figs
● nectarines
● persimmons
● oranges
● grapefruits
● lemons
● bananas
● tangerines
● cold hardy avocado
Vegetables
Vegetables that you can grow in your western edible garden are:
● tomato
● corn
● squash
● beans
● lettuce
● collard greens
● carrots
● bush beans
● asparagus
● peppers
● yams
● sweet peas
● salad greens
Herbs
Herbs to consider growing in your western region garden include:
● valerian
● creeping thyme
● meadow sage
● sunset hyssop
● lavender

Flowers and Plants

Most of the plants listed in this section can survive in various

climates between zones five and 10. However, there are a few
drought-resistant plants that will be labeled as such for the desert
states like Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Southern California.
Flowers
Flowers to consider growing in your western garden are:
● black eyed susans
● poppy mallow
● verbena
● Apache plume (drought resistant)
● Cheyenne mock orange
● autumn fire stonecrop
 ● new snow pearly everlasting
● prairie zinnia (drought resistant)
● Stella D’Oro reblooming daylily (drought resistant)
● redflower lamb’s ear
● Herman’s pride yellow archangel
● northern dragonhead
Shade Plants
Some shade loving plants to consider for the western garden
include:
● saxifraga
● Jack frost
● tassel fern
● gold dust plant
● hellebore
● lady fern
● papyrus
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses that you can use in your western garden are:
● sideoats grama grass (drought resistant)
● Appalachian sedge
● blaze little bluestem grass
● blonde ambition blue grama grass
● Karl Foerster feather reed grass
● silky thread grass (drought resistant)
Ground Cover
Ground cover plants that you should consider growing in your
western garden are:
● blue woolly speedwell
● creeping germander (drought resistant)
● woolly yarrow
● carpet bugle
● ice plant
● dead nettle
Trees

You can include these trees in your western landscape:

● blue palo verde
● Texas ebony
● desert willow
● honey mesquite
● feather bush
● Texas mountain laurel
● ironwood
● palo blanco
● Arizona Ash
● western red cedar
● Pacific madrone
● Ponderosa pine

Shrubs and Bushes

Shrubs and bushes that can be included in your western garden are
as follows:
● lucretia hamilton
● fernbush
● sand sage
● New Mexico privet

Vines

Vines to grow in your western garden include:

● American bittersweet
● pepper vine
● purple virgin’s bower
● orange honeysuckle
● Arizona honeysuckle
 ● frost grape

Alaska Hardiness Zones 1 to 4

Alaska covers a few lower hardiness zones, but there are still some
good plant options. We won’t break Alaska down into all the smaller
plant sections as the larger regions, but we will list a few good
options to consider for planting and landscape in Alaska.
If you’re looking to plant some native, hardy trees that can take the
Alaskan climate, here are the trees you should consider:
● white spruce
● black spruce
● quaking aspen
● balsam poplar
● lark birch
● quaking birch
Some fruits and vegetables that can grow in Alaska, under the right
conditions and with the right care, include:
● red columnar apple
● delicious pear
● patterson pride plum
● goodland apple
● cupid cherry
● waneta plum
● northern spy apple
● pattern pear
● superior plum
● northern star cherry
● vine cherries
● lettuce
● kale
● asparagus
● broccoli
● eggplant
A few flower growing options for Alaska are:
● red snapdragon
● pineapple sage
● nasturtiums
● nemesia
A good tip for growing plants in Alaska is to grow them in well
fertilized containers and cold resistant pots. You can then take them
inside as needed and keep them protected. In some climates, the
ground can freeze overnight, and you’ll want to be able to bring your
flowers into a heated house at night.

Hawaii Hardiness Zones 10 to 12

Like Alaska, Hawaii has very specific climates and hardiness zones.
It gets a little higher in the hardiness zones than most other places in
the United States. Again, we won’t be going into great depth, but we
will be including some unique options that won’t grow as well in any
other climates or regions.
Some fruits and vegetables that can be grown in Hawaii include:
● key limes
● loquats
● cold hardy avocado
● bananas
● citrus fruits
● mangoes
● sugar apple
● kiwis
● passion fruit
● dragon fruit
● pineapple
● star fruit
● lychees
● jackfruit
● spinach
● kale
 ● okinawa
● pole beans
● sweet potato
● red potato
● papayas
● chili peppers
Some trees and shrubs that make a good addition to your Hawaiian
landscape include:
● acacia koa
● bacopa monnieri
● A'ali'i
● ‘ohe
● ‘ulei
● pritchardia palm
● kou
● alahe’e
● moa
● manele
● hala
There are a lot of vibrant and colorful flower options in Hawaii. Some
good flowers that might add a great touch to your garden landscape
are:
● anthurium
● bird of paradise
● Hawaiian gardenia
● pikake
● blue ginger
● Hawaiian hibiscus
● plumeria
● ‘uki ‘uki
● naupaka
These plant options are just a starting point for you to get going with
your gorgeous, redone landscape.
Chapter 4: Garden Maintenance
Every garden, even the most perfectly landscaped garden, needs
some maintenance. Like all living things, plants need nutrients, food,
and care. This is how they thrive and stay healthy. The handy garden
tools that we talked about earlier are going to help you care for your
plants and garden, and we’ll get right into the major types of
maintenance that your garden will require.

Weeding

Weeding is the process of pulling the unwanted and invasive plants

out of your garden so that the plants you do want don’t get crowded
out. A lot of wild growing flowers and plants are incredibly invasive,
growing fast and spreading easily. That being said, they can easily
take over your garden or rob the plants you want of their nutrients.
You don’t have to exhaust yourself trying to pull weeds up every day,
though. There are some measures you can take that will help deter
the growth and spread of weeds. Before you even plant, you should
turn the soil in your garden with a garden hoe or heavy garden rake.
This will help chop up roots and sprouts of weeds that have started
to blossom.
Once you have planted your garden, you will want to be diligent
about pulling up weeds. See, this is where landscaped borders,
edges, and border plants come in handy. If you put in a thick border,
like a cobblestone wall, it can help keep seeds from blowing into
your garden and blooming into weeds.
Planting border plants also helps deter grown weeds from moving in.
Vines and creeping border plants are especially good at keeping
weeds out. They create a thick enough barrier that weeds can’t grow
up from underneath them. Additionally, seeds get tangled in border
plants, which prevents weeds from getting into the open areas of
your garden.
When the growing season starts, you’ll want to be in your garden
weeding every day. This is to ensure that your desired plants don’t
have too much competition. As they grow, you’ll start having to weed
less and less. Your plants and flowers will get large enough to shade
out newly sprouted weeds.
Additionally, about midway through the growing season in your
region, weeds won’t be coming up with as much ferocity. You can
back off and start weeding a couple times a week. Of course, that
can vary if you live in a region with mild enough winters that plants
grow all year long, as your weed growth might not slow down at all.
However, when your plants are large enough, they will act as their
own weed deterrent.
It is likely that you will always have to pay some kind of attention to
weeds, even if they are growing less frequently.
Weeding can be one of the most daunting tasks when it comes to
gardening. Or, you might find that you really enjoy it. Sometimes
being in the garden that you planted, surrounded by the plants you
love can be very therapeutic.

Pest Control

If you have mostly native plants, you might not have to worry too
much about pest control. However, if you are growing vegetables
and fruits that are intended for consumption, pest control is a good
idea. Even flowers and herbs can benefit from a little pest control to
keep their leaves, stems, and petals healthy and beautiful.
We recommend looking into organic pesticides. If you use chemical
pesticides, they can hurt helpful pollinators, such as bees and
butterflies. Chemicals can also harm the natural ecosystem in your
neighborhood.
Organic pesticides target the pests that you want to get rid of
specifically. You can even make your own natural pesticides with
essential oils and natural dish soap. We recommend looking into the
proper ratio in mixing these ingredients for pesticide purposes. You
don’t want to harm your plants with anything too potent or intense.
When you use pest control options that involve spraying your plants,
you’ll want to spray them early in the morning. This lets the
pesticides sink in before the sun gets too high and hot. Sun can heat
up pest control substances and burn spots into your plant’s leaves.
If you don’t want to put a lot of time and effort into keeping your
garden pest free, consider using plants that naturally repel pests.
Marigolds are a great flower to repel insects. There are herbs that
can also be used to keep pesky bugs away. This method isn’t always
as effective as pesticides or organic pest control, but it does offer a
hands-off alternative. You do need to plant insect repelling plants in
certain quantities and all around the garden space. However, they
can make a beautiful addition to your garden and yard.
You can even use plants and herbs to keep mosquitos and ticks out
of your yard. While that isn’t exactly pest control for the garden, it is
pest control for your yard. Surround your patio with lemongrass,
lavender, rosemary, sage, and lemon balm to keep those parasitic
insects away when you are entertaining friends and family.

Soil Care and Fertilization

Soil care and fertilization is one of the most important aspects of pre-
gardening and gardening maintenance. Your plants won’t take off
unless the soil is properly fertilized. After all, the soil you put your
plants in is their main source of nutrients.
There are three different types of soil. First, there is clay soil, which
is thick, dense, and slow to absorb water. Second, there is sandy
soil, which is gritty, light, and doesn’t hold water very well. Last, loam
soil is a pleasant balance between sandy and clay and is the ideal
growing soil.
If you have sandy or clay soil, you’ll want to adapt it by adding
whatever is missing to the soil. Now, some plants do prefer sandy
soil, so before you go rebalancing your soil density, make sure that
you are doing it with your chosen plants’ best interests in mind.
Another soil consideration is the pH level. If a soil is too acidic or too
basic, then it won’t be able to support plant roots or growth. Lyme
can be used to help balance the pH level of your soil. There are
some easy at-home tests you can run with your soil to determine if it
is too acidic or too basic. Once you know the pH level of your soil,
you can then make the necessary adjustments to bring your soil
quality into the proper pH range. There are also more in-depth tests
that require you send out a soil sample to a private company who
does the testing for you.
Fertilization is very important as well and should be an annual
process you complete to help support your plants and gardens.
Fertilization is adding nutrients to the soil and balancing some
chemical compounds, like nitrites. You can fertilize with compost,
manure, store bought fertilizer, or a combination of both.
Mixing your fertilizing agents into the soil a few weeks before
planting, or before your growing season starts, is the best way to get
the soil prepared. Then, when your plants come out of dormancy or
you put seeds in the ground, the soil is already filled up with the
nutrients your plants will need to grow strong. Deep fertilization,
which means mixing your fertilizer into the soil over a foot deep, is a
great way to get the nutrients down far enough to benefit your plants.
If you become serious about gardening and fertilizing, you might
even consider starting your own compost pile with kitchen scraps,
grass clippings, and garden clippings. Then, you won’t have to put
so much money into purchasing fertilizer each year.

Watering, Irrigation, and Drainage

Just like good soil, plants need water. There are a lot of ways you
can go about watering your garden, and some are more time
consuming than others. It all comes down to what you want and what
you have time for. The size of your garden might also contribute to
the watering method that you decide to use.
If you stick to traditional methods, like a hose and watering can,
know these are the most time consuming. Watering cans can be
heavy and you might need to make several trips back and forth from
your indoor or outdoor faucet to get your whole garden watered.
Hoses can be difficult to carry and can get easily tangled up. They
also don’t have infinite reach, and you may not be able to water
every part of your garden or yard efficiently. If you have a very large
garden, watering with a hose can be time consuming, as you are
working with a stream of water that can only reach one small area at
a time. Additionally, if you live in an incredibly warm or dry climate,
watering with a hose or watering can be inefficient if you don’t focus
the water at the base of the plants. Hot and dry air results in
evaporation when the water is sprayed only on the top of plants.
When using a hose, you’ll need to get a hose head that has several
spray options to spread the water around.
However, some people enjoy the face time with their flowers and
gardens, so hoses and watering cans are great options for those
who like spending lots of time tending to their garden.
Sprinkler systems are nice for convenience. They can reach a large
area, can be networked together for a multi-sprinkler system, and
can be put on a timer. Sprinklers are the most water inefficient
method for watering, however. In the South and Southwest, where
there can be water restrictions, sprinklers aren’t recommended,
because there is too much chance for evaporation and water
overuse. Sprinklers expel water at a set velocity, which means you
can run the risk of overwatering your plants as well.
An irrigation system is the most efficient and effective way to water
your garden. You can get a drip hose, hook it up directly to a spigot,
and curl it around the base of your plants. This drip hose method
reduces the risk of evaporation and gets more water in your garden.
Drip hoses don’t waste a lot of water and are nice for dry and arid
regions. Sometimes in desert-like climates, water doesn’t have a
chance to sink into the soil before evaporating, thus using an
irrigation system is going to help your plants get the right amount of
water.
A complex irrigation system, rather than a drip hose, is going to be
your most effective watering method, especially in water limited or
restricted areas. Irrigation systems combine a network of tubes with
evenly spaced faucets. Your irrigation system is then tied into a
spigot or hose as a water source. The system sits around and
through the rows of plants. The many faucets then sprinkle water
directly around the base of your plants. An irrigation system can be
hooked up to a timer with a schedule for added convenience, too.
A tip for watering your plants is to water them in the morning. This is
especially important in warm and dry climates because it gives the
water a chance to soak in before the sun gets hot enough to
evaporate it. If you don’t use an automated system, build regular
watering into your daily routine to ensure your plants get the water
they need.
In regions and climates that get a lot of natural rainfall, like the
Northeast and the Northwest, you might not need to water your
plants every day. Additionally, you’ll have to consider ground water
levels. Some areas can get enough rainfall, or be at the bottom of a
slope, so water can accumulate and not drain easily. If that happens,
you might need to consider installing a drainage system.
Installing an underground French drain pipe using a PVC pipe with
evenly spaced holes in or around your garden is a good way to help
it drain. Dig a trench that is on a subtle incline, put landscaping rocks
or crushed stones in the bottom of the trench, put the PVC pipe into
the trench with the holes down against the rocks, and then bury it.
Leave the lowest end of the pipe exposed so the water can drain out.
Groundwater will bubble up into the trench with the rocks and then
enter into the pipe, draining out through the opening at the end of the
incline.
When you begin to set up your irrigation and watering systems, there
are a few factors to consider. For one, soil type will impact your
watering. Clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly, so an irrigation
system that allows you to adjust the flow of water means water can
drip and have time to absorb into the soil. With sandy soil, you might
need to water your plants longer and with more water so it doesn’t all
drain away before your plants get the necessary water.
Another consideration is sunlight versus shade. In shady areas,
water won’t evaporate as quickly as in sunny areas, so you might
need to adjust your watering methods accordingly. Also, the slope of
your yard, or if your garden is planted on a hill, will also impact your
watering methods. Slopes and hills mean that water is likely to run
off before it sinks into the soil. You’ll have to adjust the arc and
compensate for gravity in this case.
Chapter 5: Landscaping Hardscapes

Now that you have all the information you need to get your garden
up and running, it is time to consider the hardscapes that you want in
your yard. Hardscapes can be highly transformative, can make your
backyard functional, can give you privacy, and can add stunning
visuals to your landscaping.
Before you begin planning your hardscapes, you’re going to have to
know what materials and factors can be an issue in your region. This
chapter is going to help you come up with the best materials to use
but also give you some ideas for the hardscapes that you can install.
This will help your creativity gears turn so that you can come up with
a unique plan to transform your yard.
Hardscapes require some maintenance. You might find that you
need to do small crack repairs every couple of years. This can be the
result of improper winterizing or choosing materials not suited for
your region. However, there are other maintenance considerations.
Greenery and weeds can try to push their way up through cracks,
even if they are filled with concrete or a fixative. They may not look it,
but roots are impressively strong, even grass roots, and over time,
they will break apart your hardscapes.
It is important to get rid of greenery as it tries to grow in and around
your hardscapes. Also, grass and weeds can encroach on your
hardscapes and cover them with vegetation. Having a weed whacker
or weed eater to cut back vegetation is going to keep your
hardscapes looking neat and professional.

Regional Challenges

The biggest challenges of maintaining hardscapes are weather

related. Sunlight is a huge factor and so is water. Salt water,
rainwater, and the water that comes from the freezing and thawing
cycle can affect your hardscapes negatively. In order to make
landscapes that are going to last and not need yearly maintenance
and repair, you’re going to need to know your region and know the
challenges that come with your weather.
In the Northeast, water becomes the biggest contender against
hardscapes because if it freezes and thaws, then it can cause cracks
in your hardscapes. You don’t want cracks! That makes the
hardscape less durable and also invites vegetation to grow up
through them.
In the Pacific Northwest, it doesn't get as cold as the Northeast, so
freezing and thawing isn’t as big of a deal. However, it does rain a
significant amount, and you want to limit your hardscapes exposure
to rain and water. For example, downspouts that are connected
homes pour out a lot of that rain. If you want to avoid water damage,
don’t put your hardscapes near downspouts or areas of heavy water
runoff.
Coastal states, especially properties right on or near the shoreline,
are heavily exposed to salt water. When it comes to hardscapes, salt
can break down the materials they are made of. You’ll want to make
sure that whatever materials you use are going to be able to
withstand the salt residue from ocean water.
In warmer states, especially in the Southwest, the sun gets so
intense that you want to avoid dark pavers and dark hardscape
materials. The darker materials soak up the heat and become too
hot to even stand on. The sun also breaks down their integrity and
makes them more fragile.

Material Considerations

As a general rule, you want to use hard and dense materials when
constructing hardscapes. Examples of study materials include
concrete, stone, and clay. However, you can build your hardscapes
out of a wide range of different materials, depending on the needs of
the project. So, your materials will vary, and there are no hard and
fast rules about materials that can’t be used or shouldn’t be used.
What matters most is that you use the right materials that will ensure
that your hardscapes last.
There are also ways to protect your materials and hardscapes. You
can prevent damage from thaw and freeze cycles by using sealers.
These prevent water from getting into your hardscapes and thus
prevent damage. Clay and stone pavers are especially prone to
cracking from water, so if you can keep water off your hardscapes,
then you won’t have this problem, which is why sealers also come in
handy.
Concrete pavers tend to be the go-to material for all regions in the
country. Unfortunately, concrete is not the most attractive paver
option. It can be poured into molds to make nice patterns or can be
decorated with other materials to give it a nicer appearance.
However, premade concrete pavers are not the most versatile. Other
more interesting and appealing paver options include brick,
cobblestone, and round stones. You shouldn’t default to concrete
just because it is durable. Rather, know your climate, know what
works, and know how to protect it.
Porcelain, clay, and granite are also very durable pavers that can
withstand a lot of rough weather conditions. Granite will still need to
be sealed in colder climates whereas porcelain won’t have that
requirement. Although, porcelain can get pricey.
Sandstone isn’t recommended in the cold. Water can get in the
pores, which wears away the laminate, and each year it wears away
a little more. In general, sandstone and limestone are good choices,
if you get them from a local quarry. Overseas materials can be of
poor quality since they aren’t usually density tested or regulated.
Most materials can hold up pretty well, with the proper sealing, if
they are from a reputable company. Look into your materials and
their source so that you can make sure you get the best quality
materials. If you decide to go the route of choosing the less
expensive materials, you run the risk of getting lower quality
materials.
This is another reason why a budget is very helpful. You’ll know in
advance what you can afford and then you can choose your
materials based on that. You can select good quality materials that
are inexpensive or expensive. The trick is to avoid inexpensive lower
quality materials that are being passed off as high quality materials.

Patios

A patio is a designated area in your yard that has some kind of

stable, sturdy ground without greenery or lawn grass. Patios are
great places to host backyard company, to house your grill for
cookouts, to sit and relax on, and to even act as a flat area for a fire
pit.
Patios come in all shapes and sizes. You can have a round patio,
square patio, or oblong patio. Complex patios can include walkways
to other parts of your yard. They can also have walls that help with
privacy or to section off certain parts of the patio. Walls can help
designate seating areas on a patio, especially for larger gatherings.
There are some very beautiful and complex patio designs that
include arches and even columns to support lights or hanging plants.
A patio is usually a level hardscape; however, you can design a
multi-tiered patio that has a staircase, which could work for a sloped
yard. A patio should be level to avoid slow shifting of the pavers that
you use. On a slope, over time, gravity can pull the pavers down and
compress them. Not to mention, mud, loose soil from melting snow,
and other ground issues can also cause pavers to slide out of place
if the ground isn’t level.
When building your patio from the ground up, start with the lowest
level and then add on top of it. First, you’ll want to remove all the
greenery from around your chosen area. Then, you can use a rake
to move the dirt around to help level it. You’ll also want to use a
tamper to press the dirt down. This will help leveling and keeping the
space stable when you start laying your pavers.
Concrete, stone, and porcelain pavers come in lots of different colors
and tones. You will want to choose a color and style that matches
your overall landscaping theme or your specific color preferences.
Pavers allow you to create a unique hardscape design that fits your
aesthetics.
One tip for helping to prevent greenery from growing up between
your pavers is putting sand down on the patio pavers and then
sweeping it between the cracks. You could also use mortar between
the pavers and then seal them with water- and ice-resistant sealer.
Once the ground pavers are laid, you can work on adding walls,
walkways, or columns to decorate your patio and make it more
interesting.
Another consideration about patios is going to be regional design
trends. In the Northeast, especially in New England, decks are
preferred over patios. If you are considering selling your house in the
future, you might want to look into these regional design
preferences, like decks versus patios, before taking on this kind of
project. You don’t want to install something that will reduce the
desirability of your house, should future selling be on the table.
If you are going with a large and involved patio, then it might take a
few weekends, days, or weeks to put together. Pace yourself and
make a schedule so that you can get it done in a timely fashion but
without overextending yourself.

Pathways and walkways

Pathways and walkways are incredibly versatile and can be long,

short, or even winding. They can be used to lead from doors in your
house to your driveway. You can use walkways to mark the travel
line to your shed, pool, or other structures in the yard. If you have
kids or a large family and the yard gets traipsed through a lot, maybe
you want to put walkways in so your lawn isn’t being run over
constantly. Pathways can even be used in large garden areas so that
your flowers don’t get trampled on.
Most pathways are very easy to install. When making a pathway, you
can use the same methods for making a patio. However, just like
patios, you don’t want to build a walkway on a slope. If there is a
slope or hill, you’ll need to consider putting in stairs to incorporate it
into the walkway.
Stairs aren’t that difficult to build with the right materials. You always
build from the bottom up, starting with the first stair and then building
it one on top of the other. Each stair should be on a level, tamped
down tier. They should also be made out of flat, easy-to-stand-on
steps.
Similar to a stone walkway is a mosaic walkway. You can make a
mosaic out of flat, colored porcelain and fix it in place with concrete.
This kind of walkway means you can make fun designs, like lizards
or footprints, with your mosaic tiles. It can be rather laborious and
time consuming, but that is all relative if it means you get your
perfect yard!
Another walkway feature that is easy to install are borders, which
can be made up of border plants, ground cover, or walls. Although, if
you want a simpler style, you can always go with a less uniform
approach and add some plants every couple of feet or so.
Making a path out of stepping stones that are spaced apart with
grass growing between them is an easy and less complicated option.
You could also use wooden planks slightly buried in the ground. If
you do use wood, make sure it is designed to last and withstand
weather. Otherwise, it will rot quickly and need to be replaced.
There are also several other options for creating pathways out of
wood materials. If you have a ditch on your property, building a small
wooden bridge over it can help make it easier to walk over. It can
also be a good way to prevent people from accidentally falling into
the ditch and hurting themselves.
Using wood to make a walkway that sits on top of the grass can also
save you the work of having to remove the grass or turf to install a
stone pathway. If your yard has any swampy patches, you can also
build a kind of wooden walkway that sits on top of the swampiness
so that it can be easily walked through.
Like patios, walkways can be combined with other hardscapes to
make a more complicated landscape design. When planning your
walkway, take into account the ease of walking on the different
materials and ways to structure it. Something like stepping stones
might not be entirely ideal for a well- traveled, wide, long walkway.
When putting walkways or paths into your garden, you should take
care in not overcrowding your plants or digging too far down into the
ground and interfering with root growth. You might need to make
narrower pathways in a garden.

If you live in a region that doesn’t have a lot of rain or snow, making
a simple walkway out of landscaping pebbles is a great less
expensive option. The pebbles won’t be fixed, and you’ll need to
install a border or edge to keep them contained, but they can look
nice and save some money and labor.
A lot of times, when it comes to planning your hardscapes, you need
to find the balance between what makes sense and what you want
most. Walkways are no different in that regard.

Walls
Hardscapes, in general, are fun to design and build and that includes
designing and building a wall feature. However, walls can be more
difficult to build than patios or walkways. Walls are built vertically
where other hardscapes are built down at ground level. You can still
get crafty and artistic with the design of your walls, though, and there
are a wide variety of wall types to choose from
As with most hardscapes, you want to build your wall from the
ground up on a flat, stable surface. To make a very sturdy wall, you
can use concrete, but it might not be the most attractive. So, you can
put rocks or stones throughout the concrete to give it some texture.
Walls can still be sturdy without being perfectly clean-cut.
Walls will generally need some kind of fixative to hold them up and
hold them together. The exception to this rule is loose stone walls,
such as the ones you’ve probably seen at old farms that just look like
a bunch of loose stones piled on top of each other. While there is
some method to place the stones together so they don’t roll off each
other, these walls don’t need a fixative to hold them together. Stone
walls are all unique and quite sturdy. They might be more prone to
extreme weather, like wind and snow, but for the most part, they can
last a long time. A lot of those walls out on old farmlands have been
standing for hundreds of years.
Another wall option is a smooth, lined wall that is built in layers, and
then topped with a different colored paver to make a nice, flat finish.
Some more intricate walls will have column posts to mark a walkway
or entryway. These columns can have lights on them to guide people
in the dark. You could even get creative and build your mailbox into
one of your wall columns.
If you’re more interested in a jagged wall, you don’t need to give it a
smooth top. You can finish it with raw stones or rounded bricks. This
kind of wall won’t be suitable for sitting, but it is texturized and gives
your yard a different atmospheric feel.
Retainer walls can be used to contain gardens, hedges, and other
areas. For instance, if you have a slope that you want to put a
garden in, you can use a retainer wall to level the ground. By making
it as tall as the slope, and filling in the area with dirt, the space is
leveled and more appropriate for planting. Retainer walls can also be
used to level your lawn. This is a neat landscaping trick to make
sloped lawns more usable. By leveling slopes, you can even expand
the amount of space you have to work with for other hardscapes.
An interesting way to combine a walkway and retainer wall is to build
a retainer wall with stairs through it from a lower level to a higher
level. Making the stairs out of the same material as the wall and
having the top of the wall line up with the top stair is a nice way to tie
it together.
Your use of walls can be purely visual, functional, or both. A mid-
level wall around your patio can provide you with a little privacy, if
you don’t have a fence around your yard. If you’ve installed a hedge
fence, using a wall as an accenting feature can make the hedge
seem more durable and also less peneratrable.
If you want a nice wall that has a functional purpose, build a wide,
sitting wall around your patio or portions of your patio. It makes a
solid place to sit if you have more people than patio furniture. You
could even use a wall as a kind of table or buffet for those great
backyard cookouts that you’ll be using your patio for.
Walls are one of the most transformative landscaping hardscapes
because they can be used to quite literally change the geography or
your yard. Walls can be short or tall, and you can build as many as
you need or want. The variety of materials you can use also make
them t aesthetically pleasing.
Borders and Edges

Borders and edges are closely related to walls; however, they work
well in smaller spaces and aren’t as large in height. Most commonly,
borders are used to mark the exterior edge of a garden and are more
decorative than functional, but they can serve a purpose.Putting a
border underneath your ground cover plants at the edge of a garden
can be extra protection against weeds. It can also help to contain the
ground cover from spreading through your lawn.
Edges and borders aren’t just for gardens, though. You can put them
around a mailbox post, a tree, a hedge fence, or even a walkway or
patio. If you're going for a more decorative approach, you can get
creative and funky, like making a spiral pattern border around the
base of a tree with border stones. Borders are a nice accent that
also don’t take as much labor, material, or effort as walls.
Maybe you think your walkway would be too closed in with a wall but
doesn’t look complete enough on its own. Adding a plant or
hardscape border can give your walkway that completeness without
making it claustrophobic. The same can be said about patios.
Smaller patios can feel even smaller if they have a wall. But a border
can still make it look more complete.
You could even put a border along the bottom of a wall for an
additional visual detail. Contrasting materials can give your wall a
little more “pop” or personality that sets it apart. As an accent
feature, borders and edges can be quite stunning.
The materials you can use to make borders versus walls are also a
little more versatile. Common materials used for borders are bricks,
stones, willow sticks, or bamboo. Borders can even be grown from
plants, such as grasses. A border can be as simple as shaped bricks
or a painted board.
You most likely won’t need to use a fixative to keep them in place,
either, like a wall. There are some border stones made specifically to
hold a pattern or shape, and some materials are designed to be
partially buried for stability. An exception to the buried concept is if
you are using loose stones. Stones are often placed on top of the
ground as a border. Over time, they will sink down into the soil,
though, becoming a more fixed border or edge.
While all hardscapes in landscaping can be interesting and creative,
borders are small enough and flexible enough that you can take your
creativity even further. If you go to a garden store and see limited
options for borders and edges, take the crafting into your own hands
so you can truly transform your yard into what your mind imagined.
You can get a mold and make your own pavers to use as borders.
From craft stores, you can get shiny stones, shells, and other nifty
decorations to put into the wet concrete when you are making
pavers. This process can be time consuming as you have to let the
concrete dry and will probably have to use the mold repeatedly to
make a large enough batch of pavers. But making your own paver
borders gives you more freedom with designs, colors, and sizes so
that you can create the perfect border for a walkway or garden.
While you can purchase a premade, woven stick border, you could
save a little money by making your own, too. Collecting long, flexible
sticks in the woods isn’t too complicated, as long as you have
access to decent woods in your region. It is a little more labor
intensive, but again, it gives you more freedom as well as saving you
some money.
Don’t gloss over borders and edges because you think you won’t
need them by planting ground cover and border grasses. One
benefit of borders is they are one of the few hardscape options that
are easy to change and replace.
Since borders are more of a final touch or finishing touch, you’ll want
to install them last, once your hardscapes and gardens have been
made and prepared.

Fire Pits

No perfectly landscaped yard is complete without a fire pit.

Something about an open fire in the backyard on a cool summer
night is almost magical! There are several different types of fire pits
that you can build for your patio and landscaped yards. However,
before you get married to the idea of a firepit, take a step back and
make sure that it is feasible for your yard and your situation.
When it comes to open fires, the most important consideration is
safety. Open flames can get really big, so it is imperative that you
keep your fire pit far away from flammable structures, especially
anywhere near a building where people live. A fire pit should be at
least 10 feet away from any permanent structure, unless your city or
state has a specific ordinance that requires more distance. Further,
state, city, or local ordinances might forbid fire pits altogether.
Another consideration is keeping the space around your fire pit free
of grass, debris, and dried leaves. Having a secure perimeter around
your fire pit is needed to keep the flames from igniting materials
outside and around the pit and potentially starting an uncontrolled
fire. Fire pits, sometimes, cannot be used in really dry, arid regions.
Some places are so dry that having an open fire is a potential
hazard. Additionally, during particularly dry seasons, local authorities
might ban the use of open fire pits until the drought goes away. So,
you’ll want to ensure that you’ll be able to regularly use your fire pit
before going through the trouble of building one.
There are several different types of fire pits that you can build,
including in-ground, above ground, portable, and chiminea fire pits.
These all have benefits and drawbacks, and your fire pit will depend
on the size of your yard and what you want to use it for. Below are
some tips for building fire pits and what you can do with them.
First, in-ground fire pits are dug right into the ground and need a
heat-resistant, durable base underneath them. You must also line
the bottom and edges with pavers or bricks. The exterior lip must
include a barrier that is about 12 inches tall. This barrier can be
loose, piled stones, stacked cement blocks, cobblestones, or
mortared bricks. Whatever you choose, pick something that won’t
crack from heat.
In-ground fire pits have a few advantages over the other options.
First, they can be used in cold weather and even in the snow. As
long as you keep them shoveled out, once you get a flame going, the
in-ground pit will shelter it from wind. Additionally, the pit will warm
up inside and allow the fire to maintain its heat.
Another advantage of in-ground fire pits is the potential for using
your pit for cookouts. You can easily get cooking grates designed
specifically for in-ground fire pits. There are camping grates that
could be used over an above ground fire pit, but in-ground fire pit
grates can be built right into the sides of your pit, making it more
secure and allowing you to cook larger quantities of food.
An above ground fire pit needs a flat, heat resistant surface
underneath and a protective barrier around it. A portable fire pit is an
above ground pit, usually made of metal, that you can purchase from
a garden or hardware store. Portable fire pits tend to need to be
stored inside during the winter or in rain so they don’t rust.
Chiminea fire pits are a good option if you can’t have an open fire pit.
They are a contained structure with a long chimney that is perfect for
a small fire. Just like with other hardscaping options, fire pits can be
combined with other decorative elements. If you put in a patio, you
can build a firepit right into your patio. This gives you a streamlined,
fluid look to your patio and backyard and makes your patio space
versatile
A fire pit is mostly a luxury item that is meant for pleasure and visual
appeal. It can help with warmth and keeping bugs away at night.
Think about having a fire pit if summer night fires are a pleasure of
yours or if you really like to entertain with backyard parties.

Ponds and Fountains

Another pleasure or luxury item that might put an additional lovely
touch to your landscape is either a fountain or a pond. While
fountains and ponds aren’t for everyone, they can provide a tranquil
and unique atmosphere for your garden space. Imagine sitting on a
stone bench in your yard, watching fish swim in a pond or listening to
the splash of a fountain! Think about the singing of peeper frogs at
night as they hide in your pond or the beauty of a statue spouting
water in your fountain! If those scenarios seem enjoyable to you,
then a pond or fountain could very well be in your future landscaping
designs.
However, there are a few drawbacks with ponds and fountains that
you should think about before committing to either. First and
foremost, they need an electrical source. You’ll need to be able to
supply electricity to that part of your yard to run the equipment that
goes with a pond or fountain.
Further, ponds take a little more work to build than fountains. First of
all, ponds need to be built into the ground. You can get a pond liner
at a garden store or use some other materials, such as an old
bathtub or a tractor tire that is lined with plastic. The electrical
component to the pond is having a filtration and water circulation
system. Pond water can’t be treated chemically, or it won’t be a pond
so much as a small swimming pool.
Generally, the goal of a pond is to have a natural looking water
source that can support aquatic plants and maybe even some fish.
Chemically treated water won’t do that. Unfortunately, leaving the
water stagnant isn’t good either as it results in large algae blooms.
Stagnant water can also become contaminated.
The plus side of ponds is that growing aquatic plants can be fun.
There are some herbs and lilies that grow very well in and around
water. Reeds and cattails can also compliment your pond, and they
can only be used in this type of hardscape.
If your pond is large enough, you could even put some nice goldfish
in it. Fish can be incredibly peaceful to watch. Plus, if you have a
pond ecosystem, it can help your aquating plants thrive. Around the
exterior of your pond, you can build smaller hardscapes with stones
and other pavers to give it a more natural look.
In colder regions, like the Northeast and Midwest, ponds need to be
winterized to avoid equipment and hardscape damage. They should
be drained in the winter as freezing water can cause damage.
Aquatic plants and fish will need to be moved indoors for the winter
as well. A fish tank and aquaponic setup should be sufficient to
maintain them until it is warm enough to put the water back in the
pond.
In warmer, dryer climates, evaporation should be taken into
consideration. If you can rig up a direct water source to your pond so
you can easily add more water, that is the best option. Otherwise,
you’ll likely be making a lot of water runs back and forth to top off the
water. If you have a pond with fish or aquatic plants, it is important to
keep the water levels sufficient to support them.
Fountains are similar to ponds in many ways. They will also need a
good electrical source and some special equipment. Fountains can
be large or small, complicated or simple.
Freestanding fountains consist of a basin that contains the entire
fountain and all the water. You can also build a fountain out of a wall,
having it spray or drip down into a container below it. A fountain can
be a simple brick circle or can have some kind of statue or design
within the basin.
Generally, a fountain will have a solid exterior made from pavers,
bricks, or another dense material. The interior of the water basin will
need to have a waterproof lining. The fountain mechanism, which
needs electricity, is going to be the source of the fountain spray.
If you build a fountain into a wall or through a statue, it might need its
own water source, which can be concealed or out in the open.
Fountains aren’t really meant to support plant or fish life. You can
treat the water chemically to keep it clearer and to prevent algae and
bacteria from growing.
Fountains will need to be periodically drained and cleaned. Even if
the water is treated, they can still get a little slimy, and that can
deteriorate the integrity of the fountain. It can also gunk up the
fountain mechanism, making it harder for the water to come through.
In colder regions with frost and snow, fountains will need to be
sealed and winterized. Drain them of water in the winter, and if you
can, store the fountain mechanism inside. Same as with ponds, in
hotter climates, you’ll want to make sure they have plenty of water. If
they dry out and the electricity isn’t turned off, the motor of the
fountain mechanism can break or wear out.
Fountains and ponds might not be the best option in areas that have
limited water or have water restrictions. They do take a fair amount
of extra work and consideration but can be the perfect piece you
need to create a serene landscape.

Hardscape Decor

Even though we’ve discussed a lot of hardscape building projects,

not all hardscapes are labor-intensive or complicated. There are a lot
of simple decoration options that you can use to bring more
personality to your yard. Some hardscape decor ideas can include
statues, potted plants, patio furniture, lighting, and more. Once your
hardscapes are built, you are going to want to personalize them and
find a way to make them functional. This is where decor comes in.
The idea behind hardscape decor is to bring a more personal touch
to your space and your landscape.
If you’re interested in a natural-looking landscape, you can use
rocks, boulders, and tree stumps as decor. Stones can be placed in
intricate patterns through flowers or in your garden. A hollowed-out
tree stump can become a planter. Fill it with dirt and then plant a
hanging or creeping plant in it to add a rustic look to your garden.
Strategically placed boulders make nice visual pieces, and a natural
jungle gym if you have children. If you don’t have naturally placed
boulders in your yard, you will need specialized equipment to get
them placed. Fortunately, heavy machinery can be rented for such
projects. You’ll just need to find the right place to rent from.
Benches are a great decor idea, too, as they add seating for you and
your guests. You could make benches out of logs, concrete, wood
planks, or iron legs. Patio furniture serves a similar purpose;
although, if you have patio furniture with cushions, you’ll want to
have an indoor storage space for the cushions in bad weather so
they don’t get wet.

Lighting is important, especially if you want to use your yard and

landscapes after dark. Most regions have shorter nights in the spring
and fall, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to use the yard,
since you’ve put so much time and effort into designing it.
Lighting can be simple string lights that are pegged up for soft
lighting. Or, you can create “high end” lighting with fixtures. Wiring
those lights can get complicated, but there are a lot of solar powered
lights that don’t need extra wiring. These lights can just be placed
out in good sunlight and will charge their own batteries. There are a
lot of attractively designed solar powered lights you can get from
garden stores and popular retail outlets.
Next, think about adding potted plants. There are plenty of reasons
why you might want to put plants in pots, even if you have ample
land to grow plants on. You might want to have plants in hanging
containers that are hung on the columns of your patio. Maybe you’ll
want to put potted plants around your patio or walkways to deter
bugs and insects.
Pots come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, and they can be
decorative or plain. If you have an artistic side, you can even buy
plain terracotta pots and decorate them by painting them or using
paper mache. If you live in a region with extreme heat or cold
winters, you’ll need to make indoor arrangements for your potted
plants during extreme weather to keep them protected
So, once your gardening and hardscapes are complete, you can
begin to branch out with detailed decor to put the finishing touches
on all your hard work!
Chapter 6: Small Scale Landscaping

and Container Gardening

A lot of the garden, landscape, and hardscape options that were

discussed in this book are designed for larger spaces. However, if
you have a small yard, that doesn't mean you can’t enjoy gardening
and landscaping, too! All you have to do is reimagine large
hardscapes in a scaled down size. It is entirely possible to fit patios,
walls, and even ponds and fountains into a small yard space.
So, if you have a small yard, don’t count yourself out of the
landscaping game! Small scale landscaping might even be easier to
do on your own than through a landscaping company. It is possible
that some landscaping companies won’t take on projects in spaces
deemed “too small.” This is why looking at DIY options can be more
beneficial. You are completely capable of utilizing the space that is
available to you for great things.
If you’ve never looked at your small yard with the eye of
transformation, it is time to do that now! It is time to reimagine your
space with all the luxury and beauty of a landscaped yard, starting
with how to grow a grand garden in a small space.
Container Gardening

Container gardening is one of the easiest ways to grow a flourishing

garden in a small space. There are a lot of different ways you can
grow a container garden. One of the most well-known container
options is using window boxes. You can attach window boxes
directly to the exterior of a window. You could also put them on a
balcony rail or a staircase handrail.
Window boxes are usually long and thin. They are great for planting
several varieties of flowers or herbs that can hang right off your
window. If you use fresh herbs in cooking, this can be convenient, as
you can just open your window and harvest herbs without going
outside.
Of course, window boxes do have drawbacks, such as not being
able to grow particularly tall flowers or plants. That’s okay, though,
because garden stores sell pots and plant containers in all shapes
and sizes. They even have pots on pedestals to take up less ground
space.
While we’re on the topic of ground space, let’s discuss how to
remedy the issue of limited space. Now, depending on the size of
your yard and your lot, you might not have a lot of ground space for
a garden. Upfront, that appears limiting. If you look a little deeper,
though, there are some options to have a flourishing garden.
Making a shelf for plant containers is a great way to save space. You
can build vertical shelves on the sides of buildings or fences and
then place containers on the shelves or build containers right into the
shelves. This is called a vertical garden. It gives you greenery and
beauty but doesn’t take up much ground space.
Similar to vertical gardens, you could build a tiered structure, like a
step stool or ladder, and put rows of plants on each tier. This method
will take up a bit more ground space than the vertical garden, but it
still isn’t as much as a raised bed or garden plot.
Along with vertical and tiered container gardens, if you have
plantable soil, you can always build a small tiered garden. Using
retainer walls and dirt, you can make small, in-ground tiers that will
support your garden. This is a good idea if you really want the
“garden” look.
Hanging plants and potted plants are another option for taking up
less ground space. You can get different styles of hanging pots that
can be attached to fence posts, porches, decks, mailboxes, and
pretty much any vertical post or pole. You could even attach hooks to
the exterior of your house and hang plants from them.
To make an interesting dual planting look, you could always put a pot
on the ground and then hang a pot over top of it so you have plants
on the bottom and top. Water the top plant and the excess can drip
down into the plants below, which means less water waste and less
effort on your part.
Container gardening sounds limiting, but it really isn’t. A lot of
containers are designed to hold multiple plants and flowers so that
you can make some lovely plant combinations.
Maybe you’ve never considered it, but there are a lot of fruit trees,
trees, and shrubs that can be pruned and miniaturized to grow in a
container. Apples, lemons, mangoes, and kiwi are a few options.
Wooden garden barrels can be adequate enough to grow small trees
and shrubs.
Another plant option for small spaces are vines. As a creeping,
climbing plant, a vine can be planted in a small plot or container
where it can then grow upwards on a pole, trellis, or fence. They can
provide a small space with shade, hanging fruits or flowers, and a lot
of greenery. This is all accomplished without ever taking up much
ground surface.
Some small garden and container garden ideas are based around
arrangement. For example, a pedestal pot could be placed in a back
corner and then surrounded by smaller, shorter pots. It takes up less
space, but gives a pleasant height variety for your plants. By having
some kind of trellis in your small yard, you can plant several different
types of vines to climb up it and then hang hanging plant containers
on the inside supports.
Caring for a container garden can actually be easier than caring for a
full garden plot. While weeds are still a concern, they aren’t going to
be as invasive or aggressive in pots. You’ll still want to keep an eye
out for them, but the container itself acts as a nice barrier for
potential weed incursions.
The amount of dirt in containers is less than a big garden, so
fertilization and soil care won’t be as expensive or extensive. You’re
still going to want to revitalize soil nutrition every year to keep your
containers well fertilized.
As far as watering goes, watering cans and garden hoses are good
options for container gardens. Since they cover a smaller area, you
can spray or pour water right down and around the base of the
plants to prevent water waste. Plants in containers tend to need to
be watered more frequently than plants in the ground. If you live in a
hot region, you are going to want to monitor the soil moisture more
carefully so your plants don’t dry out and wither.
You can still set up an irrigation system for your container garden.
Using tubes and faucets, you can place a small faucet in each
container, or multiple if needed, and then attach it to a water source
with or without a timer. Most tubing can be concealed easily and
won’t take up too much space. For this to work, you don’t want to to
interfere with the limited space you have around your containers.
There are some self-watering plant pot options, but even self-
watering containers need to have their water reservoir checked now
and then. You might not have to water them as much, but you’ll still
need to check so they don’t run out of water over time.
Containers gardens can be kept all year long. If you live somewhere
with mild winters and no snow, your plants can likely remain outside
all year. There might be some warm weather plants that won’t like
the cooler months, so make sure you have an interior space you can
set those plants up in until it gets warm again.
Snow, ice, and frost are going to be an enemy of your container
garden. If you don’t want to maintain the garden all year round,
transport the pots and dormant plants into a shed, garage, or
basement where they won’t get damaged from ice and snow. But
remember they will still need plenty of winter sunlight while inside
until they can be moved outside again.
There are definitely pros and cons to container gardening. However,
if you have limited space, consider some of the container options
that we’ve outlined so you don’t have to miss out on a fantastic
garden!
So, you see, a small space doesn’t really limit what you can or can’t
grow. You just need to know what your options are.

Small Hardscape Ideas

We know the idea of small hardscapes seems a bit far-fetched, but it

doesn’t have to be. Since the beginning, one of our goals has been
to help you see just how many options you have and give you the
knowledge to make your landscape dreams come to life.
Hardscapes in a small yard are no different.
First, let’s consider patios. When you think patio, do you think of a
large circular brick construction with room for a fire pit, grill, and even
some patio furniture? That is the image that a lot of people conjure. If
you don’t have the space for all that, you can still have a patio! Some
great small space patio ideas are just a small rectangle of pavers
that is large enough to support a small table and two chairs. It might
not be more than five feet by three feet, or even smaller, but it is still
a patio.
Now, there are some hardscape ideas that might not be safe in a
small yard, such as an open fire pit. As previously mentioned, a
chiminea is a good option for a contained fire that still gives you an
“open fire” feel. Other options include tiki torches, which you can
actually fill with a citronella scented fuel to keep mosquitos away. If
you really love the fire pit idea, get a portable fire pit and then put
some candles in it. Maybe it won't be as impressive as a roaring fire,
but it still gives you a central location to sit around with some
flickering flames.
You might think that walls and walkways take up too much space for
a small yard. Well, that all depends on how you build them.
Walkways don’t have to be wide enough for two people to walk side
by side, nor do they have to be long. You could build a two-foot-long
walkway from your back door to your miniature patio.
The same goes for walls. Build a small retainer wall up against your
house so you can plant a small garden in the ground. Make a small
section of a sitting wall instead of putting chairs out in your yard.
When it comes to getting what you want out of your yard and
landscaping, you are only limited by what you can imagine.
While something like a fountain or a pond might not be entirely
practical in a small yard, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on
the tranquility of water. A bird bath can be a lovely source of water,
and songbirds in your small garden can be quite enjoyable.
Additionally, they make a lot of fountain fixtures designed to be
installed in bird baths. This will give you the sound of trickling water
and the visual of fountain water. It might be condensed, but it still
works.
Other small fountain options are available as well. At garden stores,
you can purchase outdoor fountains that are designed for a tabletop
but can even be placed in a corner of your yard. They have some
very attractive and very durable small, premade fountain options
available for sale. Of course, bird baths and fountains need to be
cared for in similar ways as large hardscape fountains.
A pond might be more complicated to put into a small yard space.
Since garden ponds are essentially a plastic liner dug into the
ground and then filled with water, let your creativity imagine pond
liners that aren’t the large ones available at garden stores.
So, consider this idea: Get yourself a plastic salad bowl and a large
pot. Fill the bottom of the pot with dirt and then put the bowl in the
pot so their edges are level. Then, fill in the gaps between the bowl
and the pot with more dirt.
Now, fill the salad bowl with water and add water-loving plants in the
dirt around the edge of the bowl. You might even want to try growing
some kind of herb or plant that likes to be near water. Depending on
how deep the bowl is, you could even put a couple little goldfish in it.
This miniature pond idea won’t have filtration or circulation, so you
will need to refresh the water regularly to prevent algae and also
support the plants and fish. If you don’t want to grow plants around
your mini pond, use small landscaping stones or small pavers to
make a nice border.
Landscaped staircases are another hardscape that can be
miniaturized for a small space. Make a stone staircase or cement
block staircase with only a couple of steps.
Borders and edges might be the one hardscape feature that isn’t
entirely “doable” in a small space. If most of your garden is planted in
pots, they tend to act as their own borders. While a small patio or
walkway can still benefit from a cute border, that addition depends
on the space available. If you really like the concept of edges and
borders, try using them for decorative purposes.
Inside your pots, you can use stones, rocks, crystals, and brick
pieces to make mosaic-like designs or cool patterns in the dirt. This
gives your garden a little more color and some personality. This kind
of accent detail isn’t limited to being in plant containers, either. The
materials used for edges and borders are quite versatile as
decorations in general.
Small spaces are actually really great for outdoor lighting. If you
have a trellis or fence post, putting up string lights is very easy. You
can get a lot of weather hardy string lights that don’t look like your
typical Christmas light. Even if you would rather go the route of solar
lighting, or traditional electrical lighting, then you won’t need as much
equipment for the wiring and installing of fixtures.
When you are planning your small landscape design, still draw a
map with dimensions and then play around with what you want and
where to put it. A small yard can still be a beautifully landscaped
space. You just need to know how to use the space you have.
Even when building your smaller hardscapes, the same regional
considerations for the large hardscapes apply when it comes to
deciding on your materials and properly caring for them. Any pavers
will need to be sealed properly, and denser materials will last longer.
Also, keep hardscapes away from downspouts in regions with heavy
rain to avoid wear.
So, don’t let yourself be limited by a lack of space. Use your
imagination and creativity to transform your small yard into a
landscaped masterpiece!
Conclusion
All right, by now you should have all you need to begin the step-by-
step process of planning your landscape and bringing it to life. You
should know all the best materials to use for where you live in the
United States and how to construct sturdy, lasting landscapes. You
know all of the regional dangers and complications, as well as safety
measures for certain hardscape types.
The next step is to start finalizing your plans. That means, you
should refine your budget, decide on materials and plants, and then
get started on the construction. A tip to remember when you are first
getting started is: purchase your equipment and materials first. You
don’t want to try and remember what you are going to need while
also purchasing the materials for a project.
When it comes to erecting your hardscapes, you might want to do
some additional research on how to use sealers, concrete, and
bricks. These techniques are easy to learn and are going to help you
make sturdy, long-lasting hardscapes. Before you get too involved in
purchasing materials, also make sure you consider your region so
that you will be prepared to get the materials that will work best for
where you live.
That brings us to our next tip: purchase all the materials that you
calculated as being needed for a given project. Keep a little room in
your budget in case you have to purchase more materials to finish
that project. It is easy to underestimate what you are going to need.
Try overestimating both materials and your budget so that you can
resupply if need be.
DIY landscaping and gardening can get pricey. However, there are a
lot of ways that you can salvage, recycle, and reuse materials. Keep
an eye out for neighbors doing construction or yard projects and see
if they have any leftover materials when the project is complete.
There are plenty of companies that give away wooden pallets, which
can be repurposed for a lot of projects in the yard.
Look around in your local area to see what kinds of companies and
manufacturers are nearby. All manufacturing processes leave behind
some kind of waste, raw material, or even flawed pieces. If you can
work something out with them, you might be able to get your hands
on a lot of inexpensive or free raw material for landscaping
Another tip is to check your weekly weather reports. Some projects
might require sun or dryness for up to 48 hours after you complete it.
You wouldn’t want to start that project the day before rain is
forecasted. Also, if you are purchasing materials that are time
sensitive for use or for a large project, you don’t want to get stuck not
being able to use them for a long period of time due to weather.
Also, a good rule of thumb is to work on one project at a time. If you
have a lot to do, make a schedule and prioritize. You might even
want to make a schedule for projects that spans a couple of years,
because you don’t want to burn yourself out physically or financially.
That being said, another reason to work on one project is that you
will be able to see your yard transformed piece by piece, and it will
give you the time to make adjustments as needed.
Remember that the goal of landscaping is to give you a long-term
solution to your backyard. If you aren’t entirely sure about a
hardscape or decoration option, or even a type of tree or shrub, put
that at the end of your priority list and revisit it when your other
projects have been worked on. Once your yard starts to come
together, you can have a better idea of what you want.
So, with those little tips in mind, it is time for you to move onto the
next stage of your landscaping project: getting it done!
There is always more information to consider in regards to
constructing your landscape and hardscapes. Our books are
designed to be a planning guide to get you started with ideas for
materials and designs. They also aim to set you up for a successful
landscape experience.
If you live in the Northeast and want a more comprehensive guide to
landscaping, make sure to pick up our book Northeast Home
Landscaping. It is a companion to this book and elaborates on
hardscapes and garden ideas specifically for the Northeast.
As always, remember that the best plant options to go with are those
that are native to your region. Invasive species, or non-native
species, can really interfere with the natural ecosystem and disrupt
the environment around you. We’ve given you some ideas on plants
you can grow in your region, but the options are just shy of limitless.
If you want to branch out from the suggestions in this book, there is
plenty more to work with!
So, there it is, you are all set to move forward with your landscaping
endeavor. Whether you have a large or small yard, you can make it
happen for yourself. Good luck on all you seek to accomplish. Thank
you for choosing our book for your landscaping needs. If you liked
the information in this book and found it helpful, please leave a
review so that other people can more easily find our book for their
own education.
References
Amazing Herb Garden. (n.d.). How to select the correct herbs for
outdoor herb garden.
https://www.amazingherbgarden.com/how-to-select-the-
correct-herbs-for-outdoor-herb-garden/
BH&G Garden Editors. (10, July 2010). 15 top native plants for
southern gardens. Better Homes & Gardens.
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/gardening-by-
region/south/top-native-plants-for-southern-gardens/
BH&G Garden Editors. (10, July 2019). 15 native plants for southern
gardens. Better Homes & Gardens.
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/gardening-by-
region/south/top-native-plants-for-southern-gardens/?
slide=slide_abc7e118-1de9-4681-b242-
b36f46eac3de#slide_abc7e118-1de9-4681-b242-
b36f46eac3de
BH&G Garden Editors. (n.d.). 15 native plants for the midwestern
garden. Better Homes & Gardens.
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/gardening-by-
region/midwest/native-plants-for-the-midwestern-garden/?
Bike Maui. (1, May 2019). The flowers of Hawaii.
https://www.bikemaui.com/flowers-of-hawaii/
Brandsen, L. (2020 a.). Easy herbs to grow at home. Midwest
Living. https://www.midwestliving.com/garden/ideas/easy-
herbs-to-grow-at-home/
Brandsen, L. (2020 b.). 20 tough trees for midwest lawns. Midwest
Living. https://www.midwestliving.com/garden/ideas/20-tough-
trees-for-midwest-lawns/
Brandsen, L. (2020 c.). 25 top easy-care plants for midwest
gardens. Midwest Living.
https://www.midwestliving.com/garden/ideas/25-top-easy-
 care-plants-for-midwest-gardens/?slide=275cf479-302e-441b-
bc96-af984c84ab7e#275cf479-302e-441b-bc96-
af984c84ab7e
Brook, Susan. (25, February 1982). Northern tre habitats.
Geophysical Institute. https://www.gi.alaska.edu/alaska-
science-forum/northern-tree-habitats-
0#:~:text=Interior%20Alaskan%20forests%20have%20only,bal
sam%20fir%20and%20lodgepole%20pine.
Ecoscraps staff. (n.d.). Planting by zone: a complete guide.
Ecoscraps. https://www.ecoscraps.com/blogs/gardening-
farming/87136132-planting-by-zone-a-complete-guide
Forney, J. M. (2020). Southern native plants worth growing. HGTV.
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/southern-
native-plants-worth-growing-pictures
Gardening-for-wildlife.com. (n.d.). Native vine sof mountains and
basins. http://www.gardening-for-wildlife.com/vines-of-the-
mountains.html
Glasner, Erica. (n.d.). Regional picks: Touch ground covers -
Southeast. Fine Gardening.
https://www.finegardening.com/article/regional-picks-tough-
ground-covers-southeast
Hagen, L. (2020). Irrigation for your garden. Garden Design.
https://www.gardendesign.com/irrigation/
Hayes, B. (2020). Find the right fruit tree for your growing zone.
Morning Chores. https://morningchores.com/fruit-tree-growing-
zone/
High Country Gardens. (2019 a.). Desert landscaping plants.
https://www.highcountrygardens.com/plant-finder/desert-
landscaping-plants
High Country Gardens. (2019 b.). Shrubs, small trees, and grasses
that provide habitat and year-round interest.
https://www.highcountrygardens.com/gardening/shrubs-small-
trees-and-grasses-for-year-round-interest
Iannotti, M. (26, March 2020). 6 best perennial flower vines and
climbers. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/top-
choices-for-vines-and-climbing-plants-1402385
Iannotti, M. (11, July 2020). 16 best native plants for southern
gardens. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/best-native-
plants-for-southern-gardens-4136651
Johnson, N. (14, September 2016). 10 essential native trees for
southwestern gardens. Houzz.
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-essential-native-trees-
for-southwestern-gardens-stsetivw-vs~72712112
Kaiser, L. F. (n.d.). How to plan a landscape design. HGTV.
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/outdoor-remodel/how-to-plan-
a-landscape-design
Karem, K. (17, March 2017). Ultimate guide to growing berries.
Monrovia. https://growbeautifully.monrovia.com/ultimate-
guide-to-growing-berries/
Kathy. (11, April 2016). Trees for your southern landscape: A walk
through the forest in your backyard. Garden experiments.
https://www.gardenexperiments.com/the-beauty-and-benefits-
of-trees/
Kruse, K. (2020). 15 easy Midwest groundcovers. Midwest Living.
https://www.midwestliving.com/garden/ideas/15-easy-
midwest-groundcovers/?
Mary. (2, December 2013). Alaska vegetable planting. Mary’s
Heirloom Seeds.
https://www.marysheirloomseeds.com/blogs/news/78579201-
alaska-vegetable-planting-guide
Midwest Gardening. (n.d. a.). Best performing hardy shrubs for
northern and Midwest climates.
https://www.midwestgardentips.com/best-performing-shrubs
Midwest Gardening. (n.d. b.). Best perennial ornamental grasses.
https://www.midwestgardentips.com/best-perennial-
ornamental-grass
Odom, J. (13, January 2020). Picking the right hardscaping products
for your region. Total Landscape Care.
https://www.totallandscapecare.com/landscaping/durable-
hardscapes/
Oregon State University. (March, 2008). Gardening with Oregon
native plants west of the Cascades.
https://corvallis.npsoregon.org/OSU%20Gardening%20with%
20Oregon%20Native%20Plants.pdf
Pictures sourced by: https://pixabay.com/
Sarah. (10, July 2019). 9 perennial herbs for zones 5 and higher.
Dengarden. https://dengarden.com/gardening/10-Perennial-
Herbs-for-the-Frugal-Gardener
Seed Savers Exchange. (2020). Planning a garden.
https://www.seedsavers.org/planning-a-garden
Shonle, I. (May, 2015). Groundocver and rock garden plants for
mountain communities. Colorado State University.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-
garden/ground-covers-and-rock-garden-plants-for-mountain-
communities-7-413/
Southern Living. (2020 a.). Beautiful climbing vines for your garden.
https://www.southernliving.com/garden/vines/climbing-vines
Southern Living. (2020 b.). Friends in low-light places: flowers and
shrubs that thrive in shade.
https://www.southernliving.com/garden/plants/shade-loving-
plants
Southern Living. (2020 c.). Shrubs. Southern Living Plant Collection.
https://southernlivingplants.com/plant-category/shrubs/
Southern Living. (2020 d.). Groundcovers/grasses. Southern Living
Plant Collection. https://southernlivingplants.com/plant-
category/groundcovers-grasses/
Stewart, S. (September, 2015). Shade plant recommendations for
the Pacific Northwest. Landscape East & West.
 https://www.landscapeeast.com/blog/shade-plant-hillsboro-
landscapers-2015-09
The Grower’s Exchange. (2020 a.). Herb plants for zone 10.
https://thegrowers-exchange.com/collections/herbs-for-zone-
10
The Grower’s Exchange. (2020 b.) Herb plants for zone 11.
https://thegrowers-exchange.com/collections/herbs-for-zone-
11
TLM Pro. (25, February 2016). 15 Hawaii native plants perfect for
landscaping. Total Landscape Management.
http://www.tlmhawaii.com/tips-tricks-and-more/hawaii-native-
plants/
U.S. Embassy (n.d.). The regions of the United States. U.S.
Embassy 7 Consult in the Republic of Korea.
https://kr.usembassy.gov/education-culture/infopedia-
usa/travel-usa/regions-united-states/
United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). USDA plant
hardiness zone map. USDA Agricultural Research Service.
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/