Planting From Small to Big: The First Rule of Landscaping
Planting in Stages
Landscaping is all about creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space that reflects your personality, style, and needs. However, achieving a great landscaping design is not an easy task, it requires careful planning, creativity, and knowledge of horticulture. The first rule of landscaping is to plant from small to big. This means starting with smaller plants and gradually adding larger ones until you reach the desired effect. Planting in stages makes the landscaping process more manageable, allows you to see the big picture, and ensures that your plants will thrive in their new environment.Starting with Trees
The first step in planting from small to big is to start with trees. Trees are the largest and most dominant feature in any landscape design. They provide shade, privacy, and beauty to your outdoor space. When selecting trees, consider the size of your yard, the purpose of the trees, and their suitability for the soil type, climate, and exposure. Choose young trees with a single stem and healthy roots. Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the root ball and loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, making sure to keep the root collar at ground level. Water the tree thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Key point: Trees are the backbone of any landscaping design, and planting them first ensures that they have enough space, light, and nutrients to grow and flourish.Adding Shrubs Next
After planting the trees, it’s time to add shrubs. Shrubs are smaller than trees but bigger than perennials, and they provide texture, color, and structure to your landscape. When selecting shrubs, consider their size, shape, color, and bloom time. Choose shrubs that complement the trees and create a balanced composition. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and plant the shrub at the same depth as it was in the container. Water the shrub thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and prevent erosion. Key point: Shrubs add interest and variety to your landscape, and planting them after the trees creates a harmonious transition from large to small plants.Including Perennials
Now that you have planted the trees and shrubs, it’s time to add perennials. Perennials are smaller than shrubs but larger than ground covers, and they provide color, fragrance, and diversity to your landscape. When selecting perennials, consider their bloom time, height, texture, and soil requirements. Choose perennials that complement the trees and shrubs and create a color scheme that suits your taste. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and plant the perennial at the same depth as it was in the container. Water the perennial thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Key point: Perennials are the stars of your landscape design, and planting them after the trees and shrubs creates a visually stunning effect that enhances the beauty of your outdoor space.Completing with Ground Cover
Finally, it’s time to add ground covers. Ground covers are low-growing plants that cover large areas of soil and prevent weed growth. They provide a finished look to your landscape and help to integrate the different layers of plants. When selecting ground covers, consider their height, color, texture, and soil requirements. Choose ground covers that complement the trees, shrubs, and perennials, and create a natural-looking carpet that blends into the landscape. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and plant the ground cover at the same depth as it was in the container. Water the ground cover thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent erosion. Key point: Ground covers are the finishing touch to your landscaping design, and planting them last ensures that they cover any bare soil and provide a uniform look to your outdoor space.Benefits of Planting in Order
Planting from small to big has several benefits, including:- It allows you to see the big picture and plan your landscape design accordingly.
- It creates a balanced composition that is visually pleasing and functional.
- It ensures that your plants have enough space, light, and nutrients to grow and thrive.
- It helps to prevent overcrowding and competition among plants.
- It allows you to gradually develop your landscape over time and avoid a rushed or overwhelming project.
