According to a landscape designer, many people succumb to impulse buying when
they visit nurseries and view plants in bloom. For example, after buying azaleas,
camellias or jasmine, they are disappointed when these plants do not bloom during
summer months. Landscape designers help people avoid these costly mistakes.
Do-it-yourselfers should also be aware that gardening books are often written by authors from England or the East Coast who may suggest plants that do not grow well in California.
A landscape designer knows how mature plants will blend with the rest of the year. The professional designer is familiar with leaf form, the shape and structure of each plant, and how plants will look year-round. One must consider a plant’s color, size, shape and structure and how it will harmonize with other plants to give the most peaceful and appealing result.
It is also important to choose plants that are appropriate for different containers and for specified spaces in order to achieve a sense of continuity, balance and structure. In other words, each plant should relate to surrounding plants and to the total environment.
A few well-placed containers (10”x30” wide) full of flowering annuals look much more striking than many smaller containers which tend to look too busy. Also, plantings in larger containers do not dry out as quickly during the warm weather.
A drought-resistant garden might have a lawn of decomposed granite rather than grass. Calexico gravel is preferable to white pebbles which reflect light and are hard on the eyes. The softer earth tones of Calexico gravel complement plantings and do not detract from the surrounding plants.
A designer’s knowledge of disease and insects can, in itself, be worth his or her design fee. For example, certain varieties of geraniums are subject to disease, worms and insects which can eventually affect surrounding plants. A designer can avoid plants which develop and carry rust, aphids, scale, mealy bugs, etc., thus eliminating the need to spray toxic chemicals in the yard.
When planning a backyard landscape without a landscape designer, a minimal requirement is a rough plan or sketch of the whole property. Decide which plants, trees, hills or rock outcroppings to keep. Consider wind direction, sun, patterns of shade, and where rain water collects, and plant accordingly.
The do-it-yourselfer must carefully adapt the landscape to the existing elements of the house. Terraces and patios would typically be located by doors from the kitchen, living room or bedroom. Smaller plants or potted plants will be located closer to the house, while larger, “wilder” plants will be situated far from the structure.
Such features as flowering trees, sculpture or flower beds can often be located where they can easily be seen and enjoyed from inside the house. When selecting plants, remember that such flowers as pittosporum, juniper, trumpet vine, and rhododendron usually do not bloom in the summer. The longest blooming flowers (almost all year-round) are shade gardenias, bougainvillea, impatiens, geraniums and begonias).
Landscape designers suggest making entryways more interesting with hanging baskets, potted or tubbed accent plants, or a piece of sculpture. If a lawn is required, make sure to locate it in good, open space full of sun.
If possible, plan enough space to push a wheelbarrow completely around the house for ongoing maintenance. Make sure soil is treated and tilled for best performance. Plan a large enough terrace, patio or deck to entertain the largest group anticipated for a party. Include space for a barbecue or picnic area.
Before planting trees and shrubs, plan for plenty of space for growth and maturity. One of the most common landscaping mistakes is installing plants that grow to a mass of intertwined and overgrown foliage. Plant trees and shrubs the sufficient space for development; know how fast each plant grows and its ultimate size. While trees and plants are maturing, fill in empty spaces with perennials such as day lilies, tree peonies, and iris. These can later be dug up and transplanted elsewhere.
A garden supply house or neighborhood nursery can make good recommendations as to attractive plants that will grow well in Southern California with minimum care. Most yards can be handled by the homeowner with the help of a gardener or handyman. However, for extra special landscaping projects, a landscape architect should design and supervise the construction and installation of all landscaping elements. A professional designer will save you money, time and energy.