Home landscapes, whether old or new, are rarely designed or planted with the active lifestyles of today’s homeowners in mind. The same mistakes get repeated, as large-growing plants -- yews, rhododendrons, arborvitae and others -- are installed too closely together, leading to crowding and the need for regular clipping to prevent windows and walkways from being covered in green. It seems that homeowners today have little time to maintain their plantings, and lack the skills to properly prune them, rather than shear and shape into 3-D forms. (The latter can also be said of many landscape contractors.) Such static plantings offer little seasonal change and limited flowering.
In today’s sluggish real estate market, increasing the visual appeal of your home can become a strong selling point now or later. Consider removing overgrown shrubbery and starting afresh with a new palette of plants which will offer reduced maintenance and greater beauty to enhance your home through all four seasons. Include a colorful and diverse blend of small ornamental trees, deciduous shrubs, rhododendrons and mountain laurels hybridized to remain compact, dwarf conifers which rarely require pruning, and season-extending perennials that serve as ground covers to reduce weeding.
These so-called “mixed borders” can be more complex to design, and may require the guidance of professionals. Your local nursery or garden center may be able to provide free or fee-based plans if you bring a scaled drawing of the area to be planted showing the house footprint, walks and other features, entrances and windows (including sill heights.) Be sure to note north, and how much shade the area will receive. Photographs are always helpful.
Better yet, seek experienced garden designers who will visit your home and create a plan for you. The Association of Professional Landscape Designers has an online member list, including those who have become certified by demonstrating professionalism and proficiency. The New Hampshire Landscape Association is another source of landscape contractors and designers.
This article originally appeared in the September 23, 2008 edition of the Amherst Citizen.
