In the south January, throws the book at both the landscaper, gardener and the garden. The southern states whole range of weather – sunny skies to drifting snow usually comes during January. There is not much the outdoor plant lover can do about it except study it. This is the time when you are likely to throw another log on the fire, curl up in a deep, comfortable chair, grab a hot cup of coffee and read a good plant book or catalog.
There are many plant enthusiast and gardener of this type during January start their dreams and planning for the days ahead and the promise of better things to come.
Planning the Objective
Planning for the growing season around the corner is perhaps the most profitable phase of plant growing activity you can do. Consider the placement of the trees on your property. Is there a reason for the location of the large trees, or did they just happen to be there?
Large shade trees form the skeleton of the landscape; therefore careful attention should be given their location. Consider first the tree’s functional value. Normally, in locating the first tree, it is placed in relation to the protection it offers the house. If we are going to be more “green” this first tree should be planted where it will cast shade on the living portion of the house during the hottest part of the day, or where it will protect the door.
The first tree, therefore, is placed to be useful. Second and third trees may be placed according to their function as well as their aesthetic appeal. They may become a background for the house, or frame it – either way they perform a function as well as being beautiful.
Planned Tree Placement Insures Growth and Development
Planned placement of trees insures more normal growth and development. Proper placing of trees is necessary also because of water restrictions. Competition between trees is very apparent, requiring a fewer number of trees and proper spacing for best growth and development. A 50 – foot lot cannot support more than one street tree favorably, but many property owners try to grow four trees in such an area.
Study and Visualize the Changes
Study your property and visualize the changes or ideas of development. Then most important, get that picture into a tangible form on paper. By making a definite plan, however crude, makes it possible to save hours of back breaking work and eliminate many costly mistakes.
In planning the grounds of a home, try to create a unity between house and yard. Begin at the curb line on the street and make a careful survey of all existing materials, then plan the changes necessary to develop them in a natural way.
In developing the plan, think of the useful aspects of the various elements first and make your plan around them. Then plan the embellishments (patio, deck, trellis, garden pathway) all the special touches that will add beauty.
