The Gardener Becomes an Artist

Creating Yard Art While Playing in Dirt

May 3, 2009 Margo Dillard

Great art requires preparation, planning and in the case of a garden masterpiece, planting. It is easy to make the mistake of rushing to the garden supply center at the first sign of warm weather and begin grabbing plants. The beautiful colors, blossoms, and scents overtake the gardener’s senses before the image of the canvas is clear in their mind. It is important for the yard artist to plan, then plant!

When asked, most people admit to being a little impulsive and hating to plan, but that is exactly what is best when putting in a garden. If you are thinking, “I only want to be a spontaneous garden and grab whatever catches my eye and plop it in the ground,” go for it if you want to plant and replant. For those people still reading, here are some easy ideas on how to plan a long lasting, beautiful flower garden.

Easy garden steps:

1. Do not feel that gardening can’t be started in winter. This is the best time to plan by snapping some pictures of the areas that will be splashed with color once the weather warms.
2. Determine where the morning and afternoon sun hits. Log how many hours of sun or shade the selected areas receive.
3. Conduct research on plants that grow well in your area via websites such as your State Extension agency, garden magazines, or the local garden club. The artist does not start painting the canvas until he creates a sketch or a photo from which to work. This is important and no drawing talent is required, it is just a plan that makes sense to you.
4. Don’t worry about being to scale --just create an idea of your thoughts for the garden. A sheet of graph paper is great for planning each area.
5. Identify the planned plants and compare to spaces available. Use plants that are known to do well in the local climate. If a gardener is trying plants that aren’t on their researched list the result can be either a slew of dying plants or unbelievable luck.
6. Planning the work is also necessary. Look at the garden sketch and envision the finished canvas. Now look at the reality. Answer these quesstions before proceeding with a garden project:

• What work will it take to remove existing plants, grass, weeds, and then plant the new items? Break large projects into smaller jobs to avoid an unfinished canvas.
• How much time will it take to do the work, making sure not to overdo? The garden may soothe the soul and rest the weary mind, be prepared to wreak havoc on muscles.
• How much work will it take to manage the newly planted area to commit to the upkeep? Do not plan and plant more than you can maintain.
• How easily can the area be watered and weeded? A dying and overgrown flowerbed is not pretty!
• Is there any wildlife such as rabbits, moles, or deer that will eat the plants? Be prepared and pick resistant plants if possible.

To discover the next steps of planning and planting see Knowing the Seasons and Zones: Planting in Thyme. There is nothing better than ending the day with the sense of accomplishment, the beauty of flowers, and the relaxation that restful garden can provide.