Dream Big! What kind of garden do you want?
When I am planning a new garden, my first stop is the library, where I select picture books of gardens. One of my favorite books is The Herbalist’s Garden, by Shatoiya and Richard de la Tour. Then I curl up for several hours and just dream. Another way to stimulate ideas is to visit other gardens. Two of my favorites in this area are: Cory’s Wildflower Gardens in Chillicothe, OH 740-774-1771 or Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, OH 614-891-0700. As you wander the gardens notice the layout, various groupings, and placement of plants. Which are in the sun or in shade? Look at the shape of the garden and its pathways. Sometimes you can achieve a similar look in a smaller space or with a smaller budget…be creative.
What is the purpose or style of your garden?
Choose a garden theme such as: kitchen, medicinal, tea, potpourri, aromatherapy, herbs to attract bees or butterflies, or perhaps a specific color. Think about style. Do you like traditional? Then maybe a knot garden or four-square herb garden. Do you want something more eclectic? Then perhaps an herb border or naturalized wildflower planting is best for you.
Step into reality: make a plan on paper first…
Now that you have allowed yourself to dream; it is time to assess how you will work with what you have. Do you have shade or sun? Do you have existing pathways, buildings, and trees to work into your plan? How much time do you want to put into garden maintenance? What is your existing budget? Perhaps you will want to create a plan with steps to be accomplished over several years. Start with structures such as walls, trellis, pergola, patio/deck, fences, paths, steps, and trees/shrubs. Plan a focal point to draw the eye into your garden. Prepare your soil by double-digging, removing rocks and weeds, and adding compost or manure.
Choosing Plants: are we having fun yet?
Deciding on plants requires thinking of shape, size/height, habit, color, and texture all at once. Use balance and repetition, plant in odd numbers (3’s, 5’s, and 7’s) to give a full/mature look. An informative book for garden maintenance is: The Well-Tended Perennial Garden, by Tracy DiSabato-Aust. A great place to purchase unusual varieties of herbs is: Companion Plants in Athens, OH www.companionplants.com
Remember, there is not a perfect or right way to plan your garden, each one is uniquely beautiful. Have fun in the garden!
