Plan ahead for garden perfection
Die-hard gardeners will tell you that a garden is a work in progress. Even established gardens require a little tweaking from season to season. But if you thoughtfully plan before you plant, your landscape will beautifully endure for years to come without costly and time-consuming alterations or additions.
Take advantage of leafless panoramas
With some trees and shrubs showing only bare bones, winter is a fine time for spotting ho-hum holes in your landscape. Check for areas that could use a punch of winter interest – consider adding evergreens, berry-bearing shrubs and trees with interesting forms or bark to boost year-round appeal.
Know your site
Spend a day or two checking how many hours of sun your gardens receive each day to ensure you incorporate light-appropriate plants into your design. Keep in mind that full-sun plants require at least six hours of sun, partial-shade plants need between three and six hours and shade-tolerant plants benefit from two or three hours of direct light or from receiving indirect or filtered light all day.